HOLY COW! I'm blown away by how many people like this video...THANK YOU! Here is a more detailed, UPDATED video about making hillside stairs: czcams.com/video/hK4pyFJVVZk/video.html.
Due to cost, handling and availability I prefer to use wood chips/mulch. When you own a wood chipper as I do as well as harvesting my own firewood, I've another use for the tree tops besides the garden. to me, much nicer to walk on then rocks or gravel. No weed cloth required. Love you construction design, simple..
Thank you for your help we moved into a river front property with steep slope down to beach area. The second day I fell down the slope I am 57 years old lol the older you get the harder you fall. I'm ok I just don't want anyone else to do as I did. So now we have a rope to help us down by my 5 year old cousin comes and stays with us and we need some stairs to keep her safe. Even thought she does good with the rope with a little practice we need stairs. Thank you again.
While building our house, my husband made a small "balcony" outside one of the sliders that was about 6' off the ground. When the decks were built, that had to come down. He was going to tear it apart. I suggested we put it on the short bank up to the veg garden. It fit perfectly. The backs of the steps are at a sight angle because they're 90 degrees based on the sides. They're just pine 2x lumber but have held up for almost 25 yrs. No weed barrier & no gravel. I just weed them occasionally.
Very helpful video - thanks. I was quoted £870 to have a similar set of stairs built for a 4 foot slope ( only 4 steps) - crazy London prices. This has given me the confidence to have a go and save a lot of money. ( even after I buy a circular saw!) I look forward to learning more from you - thank you.
Thank you! I have a 25-30 section where I want to put a set of these type of stairs right next to the concrete driveway. Always wondered what's the best way to do it, and your video answered pretty much all my questions. Thanks again!
When building any steps, the most important thing is evenness. If changing direction, or introducing a curve, then a landing is best, or figure out a good average for the tread change. Although I can no longer locate the formula any more, there is a tread to riser ratio. The higher the riser, the shorter the tread should be.
Greetings from London - great video - the best I've seen ( and I've watched a lot!). I had a few questions but you have answered them all in your replies to comments ( so many people don't). The best answer to help me was that you don't have top dig the side rails in - just anchor them with stakes. I have a very similar slope but only about a third of the length, but it's on pretty soft ground so here goes - lots of stakes! It rains a lot here, so it will probably rot in 5 years - but at least I will get more practice! Thanks again.
I like this technique. However, I have a stack of railroad ties and so I plan to use them along with some other materials to make a set of steps back behind my house.
Hi, No hard and fast rules. Larger sized gravel is probably better, since it won't clog up as fast with dirt. The stakes can definitely go on the outside. I like the look of them on the inside...but it's totally a preference.
Even with the ground block and gravel the weeds will still grow, unless you use weed killer granules every year. I did a shed base using this same method. Pulling weeds out of the gravel every year.
We built a ramp with a clear centre about 8 inches wide and 2 x1x 8 inch blocks of wood "steps" on either side. This way you can push a wheelbarrow up with your feet on the wee steps. No sliding.
@@beharrlich as I understand it, take a flat slope and make a short half step either side while leaving the middle open. The wheel travels in the middle while either side acts like a stairway. In effect it's the inverse of waggon wheel rut paths where the center is raised and the edges ground down. Hope that helps.
@@WineberryHill Im also trying to plant a garden on a slope, would this work for on sloped garden beds? Im trying not to dig into the hillside because its rocky clay.
Yes, I think the weight of the gravel is as big factor (in addition to the the stakes). I haven’t had any issues with movement from water…etc. I will dig if the terrain conflicts too much with the natural direction of the run.
So, you’ve made a long staircase, somehow carried it into place but the slope needs digging as it’s all undulating. You then drag the staircase out of the way to dig so it fits into hill slope. Wouldn’t it be easier to just build each step overlapping the lower one?
Hi- Thanks for a great instructional video. What are your thoughts on using rebar where you used wooden stakes? Would that work and would it be as effective? Thank you😊
Really interesting and simple method! How do you account for level of the long sides of the box (not the steps) on a slope? Is it necessary to dig a trench on the high side to level them out? Thanks!
Hi, new subscriber! You make great videos. I'm thinking about making stairs like this for an area in my yard next to my terraced raised garden beds. Do you bury any portion of the long side boards or any portion of the risers that rest on the ground or is it strictly the stakes and weight of the gravel holding the stairs in place? Thank you for your help!
I love the simplicity of this step/stair build. My question is, do I build this on the hill, or do I build it in a shop / garage, then carry it out to my slope and place it ? Then do the staking?
I precut the risers and stakes. I ran an extension cord up the hill with a splitter and two drills, one for screws and one for pre-drilling holes and also a saw. This made installation much quicker.
Awesome- How much site prep, if any, would you say is necessary for this method? This seems perfect for getting up a rather steep, but fairly short, grass slope on our property.
I'm looking to do the same at my place - I really appreciate this video. Question for you... How wide can you go with the step(2x6) before the weight of the gravel, rain, etc... causes a structural issue?
No idea, I would guess that it would do fine at double the width. The screws might become the weak link. I would recommend a lot more stakes…and screws.
Thanks for the Video! This is just what I needed to comfortably get from my driveway up to the side yard. I'm building an approx.7.5' run, 6 stairs at 25 degrees. Do you think screws are adequate? I'm thinking of toe nailing with 10d 3" nails three each side. (Overkill?) and using deck screws for the stakes. Lastly, should I level the slope to the bottom of the lower riser? Sorry for all the questions, just don't have the energy to do this twice. Thanks again!
I am right there with you. I’m not doing things twice, so I try to make sure I maximize how I do it. I tend to lean towards screws because they won’t slowly loosen overtime with freeze and thaw cycles. Especially since the stairs are on the ground. Not totally sure I understand your last question but if I did, if I do, I think the answer is yes any way to make this more stable is always going to be the best approach. Keep me posted!
@@WineberryHill doing a project right now and stairs going in Monday. Want to do this, any tips for the steeper pitch? I understand most everything else. Do you think you could fill them with cement?
Extra spikes/stakes the steeper it gets. Sure cement "might" be good. I't does have benefits (no weeds, extra durable) You might want to sink rebar or similar into the middle of the boxes where the cement will go to ensure it stays put.
Thanks. I need to make a set of steps going down outside my house that will accommodate my son's wheelchair. I think the bay will need to be longer than usual, perhaps 4 ft, so he can maneuver his wheelchair. Any suggestions?
Looking to build stairs like this. My only concern is getting stakes pounded in deep enough. It's rocky where I am. Thinking about having some rebar as a backup if wood stakes won't go in. Thoughts anybody?
If you have a really long set of hill you want to build stairs on would you do this in multiple boxes to make it more reasonable? What is the length you'd suggest a single box to be?
Stale placement is flexible to a degree. I think stakes on the sides are sturdier. Yes, you would want to make a relatively bump free spot for the box to go.
Thanks for the video! I have a question please. I seem to have the opposite issue to a lot a of people. My slope - of about 18 degrees - is very sandy...no clay/soil. Do you think this type of construction will work for that type of slope?
Could this method be used on a rocky hillside that has creek rock all the way down and also has water running down it a few times a year? I’m wondering if anything would wash away and how the staircase “box” would be secured…maybe drill through the rock and use concrete around those stakes?
Question: what do I do with the stakes that hold the box if I live on a rocky hillside covered in scree? The rock is a mix of quartzite and slate. The soil is sand and very slippy.
You need some kind of vertical stabilizers. If it's impossible to drive wooden stakes down, you might need to use a hammer drill and make holes for rebar, that you would anchor to the box.
@@WineberryHill thanks for the reply. Corded hammer drill added to the maintenance shopping list. I assume I can buy pre-bent rebar in a hook shape to hook on to the wood form for added stability? Or would that be overkill?
Nice explanation. What is your average rainfall each year? Even with ground contact lumber, I have difficulty with keeping anything other than 4x4s or larger from rotting after 4 or 5 years. We get 70 inches or more per year.
Help! I followed your example exactly - no improvisations. And apparently, I did something wrong. I used 2x6 pretreated wood; 12 ft long; 3 ft wide. I built a total of 5 bays/stairs. My gravel just arrived this morning so I've been outside filling the bays, and it looks great, yet when I step on the 1st stair, I am sliding downward, just like the slope pre-stairs. Maybe my risers aren't high enough, but they are perfectly level, each one. I spaced them 27.75" apart, again on a total of 12' of stairs (5 stairs/bays). I don't know what to do to make a correction.
Is it possible that you did not use enough stairs for the 12' run and the angle of the slope? The top of the gravel should be level! I am in the process of building these stairs (Thank you very much @WineberryHill) and I have 6 stairs over an 8' run @25 degrees, and the gravel at the bottom of the of the next riser is only covering about 5/8".
It’s important to use wood preservative on the ends of any cut pieces otherwise even pressure treated wood will rot. Also the screws will tend to pull out over time. Simpson straps are a good alternative
Hi, everytime I try to pound stakes into the ground, they won't go in bc my ground is so rocky. It's a common problem in the part of Colorado I live in. Even trying to put a spiral stake into the ground is nearly impossible. It's so frustrating! Any advice? Anyone?
Oh man I feel your pain. It's SO rocky where i live also. That "can" be really good because you are wedging the stakes into rocks that likely won't be going anywhere. You might need to use a ton more stakes, and use a sawzall to cut them flush to the tops of the risers...or you can try digging.
Ive just got my dad to order a load of wood for doing it this way. Can i just check you dont dig these into the bank at all, apart from the stakes... It just sits on top and creates bays that you fill with gravel? Surely I have to dig out of the hill on each step to make each step flat to fill? Im just a bit worried because watching this video again it seems like you have douubled up the 2x6 in a lot of places? Thanks
📍Here’s my question: can you go into more detail about making the risers level? I’m a visual learner and although I see you have them angled a bit, presumably to account for the angle of the slope, I can’t tell what I’m making it level to.
HOLY COW! I'm blown away by how many people like this video...THANK YOU! Here is a more detailed, UPDATED video about making hillside stairs: czcams.com/video/hK4pyFJVVZk/video.html.
Yup! This is epic!
Man, the model use idea is TOP NOTCH. Makes perfect sense!
Due to cost, handling and availability I prefer to use wood chips/mulch. When you own a wood chipper as I do as well as harvesting my own firewood, I've another use for the tree tops besides the garden. to me, much nicer to walk on then rocks or gravel. No weed cloth required.
Love you construction design, simple..
What type of woodchipper do you have? I have a lot of branches that I want to chip myself and use for a path
makes sense to me, thanks! love the use of the model to explain
Thank you for your help we moved into a river front property with steep slope down to beach area. The second day I fell down the slope I am 57 years old lol the older you get the harder you fall. I'm ok I just don't want anyone else to do as I did. So now we have a rope to help us down by my 5 year old cousin comes and stays with us and we need some stairs to keep her safe. Even thought she does good with the rope with a little practice we need stairs. Thank you again.
While building our house, my husband made a small "balcony" outside one of the sliders that was about 6' off the ground. When the decks were built, that had to come down. He was going to tear it apart. I suggested we put it on the short bank up to the veg garden. It fit perfectly. The backs of the steps are at a sight angle because they're 90 degrees based on the sides. They're just pine 2x lumber but have held up for almost 25 yrs. No weed barrier & no gravel. I just weed them occasionally.
I learned a lot from this short tutorial...thank you for your time putting this out for us.
Glad it was helpful!
Just what I was looking for, and I love the small model demonstration……easier to follow and understand for a novice like me.❤❤
Glad it was helpful!
Great video, THANK YOU!!
Very helpful video - thanks. I was quoted £870 to have a similar set of stairs built for a 4 foot slope ( only 4 steps) - crazy London prices. This has given me the confidence to have a go and save a lot of money. ( even after I buy a circular saw!) I look forward to learning more from you - thank you.
Fantastic! Keep us updated!
Just what I needed, thanks.
Great idea I can put this to use.
Merci from Montreal, Canada.
This is a great DIY. Easy to grasp with the model. To the point. 10/10
Wow, thanks!
Actually doing it on a model probably made it even clearer than doing it on a real run of steps.
excellent. Thank You
this is exactly what i need!!! thank you!!
You're so welcome!
Thank you! I have a 25-30 section where I want to put a set of these type of stairs right next to the concrete driveway. Always wondered what's the best way to do it, and your video answered pretty much all my questions. Thanks again!
Glad I could help!
Great video!
Both your stair videos are very helpful thank you I liked and subscribed
Thanks for watching (and subscribing)!
love your videos. super practical and useful. keep at it bud.
Hey Thanks!
@@WineberryHill I've saved several of your videos. You are a great teacher! :)
Bravo!! Thanks man!!!
You bet!
thanks for this. Exactly what I was looking for. I was going to use Hemlock as I've heard it's as good or better than PT ground rated. Cheers!
When building any steps, the most important thing is evenness. If changing direction, or introducing a curve, then a landing is best, or figure out a good average for the tread change.
Although I can no longer locate the formula any more, there is a tread to riser ratio. The higher the riser, the shorter the tread should be.
Greetings from London - great video - the best I've seen ( and I've watched a lot!). I had a few questions but you have answered them all in your replies to comments ( so many people don't). The best answer to help me was that you don't have top dig the side rails in - just anchor them with stakes. I have a very similar slope but only about a third of the length, but it's on pretty soft ground so here goes - lots of stakes! It rains a lot here, so it will probably rot in 5 years - but at least I will get more practice! Thanks again.
You could also try some 3' rebar stakes interspersed among the wooden ones.
What if the dirt is extremely compacted and full of large rocks? @@WineberryHill
I'll be posting an updated video soon.
Nice! Thanks!
Welcome!
As a carpenter we use the “run over rise” formula, simple.
I like this technique. However, I have a stack of railroad ties and so I plan to use them along with some other materials to make a set of steps back behind my house.
Very informative, thank you!
Very welcome!
What kind of gravel? Pea gravel or what?
Can the stakes go on the outside screwed in or does it have to be on the inside? Thanks
Hi, No hard and fast rules. Larger sized gravel is probably better, since it won't clog up as fast with dirt. The stakes can definitely go on the outside. I like the look of them on the inside...but it's totally a preference.
Even with the ground block and gravel the weeds will still grow, unless you use weed killer granules every year. I did a shed base using this same method. Pulling weeds out of the gravel every year.
Please don’t use weed killer, it kills the bees and the birds that eat the insects.
I've used plastic vapor barrier (like for crawlspace floors) and then a layer of weed barrier on top successfully for 3 years now with no weeds.
concrete for me.
We built a ramp with a clear centre about 8 inches wide and 2 x1x 8 inch blocks of wood "steps" on either side. This way you can push a wheelbarrow up with your feet on the wee steps. No sliding.
Could you elaborate on this design?
@@beharrlich as I understand it, take a flat slope and make a short half step either side while leaving the middle open. The wheel travels in the middle while either side acts like a stairway. In effect it's the inverse of waggon wheel rut paths where the center is raised and the edges ground down. Hope that helps.
I owe you so much time and money sir. Wow!
Hot damn this is exactly what I needed!
Woo hoo glad I could help!
@@WineberryHill Im also trying to plant a garden on a slope, would this work for on sloped garden beds? Im trying not to dig into the hillside because its rocky clay.
Yep, I've made raised beds this way also. I guess I need to add that to the video list...
So, how do you connect the “boxes” to each other? Interesting video BTW.
I can use this method to diy build stairs down a slope where nobody else will take on the job
Thanks! One question - why not drive the spikes on the downhill side of the riser to better support the weight against gravity?
Mainly for aesthetics
Great job! How does this method handle heavy rains and drainage? Also do you dig out the hillside at all when you lay it down?
Yes, I think the weight of the gravel is as big factor (in addition to the the stakes). I haven’t had any issues with movement from water…etc. I will dig if the terrain conflicts too much with the natural direction of the run.
I have size 14 shoe i may need to adjust this great idea 😂
some call them water ski's..just yankin yer chain mate...have a good one.
So, you’ve made a long staircase, somehow carried it into place but the slope needs digging as it’s all undulating. You then drag the staircase out of the way to dig so it fits into hill slope. Wouldn’t it be easier to just build each step overlapping the lower one?
I did it in 16' sections (length of the boards)
Hi- Thanks for a great instructional video. What are your thoughts on using rebar where you used wooden stakes? Would that work and would it be as effective? Thank you😊
Yes, absolutely. just a little extra work cutting it and more money to buy mounting hardware, but I’m sure it would work.
Thanks for the step by step. If anyone else does understand you're directions they should contact a professional and lay out the 3-5 thousand dollar.😮
Really interesting and simple method! How do you account for level of the long sides of the box (not the steps) on a slope? Is it necessary to dig a trench on the high side to level them out? Thanks!
Sure, either that or if the slope is too steep you might need to build switch backs.
Hi, new subscriber! You make great videos. I'm thinking about making stairs like this for an area in my yard next to my terraced raised garden beds. Do you bury any portion of the long side boards or any portion of the risers that rest on the ground or is it strictly the stakes and weight of the gravel holding the stairs in place? Thank you for your help!
Yep the stakes in the gravel are wet. Hold it in place.
I love the simplicity of this step/stair build. My question is, do I build this on the hill, or do I build it in a shop / garage, then carry it out to my slope and place it ? Then do the staking?
I precut the risers and stakes. I ran an extension cord up the hill with a splitter and two drills, one for screws and one for pre-drilling holes and also a saw. This made installation much quicker.
Ok. Gotcha. Appreciate the reply. I am going to attempt this project over the upcoming Labor Day weekend.
Could you make a video of the laying down the steps process or explain how to do it please
Hi, (Thanks for watching) I have a small section of stairs I need to add to my hillside. I'll make a video about the process. Stay tuned!
Awesome- How much site prep, if any, would you say is necessary for this method? This seems perfect for getting up a rather steep, but fairly short, grass slope on our property.
Not much really. I just smoothed out each run, and made sure there weren't any rocks etc.
I'm looking to do the same at my place - I really appreciate this video. Question for you... How wide can you go with the step(2x6) before the weight of the gravel, rain, etc... causes a structural issue?
No idea, I would guess that it would do fine at double the width. The screws might become the weak link. I would recommend a lot more stakes…and screws.
Thanks for the Video! This is just what I needed to comfortably get from my driveway up to the side yard. I'm building an approx.7.5' run, 6 stairs at 25 degrees. Do you think screws are adequate? I'm thinking of toe nailing with 10d 3" nails three each side. (Overkill?) and using deck screws for the stakes. Lastly, should I level the slope to the bottom of the lower riser? Sorry for all the questions, just don't have the energy to do this twice. Thanks again!
I am right there with you. I’m not doing things twice, so I try to make sure I maximize how I do it. I tend to lean towards screws because they won’t slowly loosen overtime with freeze and thaw cycles. Especially since the stairs are on the ground. Not totally sure I understand your last question but if I did, if I do, I think the answer is yes any way to make this more stable is always going to be the best approach. Keep me posted!
Really like the video. What if you have a longer run (steep hill)?
How do you connect the boards?
I'll do an update, stay tuned...
@@WineberryHill doing a project right now and stairs going in Monday. Want to do this, any tips for the steeper pitch? I understand most everything else. Do you think you could fill them with cement?
Extra spikes/stakes the steeper it gets. Sure cement "might" be good. I't does have benefits (no weeds, extra durable) You might want to sink rebar or similar into the middle of the boxes where the cement will go to ensure it stays put.
Thanks. I need to make a set of steps going down outside my house that will accommodate my son's wheelchair. I think the bay will need to be longer than usual, perhaps 4 ft, so he can maneuver his wheelchair. Any suggestions?
I suspect that the bays need to be longer like you said, and the risers need to be much shorter.
Looking to build stairs like this.
My only concern is getting stakes pounded in deep enough. It's rocky where I am. Thinking about having some rebar as a backup if wood stakes won't go in.
Thoughts anybody?
Sure, rebar would definitely help. Use more stakes, since they wont be going as deep in many spots, because of the rocks.
If you have a really long set of hill you want to build stairs on would you do this in multiple boxes to make it more reasonable? What is the length you'd suggest a single box to be?
I did a long run of probably 8 to 10 boxes. A lot of it has to depend on how steep each box is the steeper. They are the smaller they have to be.
Why wouldn’t you put the stakes in front of each step for stability? Also, would I want to dig into a hillside that is bumpy/slightly uneven?
Stale placement is flexible to a degree. I think stakes on the sides are sturdier. Yes, you would want to make a relatively bump free spot for the box to go.
Thanks for the video! I have a question please. I seem to have the opposite issue to a lot a of people. My slope - of about 18 degrees - is very sandy...no clay/soil. Do you think this type of construction will work for that type of slope?
Tough to say, since I have very little experience with sandy soil. I guess I would recommend making the stakes much longer to help it hold better.
@@WineberryHill Thank you
Newbie here :) Why do risers go in sort of crooked? I'm literally just beginning to learn about this type of constructing!
The risers need to be placed the the edge is straight up.
This is perfect thank you! Is there an optimal or max angle of the hill that this can be built on?
I think between 20 and 50 degrees is the typical range.
Could this method be used on a rocky hillside that has creek rock all the way down and also has water running down it a few times a year? I’m wondering if anything would wash away and how the staircase “box” would be secured…maybe drill through the rock and use concrete around those stakes?
Yep, that might work with rebar as the stakes.
So are you just laying the 2x6 on top of the ground? Not digging it in at all correct?
Correct. The stakes are what fasten it in place.
What is the purpose of the stakes? To hold the entire box anchored to the hillside?
collectively, having steaks in each box, stabilizes the entire stair run on the hillside
Do you secure the risers to the stakes or only the sides to the stakes?
Either or both. For me it depends on where the MANY rocks are, I try to make sure they are frequently spaced.
can you plant something like moss or clover and just have a raised bed that acts as stairs? or will that rot out to fast?
Yep, holding moisture is the biggest issue. It will shorten the lifespan.
Can you fill in this type of stairs with gravel, then concrete?
I don’t see, why not, if you do that, you might as well tap in a few pieces of rebar, straight down into the ground as well and you’ll get epic hold.
Looks great! What’s the width of the stairs, is it 3’ wide? Did you put sand at the bottom then gravel? Thanks!
Thanks! Yeah I think the total width including the sides was 3’. No sand, just two super heavy weed barrier layers (folded over) and just gravel.
@@WineberryHill Thank you, sir!
What is the size of the runners on both sides? Is it 2x6 too?
Yep, everything is 2”x6”.
Do you dig the ground and push these into the dirt? How do you get them to stay on the hill?
Hammer the stakes in.
Question: what do I do with the stakes that hold the box if I live on a rocky hillside covered in scree? The rock is a mix of quartzite and slate. The soil is sand and very slippy.
You need some kind of vertical stabilizers. If it's impossible to drive wooden stakes down, you might need to use a hammer drill and make holes for rebar, that you would anchor to the box.
@@WineberryHill thanks for the reply. Corded hammer drill added to the maintenance shopping list. I assume I can buy pre-bent rebar in a hook shape to hook on to the wood form for added stability? Or would that be overkill?
I was thinking along these lines: amzn.to/494uQhv Hooks might be overkill (that's never stopped me), but they do make them. Like this: amzn.to/43nknwe
@@WineberryHill thank you so much. I am feeling slightly less overwhelmed about the project.
Is there a grade /slope at which it is too steep to do this?
likely depends on the stability of the terrain, and what the depth of each step ends up being.
I need to do something like this at my hilly 11 acres up in WA. Does it rain a lot where your stairs live?
We do...especially the last couple of years. I'm working on an update to this video so stay tuned!
Nice explanation. What is your average rainfall each year? Even with ground contact lumber, I have difficulty with keeping anything other than 4x4s or larger from rotting after 4 or 5 years. We get 70 inches or more per year.
We have around 50”. I think the fact that the lumber is sitting edge up, helps and using gravel so that the moisture drains off as much as possible.
@@WineberryHill That makes sense. Thanks for responding.
Is there any advantage or disadvantage to adding sand to the loose gravel? ?
It might help inhibiting weed growth! Just more hauling is all...
Help! I followed your example exactly - no improvisations. And apparently, I did something wrong. I used 2x6 pretreated wood; 12 ft long; 3 ft wide. I built a total of 5 bays/stairs. My gravel just arrived this morning so I've been outside filling the bays, and it looks great, yet when I step on the 1st stair, I am sliding downward, just like the slope pre-stairs. Maybe my risers aren't high enough, but they are perfectly level, each one. I spaced them 27.75" apart, again on a total of 12' of stairs (5 stairs/bays). I don't know what to do to make a correction.
How deep are the stakes that you drove every other bay?
@@WineberryHill stakes are 21", and i installed them in every bay
Wish I could attach a pic in hopes that you’d have a suggestion
Is it possible that you did not use enough stairs for the 12' run and the angle of the slope? The top of the gravel should be level! I am in the process of building these stairs (Thank you very much @WineberryHill) and I have 6 stairs over an 8' run @25 degrees, and the gravel at the bottom of the of the next riser is only covering about 5/8".
It’s important to use wood preservative on the ends of any cut pieces otherwise even pressure treated wood will rot. Also the screws will tend to pull out over time. Simpson straps are a good alternative
What if you have a very steep hill you need steps on? Would this still work? Or would the steps be too close together to be usable?
...or build switch backs as well.
@@WineberryHill thank you for the suggestion!
Hi, everytime I try to pound stakes into the ground, they won't go in bc my ground is so rocky. It's a common problem in the part of Colorado I live in. Even trying to put a spiral stake into the ground is nearly impossible. It's so frustrating! Any advice? Anyone?
Oh man I feel your pain. It's SO rocky where i live also. That "can" be really good because you are wedging the stakes into rocks that likely won't be going anywhere. You might need to use a ton more stakes, and use a sawzall to cut them flush to the tops of the risers...or you can try digging.
@WineberryHill not a bad idea. I'll give it a try
Just pound in some rebar and use strapping to connect it to the stairs
Curious why the weed barrier is needed if you are putting 6” of gavel on top of the dirt
here in New England weeds will grow through 6 inches of gravel in about 20 minutes
@@WineberryHill 🤣 fair enough!
Ive just got my dad to order a load of wood for doing it this way. Can i just check you dont dig these into the bank at all, apart from the stakes... It just sits on top and creates bays that you fill with gravel? Surely I have to dig out of the hill on each step to make each step flat to fill? Im just a bit worried because watching this video again it seems like you have douubled up the 2x6 in a lot of places? Thanks
Everything is 2x6. I smooth out the path it will run. My angle was such that I didn't dig out any bays.
@@WineberryHill great thank you. I've bought 3x6 just so it looks a bit thicker. I am going to start this on the weekend. Thanks very much
Chonky! That's even better! Keep me posted.
@@danielkelly8756
How did it turn out?
📍Here’s my question: can you go into more detail about making the risers level? I’m a visual learner and although I see you have them angled a bit, presumably to account for the angle of the slope, I can’t tell what I’m making it level to.
I'm working on an update, stay tuned!
Anyone use brown shale?
Any estimation of how much gravel you used to fill those 100 steps?
I really don’t remember, but my gut instinct is to say about 10 yards but man I can’t remember…
I don't know but my back hurts just guesstimating
Oh there was a lot of exercise involved for sure!
Are the stakes meant to puncture through the weed cloth on the bottom?
that’s just how I did it in this video, but the steaks can also be on the outside of the frame as well
@@WineberryHill Thanks! I watched the newer video as well. Good stuff!
Is there an alternative without filling with gravel ? Just making it out of wood ? I want to save money by not filling gravel
Not that I can think of. Best to buy the gravel in bulk...it will cost a fraction compared to bags. Dont use dirt or sand...they will become planters.
4:41 it cant be clover?
Meaning fill it with dirt and plant clover? This will likely increase the rate that the wood degrades. Gravel is ideal since it will drain water off.
What are these, stairs for ANTS? These stairs should be atleast....3 times bigger than this!
😂
It’s a scale model - as he says? Duh……
I don't want to hear your excuses!!
czcams.com/video/7ffj8SHrbk0/video.htmlsi=kLCYwj56z4FR0e5U
🤣
I once asked my aunt why white people say “ant” instead of “aunt”. She said “they must be look like an ant”. 😂 I’ll never forget that
Simple do it yourself stairs video …. With 16 videos lmao 🤣 😂