Stone Stairway
By: Amanda Campbell
Updated: September 6, 2011
A stone stairway can provide a sturdy, long-lasting walkway; while
adding a natural accent to your landscape. The stones used are very
heavy- the project may require several people to complete.
Materials needed:
- Large pieces of flagstone (Number of stones is determined by number of steps)
- Bricks or other uniformly cut flat stones, for the risers
- NOTE: There is no mortar used in this stone stairway. The enormous weight of the stones will keep the stairway in place.
Tools needed:
- Spade and Shovel
- Level
- Plan your stairway. Determine the length your stairway needs to be. Approximate the number of stairs you will need. This will assist you in determining the number of stones and risers to purchase.
- Lay your first (or bottom) stone. When creating the steps, there are two important things to remember. First, be sure that your risers, as well as your stones are level. Secondly, be sure that the back of each step is setting securely on solid ground. You may have to shave off some soil to either level or secure the stones. The first step is the most important. If it is not level, the following steps will not be level. It is also a good idea to use two layers of bricks on the first step. This will provide additional support.
- Continue your steps upward. Be sure to keep steps level and supported as your ascend your slope.
- Double check steps for stability. After completing your stairway, check each step for wobble. Additional bricks can be used to level and steady wobbling steps.
Materials needed:
- Large pieces of flagstone (Number of stones is determined by number of steps)
- Bricks or other uniformly cut flat stones, for the risers
- NOTE: There is no mortar used in this stone stairway. The enormous weight of the stones will keep the stairway in place.
Tools needed:
- Spade and Shovel
- Level
- Plan your stairway. Determine the length your stairway needs to be. Approximate the number of stairs you will need. This will assist you in determining the number of stones and risers to purchase.
- Lay your first (or bottom) stone. When creating the steps, there are two important things to remember. First, be sure that your risers, as well as your stones are level. Secondly, be sure that the back of each step is setting securely on solid ground. You may have to shave off some soil to either level or secure the stones. The first step is the most important. If it is not level, the following steps will not be level. It is also a good idea to use two layers of bricks on the first step. This will provide additional support.
- Continue your steps upward. Be sure to keep steps level and supported as your ascend your slope.
- Double check steps for stability. After completing your stairway, check each step for wobble. Additional bricks can be used to level and steady wobbling steps.
