How to Build Steps on a Hill

Taking Measurements

• 1

  Determine the number of granite steps needed by deciding the size of the tread and the height of the steps and measuring the area they will cover.

• 2

  Hammer the short stake part way into the ground where the back edge of the top step of the stairs will be, and tie one end of the string to it. Hold the string and move to where the front edge of the bottom step of the stairs will be. Hammer the long stake into the ground until it stands on its own.

• 3

  Place the line level on the string and hold the string so it is taut while using the level to find where the string is level. Tie the string around the long stake so that it stays in a level position.

• 4

  Measure the distance from the ground up to the string you just tied to the long stake, making sure the string is level.

• 5

  Measure the distance from the long stake to the short stake. You now know how long and high the flight of steps will be. Next, use these numbers to determine the number of granite stones for the treads and the number of granite risers for supporting the stones. Divide the distance from the front edge of the bottom stone to the back edge of the top stone by the length of each tread stone, such as 16 inches. For the height, divide by the depth of the tread plus the depth of the risers. For example, a 2-inch tread plus a 4-inch riser equals 6 inches for the height of each individual step. Divide this number into the length of the slope to get the number of steps.

Installing the Steps

• 6

  Dig out the approximate shape of the steps.

  Place the bottom granite tread stone where it will be in the steps. Outline the shape of the stone in the dirt. Remove the stone tread and set it aside. Dig down 12 inches forming a hole that is the size of the stone.

• 7

  Fill the excavated area with the ¼-inch gravel to a depth of 4 inches. Pack this down firmly.

• 8

  Mix the concrete and cover the gravel with 4 inches of it. Leave the concrete to set.

• 9

  Remove 3 inches of dirt from the sides of where the stone is to be placed (out from the cement). Place a support (brace) stone -- this is angled on one end, this end will be face down -- on each side of the cement, at the front edges of the spot where the next step up is to be placed.

• 10

  Mix the mortar and cover the concrete with 2 inches of it all the way over the support stones.

• 11

  Set the granite stone tread onto the mortar. Check to see if level using the carpenter's level. Remove any mortar that was pushed up. Let the mortar set.

• 12

  Mix mortar and apply to back edge of the first granite stone tread so that it is the width of the riser and is 1 inch thick. Place a riser stone onto the mortar even with the edge, place mortar on the inside edge and then set the other riser stone(s). Check the levelness with the carpenter's level. Wait for the mortar to set.

• 13

  Start the next step up by removing dirt from behind the riser stone(s), proceeding uphill from the riser stone. Go down 6 inches and fill with 3 inches of the ¼-inch gravel and press it down firmly.

• 14

  Mix mortar and cover the gravel with 2 inches of mortar.

• 15

  Set a granite tread stone on the mortar allowing for the front edge to extend over the first step by 1 inch. If more than one granite stone is used for a tread, mortar between the stones and wipe off the excess.

• 16

  Use the carpenter's level to level the granite stones.

• 17

  Repeat the procedures for the rest of the steps.