Discover how to build a Timber Step. This simple DIY project requires basic carpentry skills and a few power tools. The steps are made from 2×4s and 2×6 pine lumber, which are all cut to size with a table saw, coping saw and miter saw. The edge of each step provides plenty of room for a person’s foot so it is easy to install the stair landing without damaging the lawn or pavers. This kind of construction technique uses almost no glue or nails and does not require additional building materials like plywood or OSB boards.
Don’t worry if your garden has slopes, or you just want to add steps for easy access between areas. You can easily make your own steps using Pavers and some timber. Here’s how:
Dig out the space where the step will be built.
If you’re installing a timber step, the first thing to do is dig out the space where it will go. To do this, use a spade to excavate soil until you reach firm ground. This will ensure that your step doesn’t sink into soft, muddy ground and tilt when someone stands on it.
If you want your timber step to be level with the surrounding ground or sloping slightly down towards an area of higher elevation (such as a pool deck), make sure that its top edge sits at least 3-4 inches above finished grade so that water can run off without pooling up around it. If your goal is for people using this stairway to be able to access an elevated area like a porch without having their shoes get wet from rainwater collecting on top of them, make sure its surface doesn’t sit below finished grade by more than about 3 inches; otherwise, water might pool there instead of draining towards the lower elevation areas being accessed via other steps nearby (or just outside)
Make sure the string is level and use it to mark where the base of the step will be.
You will need a spirit level. Hold the level against the string and check that it is level. This is very important, as you will use the spirit level to mark where you want to make your timber step.
If they are not level then you can adjust them by moving them or adding soil or sand underneath them until they are perfectly flat and parallel with each other.
Create the shape of the step using timber stakes and string.
The first step is to create the shape of the step using timber stakes and string. You’ll need to mark out where you want your base to be, so that it will be perfectly level when you finish building it. To do this, use a long piece of string as a guide and place it along one side of your garden (a straight area is best). Next, use some timber stakes to mark out an arc along that line this will be the perimeter for your trench which will contain dirt or gravel (the material used depends on what type of step you are making).
Now take another long piece of string and attach it where each leg meets at its base in order to make sure they are exactly parallel with each other before marking them out with stakes. Finally, use another piece as a guide for where your topside should go; this should always be higher than any surrounding materials so that water doesn’t run down onto them when it rains.
Mark out a trench around the shape of your step, 20cm wide and 10cm deep.
Use a string and stakes to mark out the shape of your step.
- To do this, measure out the length and width of your step using a tape measure.
- Mark out 20cm towards each end of your tape measure to create two points for the start and finish of your trench (Image 1).
- Place a stake at these points (Image 2).
- Move back along one side until you reach another stake, then place another stake (Image 3).
- Repeat this process until you reach the third point where you began measuring from earlier (Image 4).
6-12 inches wide and 8 inches deep, depending on how big or heavy you want your timber steps to be
Use a tamper to compact your fill as you add it and make sure that it’s even.
As you’re adding fill, it’s important to compact it as you go. This can be done by using a tamper or other landscaping tool. It is essential that the fill is even and smooth—if there are pockets of air left around the dirt, they will cause problems later when you pour concrete in them.
Fill in a thin layer of sand along the bottom and sides of your trench.
- Fill in a thin layer of sand along the bottom and sides of your trench. Make sure it is level, smooth, and even by running your hand over it.
Make sure that all joins are smooth with no gaps.
- Use a rubber mallet to tap the joints together. This is the most effective method of ensuring that all the pieces are firmly joined and there are no gaps between them.
- Check that all the joints are level with each other by using a spirit level.
Use nails or screws to attach each tread in place, making sure they’re level with each other.
Now that you have your treads cut, it’s time to attach them in place. Use a level to ensure they are all level with each other. If you need to, adjust the saw or plane until the board is perfectly flat or slightly curved like a banana (depending on how much of an angle you want). Once they look even, use screws or nails to attach each tread in place. You can use any type of screw as long as it’s long enough so that it goes into both pieces of wood easily, but not so long that there are large visible heads on top of your steps.
Once all your steps are screwed together and attached at ground level, all that remains is getting ready for guests.
Remove any grass from under the first row of pavers, cutting it carefully around existing plants so you can use it elsewhere.
Removing the grass under the first row of pavers requires a sharp shovel. To keep from cutting roots, use a garden fork to pry up sections of turf and set them aside. You can also use a spade or sharp knife to cut around existing plants, but be careful not to damage any roots while doing so.
This is how you build a timber step
- Start by making a step for the loft ladder, using both ends of your timber (or what will be the top and bottom of your stair) as a starting point.
- Cut each end at 45 degrees (or whatever angle suits your loft), using a power saw or handsaw to remove one side of each corner section so that it forms an open-ended square tube shape.
- Position these four sides against one another and mark out where they should meet; cut them again to create a solid rectangle shape with two triangular openings down either side, then sand down any rough edges until they’re smooth enough to fit together tightly but not so much you can’t see light through them when viewed from underneath where they’ll be placed later on in this process – don’t forget to leave room around all sides so that you don’t trap any important bits.
- Place two pieces together end-to-end and use nails or screws (depending on which material is being used) along each side seam at both ends first before attaching anything else; once these are secure simply repeat this process with all other available pieces until completion – don’t worry about getting everything perfect yet though since we’re going back into what was previously known as “construction zone” shortly anyway.
Final words
There you have it. That’s all you need to know about building a timber step. Now all that’s left is to get out there and do it. With a bit of planning and a couple of hours work, you’ll be able to create the perfect platform for your plants, or even just as a place to enjoy the view over your garden. We hope we’ve helped to inspire some creative ideas along the way.
