Prepare the Site
From Landscape Steps · Step 1 of 8 · Video by Jason Sipe
Showing 0:00–0:04 of the source video.
What happens in this clip
Begin by clearing the intended path for your outdoor stairs. Remove any existing vegetation, loose soil, roots, or large obstacles that might impede construction. Use a shovel and rake to create a relatively clear and sloped area. For the first (lowest) step, dig a shallow trench or level out a compacted base area to ensure a stable foundation for your first timber riser. It is crucial for the ground beneath the first riser to be firm and level to establish the entire stair's stability.
Goal: Clear and level the area for the first stair
What's used
Tools
- Level
- Laser level
- Measuring Tape
- Rake
- Shovel
- Mattock
- String Line
About the full video
This project involves constructing a set of durable and aesthetically pleasing outdoor stairs using wooden timbers for risers and filling the treads with pea gravel. The design is ideal for navigating sloped terrain and integrates naturally with the surrounding landscape, often incorporating large rocks for a rustic look.
Step 1 of 8: Plan and Mark Layout
Determine the desired height and depth of each step. Mark the desired location for the first step on the slope. Use a level to ensure the tread is horizontal and the riser is vertical. Outline the area for the first step and mark the positions for the timber retaining walls. Repeat this process for each subsequent step, ensuring consistent rise and run.
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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