Building Steps with Bricks and Slabs to Revamp Your Outdoors
Apr 13, 2023
Are you planning to build steps in your outdoor area? Want to know the process of building steps with bricks and slabs?
If so, you are at the right place. In this article, you’ll find the step-by-step process of building beautiful steps. Bricks and slabs are attractive choices to create one-of-a-kind steps that bring a functional addition as well as an aesthetically pleasing look to your outdoor space. Not only do these steps increase your home’s value, but it also gives easy access to your garden.
So, if you want to create beautiful-looking steps, follow our step-by-step guide properly. But before starting with the process, let’s first check out the list of tools and materials required while building steps with bricks and slabs.
Tools and Materials Required
Before you start with the process of building steps with bricks and slabs, it’s important to know what all tools are required. So, here is the list of all those tools and materials:
- Bricks
- Slabs
- Mortar
- Paintbrush
- Rubber Mallet
- Fine Sand
- Cement Mixture
- 2″ x 6″ stock (Foundation pad)
- Water
- Shovel
- Measuring Tape
- Hammer
- Trowel
- Level
- Small Sledgehammer
- Nails
- Portland Cement
Building Steps with Bricks and Slabs
In a few easy and simple steps, you’ll be able to build beautiful steps that are beautiful as well as functional. Apart from bricks and slabs, this process will help you build steps from natural stone, concrete, wooden planks, etc.
Step 1 – Preparation
Preparing the area is the first and foremost step in building steps with bricks and slabs. Whether you want to build the steps towards a patio, on a slope or against a garden wall, preparation of the area is important.
If you are building steps on a slope, consider using a few pegs and string lines to mark the area. Now attach the string lines parallel to each other on the edges and run it down the slope from top to bottom.
If you’re building steps towards a patio or up against a wall, consider laying out the area with planks to serve as a cement mould. However, if you have installed grey patio slabs, consider choosing the contrasting colour for your steps.
Step 2 – Calculation
Once you are done preparing the area, it’s now time to calculate the number of steps you’ll need. Calculate the number of steps required by measuring the overall height and length of the flight and dividing by 200mm. So in this way, you’ll be able to calculate the number of steps.
Step 3 – Digging the Surface
Once you’ve prepared the area, it’s now time to start digging the surface where you want to build the steps. Using a shovel, strip away turf and dig out a trench and steps. Pour your foundation so that it may act as the first riser’s base. Digging at a depth of 125mm should be adequate if you’re wondering how deep the foundation of your garden stairs should be. Make sure you dig 100mm back behind the riser to give yourself adequate room to work.
Step 4 – Laying the Foundation
Laying the foundation is one of the most important steps you have to follow, as a strong foundation helps you build strong steps. You’ll require hardcore to fill in the trench. Once you’ve filled the trench, level it out using the back of your shovel or an earth rammer. Leave it for around 48 hours so it may get dry. Once it has dried, start building steps with bricks and slabs.
Step 5 – Deciding the Height & length of Each Step
Before deciding the height and length of each step, it is important to know the average measurement used. The average length of each step is 300mm, and the height is 200mm. So, if you want, consider this universal average measurement, or go according to your style and requirement. You just need to make sure to give your steps enough length so you can easily step on them.
Step 6 – Preparing and Spreading the Cement Mixture
Whether you are building sandstone steps, brick steps or any other material, applying cement mixture is a must. Prepare the cement mixture according to the instructions given on the cement bag. It’s best to use Portland cement as they are ideal for harsh weather conditions. Once you are done preparing the mixture, spread a layer of the mixture on the surface.
Step 7 – Building Steps with Bricks and Slabs
After you are done with the spreading of the cement mixture, lay the steps for outdoors. Make sure to lay them down one by one. Once you have laid the first riser, leave it for around 2-3 hours to dry.
Step 8 – Adding Hardcore
Once the cement has dried, start filling the hardcore behind the riser and compact it using your shovel or an earth rammer. This improves the stability of the steps and prevents water from seeping into the structure.
Step 9 – Installing Treads
After the mortar has dried and you are done adding the hardcore, it’s now time to lay the treads. Spread another layer of cement mixture on your riser and hardcore. Now lay the tread on top of this mortar mixture and make sure it overhangs your riser by at least 40mm. Leave it for around 2-3 hours to dry and rinse it. Repeat this process until you are done building steps with bricks and slabs.
Conclusion
So, by following these nine easy steps, you will be able to learn the process of building steps with bricks and slabs. Make sure to follow these steps properly to build beautiful steps that will bring functionality as well as aesthetically pleasing looks to your outdoor space.