Even if you don’t know much about landscaping, you can build simple outdoor steps with a little instruction. Bricks make durable steps that will last for many years if they are laid properly. There are many different types of bricks and mortars available, so check with your local building supply store to find out which materials will work best for your location and needs, including the size of the stair treads. When choosing materials, keep in mind that there are several different sizes of bricks and they come in various thicknesses as well.
Measure your steps.
Before you begin, measure the distance between the ground and the bottom of your steps. Next, measure the distance between the top of each step and the ground. Finally, measure how high each step is from its top to bottom. This will help ensure that your steps are properly built so that they’re not too short or too tall for easy climbing.
Begin laying the first step if you are building steps in a straight line.
If you are building steps in a straight line, begin laying the first step. If you are building steps that turn at an angle, start with the first step that does not turn. Make sure you have the right number of bricks needed for each step and that they’re all stacked neatly together so no gaps exist where dirt can get trapped between them.
To build a step that turns, lay out two string lines to create the edge of each tread and an additional string line along the center of the step at the edge of the riser.
To build a step that turns, lay out two string lines to create the edge of each tread and an additional string line along the center of the step at the edge of the riser. Make sure all string lines are within approximately 1/8 inch of each other.
Starting with one end, place bricks on top of each other so they’re snug against one side of your strings. Use concrete adhesive to hold them in place as you go. Repeat this process until you reach your first endpoint (the back edge), making sure there’s an even number of bricks per layer before moving onto another row..
Make a mark on the brick with a pencil at the intersection of each string line and measure to ensure that the marks are correct and all are within approximately 1/8 inch of each other.
Make a mark on the brick with a pencil at the intersection of each string line and measure to ensure that the marks are correct and all are within approximately 1/8 inch of each other.
Using a measuring tape, measure the distance between your center lines and make sure none of them exceed 4 inches in length.
Measure back from that point along each string line and make a mark at 4 inches (10 cm) or less, depending on how thick your bricks are.
- Measure back from that point along each string line and make a mark at 4 inches (10 cm) or less, depending on how thick your bricks are.
- If you have an even number of bricks, measure to the center of the step from both sides of the riser, then divide in half for your measurements. If you have an odd number of bricks, measure from one side only and divide in half for your measurements.
Stake out this area using stakes driven into the ground along all four sides, approximately 6 inches (about 15 cm) away from where you want your bricks.
Stake out this area using stakes driven into the ground along all four sides, approximately 6 inches (about 15 cm) away from where you want your bricks. You can use any material at hand to create stakes, such as wood or metal pipes, rebar rods, or lumber scraps. Use a level to ensure the surface is flat and will support the weight of concrete blocks.
Use string or tape measure to mark the area where you want brick steps to go. Measure from one side of your existing concrete walkway (or other surface) over towards the other side with a tape measure attached to a stake at each end of where you want your new steps to be built. A laser level would also work well here if you have one available
Lay down landscape fabric or some other weed-proof material in this area.
- Lay down landscape fabric or some other weed-proof material in this area.
You want to lay down a barrier that will keep weeds from growing through your bricks, so the first step is to install some kind of weed barrier. You can buy rolls of it at any home improvement store, or you could just use old sheets or blankets if you have them lying around.
Once your barrier is laid down, cover it with landscaping dirt (or topsoil). This will help keep the drains open and allow water to drain away from your foundation rather than pooling up there, which eventually leads to cracks and problems with mold growth inside the wall itself!
Prepare your foundation by adding a layer of pea gravel to provide drainage for water and base for the bricks to rest upon.
The key to building an outdoor step is to provide a strong foundation for the bricks. In this case, you’ll use a layer of pea gravel as your base. Pea gravel is inexpensive and easy to install, so it’s a good choice for this project because you won’t have to spend much time or effort on preparation. You can purchase pea gravel at your local garden center or hardware store.
Start setting bricks for your stairs.
- Lay the first brick: Put a level on top of a brick and make sure it’s level. If it’s not, adjust it until it is. Then set the first row of bricks in place using a masonry trowel to pack down the mortar and make sure they are perfectly flush with each other.
- Lay the second row: Place your second course directly atop your first course and again use your trowel to pack down any loose mortar between them before setting them in place so that they are flush with one another and level from front to back (using an eye-level plumb).
- Repeat steps 1–2 until you reach the desired height for your stairs or patio steps—and then go back over all your work with a float to smooth out any imperfections caused by unevenness in individual bricks or stones used during construction.”
You can build staircases outside with bricks
Step 1: Lay out your bricks.
Lay out your bricks to form the steps, and make sure they’re level. If you don’t have enough bricks, start by laying down a long row of them with a flat edge (this will be the top of your staircase). Then use that row as a guide to build up from there.
Step 2: Add drainage layer & weed barrier layer.
Add an inch or so of pea gravel for drainage and weed control underneath each brick before laying it down; this will keep moisture from seeping through the joints between your steps and causing damage over time. Then put down landscape fabric underneath each brick as well; this will discourage weeds from growing up through gaps in between them when they’re installed on top later on!
Conclusion
I hope that this article has given you confidence in your own ability to build outdoor stairs with bricks. If you feel that the information we’ve provided is missing something, or if you just want to share your project with us, please tell us about it in the comments section below! We’d love to hear from you and see how your experience went before we add more helpful hints.
