Creating Garden Steps

Two ways to create garden steps are described below. Both methods have similar requirements. Some variation will be needed depending on the surface of the steps. In some garden situations hard packed soil may be sufficient as a surface. In other cases you may choose to make concrete, brick, flag stone or railway sleeper steps.

Building steps into a slope means that the contour of the land helps form the base fill. Excavate the slope in a series of terraces. Build a series of forms - one for each step. (Forms are three sided boxes stacked on top of each other).

Concrete steps built into the slope will require about 4cm of level gravel and reinforcing mesh. Allow sufficient depth for the concrete.

Brick or flagstone surface, make concrete steps as above. Adjust the depth to cater for the added depth of the brick or flag stone. Use the concrete to form the level base of the steps. Mix mortar and start laying the bricks or flagstones on the bottom riser. Spread a 2 cm layer of mortar and use spacers to keep the joints even. When the riser is finished spread mortar above it on the tread. Cover all of the tread.

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If bricks need to be cut, place the cut edge facing the back of the tread.

Remember the tread should have a slight downward slope to facilitate rain run off.

Building on the flat - instead of a slope - means the forms may need to be more substantial. Loose rock could then be used for fill. Mix mortar or concrete to hold the rock in place and ensure the overall structure has some support at the edges to prevent the fill from crumbling.