There are a number of ways to build steps, but one way that is particularly effective is with retaining wall blocks. These blocks are designed to be used in conjunction with a retaining wall, and they can be used to create a step-like structure that can be utilized on your property.
Setting up a retaining wall is not difficult, but it does require some basic knowledge and a few tools. If you’re going to use retaining walls as part of your landscaping design, here’s what you need to know:
Retaining walls are generally made from concrete blocks or stones that are set into the ground at an angle. They’re often used as retaining walls because they give homeowners additional height for planting or other landscaping features without needing as much excavation work on their own part.
There are many different designs for retaining walls, but the most common type features walls that are built at an angle so that water can run off easily without causing erosion problems in other areas of your property. This means that if you choose this option for your project, then there will be an area where water accumulates after heavy rains or snow melt periods – which means that this area will need regular maintenance over time.
Plan your steps.
Planning is key when it comes to building steps. Before you start laying your blocks, take the time to plan out your design so that it’s functional and aesthetically pleasing.
- Avoid mistakes by planning out a blueprint in advance; this will help ensure that each stair step is perfectly placed.
- Avoid wasting materials by measuring twice and cutting once with a saw or jig saw before building the stairs with retaining wall blocks.
- Avoid wasting time by being efficient when putting together your retaining wall block steps, ensuring that every block has been properly stacked and connected at the correct angle for safety purposes (and aesthetic ones).
Prepare your site.
Before you begin, there are several important things to consider. First, check with your local building department for any zoning or permitting requirements. It’s also important to make sure that the area you want to build on is level and free of rocks, roots and other obstructions. If it’s a slope, make sure there are no trees in the way before you start building your project.
Next, prepare each side of your site by digging out any loose dirt or rocks so they won’t cause problems later on in construction. Then lay out all materials needed for construction before starting work so nothing gets lost along the way!
Measure from the wall to the ground using a string and line level.
To do this, you will need to know the height of your retaining wall and the height of the ground that it is sitting on. You also need to know how long you want your steps.
The angle of your steps should be equal to or less than the angle of your retaining wall. The correct angle will make sure that water flows off each step and does not pool at their base, which could lead to erosion or even foundation damage over time.
Your first step should be about two-thirds up from the bottom so that people can easily get onto it without having to climb too high up onto a platform (which may not be safe).
Cut 4×4 risers for stair treads for each step.
Cut the 4×4 risers for each step.
Use a circular saw to cut a 4×4 to length so that it is the same height as your retaining wall. If you don’t have access to one, buy them at any home improvement store in lengths up to eight feet.
It’s best if you have some experience using power tools before trying this step so you can safely operate a circular saw without injuring yourself or others around you. If not, please consult with someone knowledgeable about how to use these tools safely before attempting this step yourself—and always wear safety goggles and appropriate clothing when working with power tools!
Once cut, check that each riser is level horizontally by placing a level against each side of it from heel-to-toe (as shown). Use duct tape or another type of adhesive material like caulk if necessary until both sides are level before proceeding further with installing your steps with retaining walls blocks on top of them
Lay the 4×4 risers in place on top of the gravel base.
Lay the 4×4 risers in place on top of the gravel base. The 4x4s should be level, so use a line level or plumb bob to ensure that they are, and then set them down in position. If you don’t have a line level, you can use a string line level (a long length of twine with an attached weight at one end) to measure for straightness by dropping it down from the top edge of your wall to see if both sides meet at perfect 90-degree angles; if not, adjust accordingly until both sides are lined up.
A carpenter’s square is also useful for ensuring that your walls are perfectly square before laying down any blocks or mortar. Place one leg of the square against one corner where two adjacent walls meet and then extend another leg along what will be your second wall’s edge: if this second leg intersects with the first leg at 90 degrees and touches both walls simultaneously without sagging towards either side (which would indicate improper placement), then congratulations! You’ve got yourself an accurately built retaining wall!
If instead it falls short or overshoots its target slightly due to any inherent imperfections in building materials (which may include slight deviations between individual pieces used) then try adjusting those pieces before moving forward with construction so as not
to waste time later having everything fall apart again once water pressure becomes involved during actual rainfall events; otherwise there’s no point doing this work anyway since retaining walls need support underneath them from below ground level all around their perimeter before anything else happens above ground
Starting at the bottom step, lay your first block. Be sure to use similar blocks or you may end up wasting material due to chopping blocks to fit while keeping your course level and flush with the stairs above or below. As well, be sure that the corner notches are lined up with those on other blocks. Use masonry adhesive to secure the blocks firmly together.
Starting at the bottom step, lay your first block. Be sure to use similar blocks or you may end up wasting material due to chopping blocks to fit while keeping your course level and flush with the stairs above or below. As well, be sure that the corner notches are lined up with those on other blocks. Use masonry adhesive to secure the blocks firmly together.
Use a carpenter’s square to ensure that each row of blocks is properly aligned with your line of site and to ensure that each new row of block is properly aligned with adjacent rows
Use a carpenter’s square to ensure that each row of blocks is properly aligned with your line of site and to ensure that each new row of block is properly aligned with adjacent rows. A carpenter’s square can also help you to determine when a block is out of alignment with adjacent blocks, thus allowing you to make corrections before adding more material.
Now that you’ve laid out your first row of blocks, it’s time to check the alignment. Use a carpenter’s square to ensure that each row of blocks is properly aligned with your line of site and to ensure that each new row of block is properly aligned with adjacent rows. A carpenter’s square can also help you to determine when a block is out of alignment with adjacent blocks and therefore requires adjustment before adding any more material.
