I need detail plans for a garden stairs built of 8×8’s and bricks. Tired of sliding down the slope in AKRON, OHIO.
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Do you need those stairs to go up or down?
That depends on if he is going to the house or away from it...Do it right, or do it twice.
8" rise is a little high but what kind of detail are you looking for? One 8' 8x8 cut in half for the front an rear of the step with a 2' piece on each side. Fasten togeter in a box fill box with 5/8" crushed rock pack then place brick so it is flush with front and sides. start at the bottom and work your way up the hill so the front of the next step rests on he back of the lower step.
After you have done two of these put an add in the paper for two high school kids minimum wage to pack materials from the front of your home to the back.
Have fun and pick a cool day to do it
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob
Maybe use 6x8 on the flat...reduces the rise but keeps the effect of a larger timber.Do it right, or do it twice.
Right on, but maybe Mike has already bought the timbers. "Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob
Ever wonder how many times that little detail has influenced the design or execution of a project? "I know I should be using xxx but I already have yyy left over from the last project...bet I can make it fit..."
Do it right, or do it twice.
Most homeowners are not aware how to figure out the rise from a lower yard to an upper yard and just wing it. There are landscape books that will help them through the steps. They just have to spend the time and extra five bucks to do it right.
As you said Pre-planning"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob
Bob,
Thanks for the tip, I wasn't sure about the rise of each step. You have helped immensely. Mike
Here's brick and 6x6's going into the uphill end of the house. And the side entry done with Boardwalk. For maintainance, the composite is much easier. The treated timbers get a thin slick green on 'em as they stay moist much of the time being in the shade and below grade. The brick were coarse and evenso they need a scrub down once a year. Run drain and stone backfill where you can. Pin the timbers to something and compact the base for the brick well. Settling of the pavers (these were 1" strong thick) requires pulling them out and resetting. I cut deeper steps in the clay, used the timbers to connect one side of the retaining wall to the other. The main drain is to the sides, but the stone below each step walks right down to the bottom of the terrace's where water is picked up by the foundation drain. The side entrance has boardwalk steps down from grade. The platform and steps sit inside the retaining walls. Much easier upkeep and a place for the kitty igloo's under the platform.
As to the rise on those timber steps, these are 6x6 giving you about 5.5 rise. Not uncomforable for a step that takes two steps with your feet before you step down or up. A 7.5" rise feels ok on a one step at a time stairs, not so (I don't think) on a deep "tread".
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Edited 7/13/2003 8:11:58 PM ET by calvin
Calvin, Thanks for your reply, the graphics were great and have given me a lot inspiration. I also want to thank the rest of the guys for their help too. Mike
Mike, glad to help. I was notified of your reply and pipefitter was listed as your username. I'd like to thank your brethren for teaching me early on to tip a ladder to the side b/4 folding up. (G)Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time