Build Terraced Steps on a Slope to Solve Water Runoff

Top Connections We knew the top would be tricky because the steps would need to connect to an existing concrete walkway that is sloped down.  Although step design should attempt to keep the rise and tread the same for all steps, or at least in a pattern so as not to surprise the walker, we split the top step into two with shorter treads.  This allowed the very top step to act as a leveling "off ramp" from the walkway.  Splitting the last step into two steps also allowed  us to make a sharper curve in the staircase. Connecting to a concrete walkway that is sloped Splitting last step into two shorter steps increases curve We were very happy that the original calculations worked.  Things apparently don't have to be exact for these small steps.  If you are off, you can add a step or split one into two.  My calculations indicated we would need 4 steps that were 4'X4".  It ended up with 3 steps that are 4"X 4" and two steps that are roughl...

Rock On! Finally, we can begin adding the gravel.  We used a large size granite so the monstrous Florida thunderstorms don't wash it all away.  It took a lot of bags - my recollection is about 7 bags per step.  It would have been more economical to get half truckload delivered, but it would have been a lot of work to scoop and carry it to the right spot. Adding gravel to complete bottom steps As you can see, we did not finish the steps all the way up before starting to add the gravel to the bottom ones because we were excited to see what it would look like.

The Next Steps To begin the 2nd step, we dug out the area where the side timbers would go to get them roughly placed.  The front timber of the 2nd step is placed right on top of the very back side timbers of the 1st step.  You can see that we are angling our steps so they will curve up the slope.  Use rebar to mount the front of the 2nd step to the 1st step.  To place the rebar, drill a hole where it will go before using a sledge hammer to pound it all the way into the ground.  The sides of the 2nd step are just laying there for placement, and are not yet screwed to the front timber. Rebar pounded into a pre-drilled hole to connect steps Now the treads (side timbers) can be screwed to the front timber of the 2nd step, avoiding the rebar. Screwing the rise to the tread of the 2nd step around the rebar Don't forget to use the sand to get each step level.  Also, landscape fabric at the bottom of each is highly recommended as a weed deterrent. ...

The First Step Once the cut portions of our wood was finally dry, we were able to begin actually building the steps.  Because we had some heavy rain prior to our being able to put the steps in, we covered the exposed soil with hay from a local feed store so the soil would not get washed away.  Once I got it raked away, hubby roughly leveled the location for the first (bottom) step. Prepping for the bottom step When the area was relatively flat, we placed two of the three timbers from our soon-to-be u-shaped bottom step.  We drilled a screw into the two timbers to keep them together, placed them again, and used play sand and a leveler to get it roughly level. We then took it up and added the third timber to complete the u-shaped step, and then with the play sand and leveler, we got the u-shaped bottom step laying perfect. Getting the screw started Drilling in the screw Use play sand and a leveler to get it level To discourage weeds from growing ...