Fill Steps with Gravel

What happens in this clip

Once all the wooden step frames are securely in place and leveled, fill the interior of each frame with decorative gravel. The video shows dark grey, small-sized gravel being used. Use a shovel or scoop to place the gravel, then spread it evenly across each step's surface. Ensure the gravel is filled to the top edge of the timber frame to create a firm, stable, and walkable tread.

Goal: Create stable and aesthetic step treads

What's used

Tools

• Rake
• Shovel
• Small bucket

Materials

• Decorative Gravel
• Crushed stone
• River rock

About the full video

This project guides you through building a set of durable outdoor steps using treated timber and gravel. It involves site preparation, cutting and assembling wooden frames for each step, carefully excavating and installing these frames along a sloped path, and finally filling them with decorative gravel to create a stable and aesthetically pleasing stairway.

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.

Open this step in the guide

Other videos for this step

• Fill Steps with Gravel
• Backfill Bays with Gravel