DIY Network

Building Flagstone Stairs A flagstone staircase is designed and created. From "Trade School" episode DTRS-304

Apprentice Scott Johnson helps instructor Phil Steinhauer design and create a flagstone staircase.

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Materials:

skid loader
pick
shovel
forklift
rototiller
dolly
level
geosynthetic textile
water feature pump

	Figure A
	Figure B

Safety Note: Always use extreme caution when operating heavy equipment.

1. After the area has been bulldozed, Scott starts to set the boulders at the base of the hill. Referring to a set of plans, Phil shows him how to set the boulders in attractive groupings of three and how to use the boulders to direct the flow of the stairs (figure A).

2. Using a pick and shovel, Scott starts by digging some holes so the boulders will be partially buried. With Phil's help, he uses a forklift to set each heavy boulder in the hole (figure B). When the boulder is placed for maximum aesthetic value, Scott helps fill in the dirt around the base of the boulder. He repeats this process for the other boulders at the bottom of the staircase.

3. Scott moves on to the first of the flagstone steps. He uses a pick, shovel, and a skid loader to carve out a dirt platform for the step.

	Figure C

4. Scott places the flagstone on top of the dirt platform with the loader (figure C). Using a level to check his work, he adds more dirt until the flagstone is level. The step must have a slight forward tilt to channel off any water. Scott prepares this process as he works his way up the hill, laying boulders first, and then the steps.

5. Scott uses smaller flagstones to create pathways in between sections of the staircase (figure D). These parts of the yard are flat and don't need steps. When completed, the steps and pathways will create one cohesive walkway.

6. To make the walkway more aesthetically pleasing, Scott plants a few large trees around the perimeter. He also fills in the space around the staircase with smaller boulders and various plantings.

	Figure E
	Figure F

7. Scott's first step in planting is to prepare the soil. He applies compost to the soil to aid in the plants growth, and then mixes the compost together with the soil using a rototiller (figure E).

8. Scott digs holes for the plants, loosens up their roots, puts them in the ground, and then fills in the surrounding area with dirt (figure F). He's careful not to plant them too deeply, which could create a pool for water--drowning the plants.

9. Scott and Phil complete the project by covering the remaining areas of open dirt with mulch. This helps the soil retain moisture and discourages erosion.

In the next segment, Scott creates a focal point in a backyard as he transforms a mound of daylilles into an attractive landscaping feature complete with a gazebo and water feature.