Backfill Bays with Gravel
From Landscape Steps · Step 5 of 8 · Video by Wineberry Hill
Showing 4:09–4:50 of the source video.
What happens in this clip
The final step is to fill each 'bay' (the space between the risers) with gravel. It is crucial to use only gravel and avoid sand or dirt. Using sand or dirt would turn the stair sections into raised beds, which would quickly fill with weeds and defeat the purpose of creating a low-maintenance stairway. The gravel provides a stable, permeable walking surface that prevents weed growth.
Goal: Create the walking surface and prevent weed growth in the stair sections
What's used
Tools
- Shovel
- Hand scoop
Materials
- Gravel
- weed-resistant walking surface.
About the full video
This project demonstrates the easiest way to construct stairs for hillside gardens and terraces using pressure-treated lumber, a weed barrier, and gravel. The video focuses on building a scale model to illustrate the step-by-step process, emphasizing key considerations like riser height, material choice, anchoring, and proper backfilling.
Step 5 of 8: Fill Step with Gravel
Fill the remaining excavated area with gravel, bringing it up to the desired level of the step tread. Ensure the gravel is slightly higher than the retaining timbers to allow for settling and drainage. Compact the gravel in layers using a hand tamper or plate compactor to achieve a firm and level surface.
Other videos for this step
Landscape Steps
This project involves constructing timber and gravel steps on a slope to improve accessibility and aesthetics. The process includes planning the layout, excavating the area, building retaining walls for each step using timber, and filling the steps with compacted gravel for a durable and functional surface.
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