Cobblestones are no longer just a material used to pave driveways and paths crossing properties. It is also a proven building block for outdoor stairs. It is characterized by durability, resistance to dirt and an elegant finish. It is irreplaceable when constructing steps on sloping and steep terrain. Thus, it will be useful both when constructing stairs leading from the terrace to the garden, and stairs to the front door. Take a look at our guide and find out how the process works.
Design a cobblestone staircase
1. design a staircase with paving stones and designate the area for it
Before starting any work, it is necessary to determine the number of steps and the height of the cube stairs. The height of a single step should be about 10 cm for flat stairs or about 15 cm for high stairs. The depth of the steps should already be taken into account at this stage, so that they fit the length of a person’s foot, which is about 30-50 cm, and thus comfortable. The depth of the step is also best matched to the size or multiples of the size of the chosen ankle, ½ or ¼ cut ankle on the step will not look good. It is best to design the structure so that each step has the same width, height and depth. In this way you will guarantee that the staircase will be both aesthetically pleasing and practical for users. Also keep in mind that if you want the water to run downhill, the stairs must have a slight slope of about 0.5 – 1%. Marking out the area is a stage that proceeds in the same way as for the construction of a paved driveway. Stakes should be driven into the ground and a string should be used to determine where the stairs will be built. Also mark the location of the highest and lowest steps in the ground.
2. remove soil and make foundation for paving for stairs
To begin laying the substructure, you need to select the so-called humus, or native soil. Only on firm, clayey soil can a cellular geo-grid be laid. It will protect the substructure, preventing landslides. Spread the first layer of the substructure (about 10 – 15 cm), which is, for example, a sand and cement backfill, onto the area prepared in this way. Remember to compact it, going from the top to the bottom of the slope.
Entrance stairs made of pavers – how to make one
If you are creating a staircase on level ground, such as for a front door, you must first compact the foundation for the staircase. We create layers of bedrock, which are re-compacted every certain height of the stairs until the desired slope under the stairs is achieved. The last layer of the substructure is sand-cement backfill, which we also compact with a compactor. After creating the slope under the pavement, we proceed to the next stages of work.
3. settle the edges of the stairs
The first elements of an outdoor cube staircase to be set into the ground are the edges of the steps. They must not be driven directly into the ground, as they are the ones that guarantee the stability of the entire structure. Therefore, the edge elements must be placed in a foundation of semi-dry concrete. Embed the edges with edging and palisades. Make sure that they are equally spaced – this will ensure that the depth of all steps is identical.
4. complete the substructure and lay the pavement
The key stage for the construction of an entrance staircase from pavers is the laying of the stairs themselves. To do this, you need to complete and compact the foundation for the steps. It is a good idea to do this by hand – using a flat board and a rubber mallet. Already at this point, remember to maintain a slope of about 1% to ensure free flow of rainwater. The paving stones should protrude slightly above the palisades, so pave enough layers of the substructure to guarantee such a condition. At the very end, pour the last layer of sand-cement mixture (about 1 – 2 cm) and do not compact it.
On such a prepared foundation you can start laying paving stones. Pound the individual pieces with a rubber mallet and, assisted by a level, make sure that the steps are formed evenly. They should protrude above the palisade, as they will settle into the ground and level with it over time anyway.
5. fill in the joints between the cubes
The last stage of work when building outdoor stairs with paving stones is to fill the spaces between the elements. For this you can use ordinary sand, which you spread over the surface of the steps with a broom.
An interesting and more durable alternative is resin grout or visually attractive Granofuga.
Paving block stairs – an attractive alternative for your property
The outdoor stairs on your plot can also be made of ready-made block steps. Yet steps lined with concrete pavers look attractive, fitting perfectly with both classic property designs and more modern ones.
