Table of Contents
How do you build timber steps on a slope?
Remove the soil at the base of the slope, cutting 3 feet into the slope and 5 1/2 inches deep, to make room for two 3-foot sleeper timbers, which run perpendicular with the stair treads, providing a surface to mount the treads. The timbers extend into the hillside, to anchor the staircase to the slope.
How do you build steps down a slope?
Divide the height of your slope by 7 ¾ inches (or however many inches tall you’ve decided to make the rise of your steps). If, for instance, your slope is 77.5 inches tall and you plan to build steps of 7 ¾ inches, you will need 10 steps.
Can you build with landscape timbers?
Landscape timbers can be used for building a garden, landscape curbing, as well as for separating a walkway. This means that the project you have in mind should determine the kind of timber that you choose. Natural timbers can be classified into treated woods and untreated woods.
How do you fasten landscape timbers?
Pin the Timbers With Rebar (optional) Secure the timber border to the ground with rebar, if desired. Drill 3/8-inch holes through the centers of the timbers, spacing the holes about 4 feet apart. Pin the timbers to the soil with 12-inch lengths of #3 (3/8-inch-diameter) rebar driven with a hand sledge.
How do you build stairs on steep hillside?
Part 1 – Planning Measure both the vertical and horizontal distance of the slope. Divide the vertical distance of the slope (rise) by 6 inches. Put 2 stakes at the beginning and end of the staircase. Divide the horizontal distance of the slope (run) by the number of steps you determined in step two.
How do you calculate garden steps?
To work out how many risers you need, divide the vertical height of the flight by the height of your riser. Then divide the horizontal length of the flight into a suitable number of treads. The combinations of tread and riser measurements in the table will make attractive, safe steps.
How do you keep landscape timbers from rotting?
Paint the Timber Another great way of preventing your landscape timber from rotting is to paint it. Whether you use actual paint is up to you. You can also use protecting spray, waxes, varnishes, or quality oils to essentially waterproof your timber.
How do you stack landscape timbers?
You can turn each landscape timber flat side up and chalk a line across them to make this a little easier. For every landscape timber you add to the stack, plan to add another piece of rebar through them. For example, a stack of three landscape timbers would be secured by three separate pieces of rebar.
Do landscape timbers attract termites?
Termites can be a destructive force. Termites often appear in moist areas where wood contacts the soil. Termites often show up in landscape timbers. If you find termites in your landscape timbers, it is only a matter of time before they infest your house—if they haven’t already.
What size wood do you use for steps?
Stair treads may be made of a single 2×12, but are often made of two decking boards or 2x6s. A stringer is a wide board, usually a 2×12, that runs at an angle from the landing pad to the deck framing and supports the treads.
Can you screw landscape timbers together?
Landscape timbers are a versatile building medium that can be used for a variety of projects. These lengths of rounded wood are joined together using large screws, spikes, or rebar.
How do you make natural stone steps?
Dig down 4 to 6 inches and fill with crushed gravel to just below grade. Lay wide stones, the full 18 inches deep — do not piece stones for the depth of the tread. Use no more than two stones across the 36 inches width of the steps. Smaller stones would tip, rock, settle, and slant.
How do you build uneven ground stairs?
Although building on top of ground that’s uneven can be challenging, you can succeed if you follow these basic tips: Use a Raised Platform Deck. One solution to building deck stairs on ground that slopes is building a raised platform deck. Align the Stringers Correctly. Cut Your Own Stringers. Use Pressure Treated Wood.
How do you make a split log step on a hillside?
Start at the bottom of your hillside. Dig out a two to three feet wide area, leveling it by adding fill where it is too low and removing material that is sticking out too high. Use a spirit level to be sure you have a level base. Paint all your kiln-dried split logs with a clear acrylic sealant.
What depth should a step be?
Outdoors, steps need to be more generous than indoors, as the scale is greater and a sure footing and the user’s sense of balance are essential. As a general rule, the riser should be no more than 15 centimetres high (5.9 inches), with the tread at least 30 centimetres (11.81 inches) deep.
How do I calculate how many steps I need?
Divide the rise by 6 or 7 inches (15 or 18 cm) to find the total number of stairs. For larger stairs, divide by 6 and for smaller stairs, divide by 7. The total you get is how many stairs your future staircase will have so you can plan accordingly.
What is the code for exterior stairs?
Exterior Stair Construction The rise of the stairs should be between 125 mm (5”) and 200 mm (8”). This is measured from top of a tread nosing to the top of the next tread nosing or landing. The run should be between 210 mm (8 ¼”) and 355mm (14”). Unit run is measured from face of nosing to face of nosing.
