How To Build Stone Steps

One day while walking up the steps, I almost tripped and banged my head against the front door.

It sent the dogs into a frenzy, but luckily, I came out unscathed. When I inspected the steps, I noticed they were worn out and looked quite ominous, like an accident waiting to happen. I realized this was the perfect opportunity to do a little repair work and get stone steps installed.

I went to my husband with the proposal, and after a bit of coaxing, he agreed. However, there was one major problem: neither my husband nor I knew how to build stone steps. Therefore, I turned to my engineer neighbor Mr. Cross for support, and being a friendly individual, he came over to help us out.

Mr. Cross and my husband got all the supplies from the local supermarket and started early the next day. As they worked, I helped them now and then, but I spent a significant part taking notes on the process

My intention was to assist people who might not know how to build stone steps, and that's what I'm going to do today. Hi! I'm Stacy Smith, and you can follow my procedure to get a beautiful stone stairway.

Let’s get to it, then.

Building Stone Steps

Determining The Size

Let me tell you at the outset that installing stone steps is no rocket science, and all you need is hard work. It does involve a little bit of mathematics, but there's no reason to be worried because it's not that difficult.

Before you begin laying the steps, you need to determine their size, and for that, you'll have to figure out the height and depth. Doing so will give you an idea of the number of steps you need, and for that, Mr. Cross used a simple formula. You need to consider twice the value for the proposed height and add it to the depth of each step.

The result should come to 25” or 27” and provides an accurate mathematical representation for approaching the task. If you prefer to have wider steps, the height will be less, while a narrow foot space accompanies taller steps.

After you've got the math all worked out, it's time to get down to business.

Phase 1

You need to start by leveling the surface in front of your door, and so, you need to dig two inches into the ground. It will help you filter out stones or debris fixed into the soft earth and provide a firm base for laying the steps. Furthermore, to ensure you have a strong foundation, you can use a manual compactor to bind the earth together.

Phase 2

Next, you need to cut out the stones you've selected, which means it's time to put your drawing skills to the test. So, use your carpenter's pencil to map out the points you need to cut and proceed to strike it with a chisel and hammer. While doing so, please remember to wear gloves and goggles to avoid accidents.

There's no need to rush, but instead, take your time and be thorough in your work.

Phase 3

Don't cut all the stones simultaneously, and you should begin laying them down once the first stone is ready. Before that, add 1" layer of mortar to the ditch you dug out and place the stones on top of it. Hence, you'll get a clear idea regarding the geometry of the steps.

In that regard, I must mention that you'll require differently shaped flagstones to make a complete stairway. Moreover, you must ensure the stones form a tight fit, and you can do so by filling the area behind the step with gravel. The gravel must come to the same height as the first step and forms the foundation as the steps rise higher.

It's important to note that the tread must be long enough to provide stable support to the front and rear of the next steps. Therefore, you'll have to compact the gravel and check that it's properly aligned.

Phase 4

As you progress, the process becomes more manageable, and all you need is to make sure the angles are right. Proceed to lay the second step and follow the same procedure of adding gravel and sand behind it to match the height. 

You must always compact the gravel, ensuring it doesn't shift, but most importantly, you'll need to use a polyurethane construction adhesive. The adhesive helps glue the steps together for more stability, and you may also use a rubber mallet to tap the stones in place.

Phase 5

For the fifth phase, you need to keep on adding the steps and follow the same procedure right up to the edge of the door. When there's only one step to go, you need to make a slight change and add only gravel to the space. Then level out the gravel to match the height and lay the last step to align it to the landing of the front door.

Phase 6

Finally, to have a leveled stairway, you need to add sand to the creases between the stones and brush off the excess with a broom. You may also need to pack the joints with mortar, but only if you feel it's necessary. 

In such a scenario, it's essential to use better judgment and, after everything, leave the steps to dry for a week. During this time, I suggest you enter through the back door and keep footfall to a bare minimum, thus allowing the structure to settle down.

Final Words

Well, that's it, and hopefully, learning to build a stone stairway didn't seem too complicated.

It's essential to list everything you need and get all the ingredients ready the day before work. Moreover, keep an eye on the weather and avoid the monsoon season to give the steps time to dry.

That's all for now. Take care and bye.