How to Build Large Stone Steps

Determine a path for the steps and mark it with mason's twine stretched between stakes.

Calculate the area's slope to determine the number, width and placement of the steps. Set a stake at the top of the step path and a tall pole at the bottom. Stretch twine between the two with a line level and measure the height at the bottom stake. That is the fall. Measure the length with a tape measure. Use the two measurements to figure step placement, putting steps a comfortable stride apart and an acceptable step up or down; for example, an area of 10 feet long with a fall of 5 feet would require about 10 steps that are each about 9 inches high.

Make steps with 9 inches to 1 foot of rise, or vertical distance, on each step and at least 1 foot of tread, or step width from back to front. Use wider treads on gentle slopes, more risers on steeper angles. Mark riser locations with stakes on each side.

Use a shovel to dig out the step area in the configuration of the steps; essentially, you are making steps composed of dirt. Dig to the depth of the stones, plus at least 2 inches to allow for a base upon which to level the stones.

Spread 2 inches of sand or small crushed gravel over all of the step treads. If necessary, make temporary barriers of wood to hold that base on steep steps; this may not be needed on gentler slopes.

Compact the sand or gravel into a level surface the width of the step. Use a level to ensure that the base is level, although it will be adjusted to conform to the stones.

Lay the first step, starting at the bottom. Adjust the bottom step's sand or gravel to ensure that the tread is level; check it with a level, front to back and side to side.

Remove the temporary barrier, if there is one, and place the second stone so that its leading edge overlaps the back of the first stone slightly. Level the stone and test to make sure it is solid and does not wobble.

Add other stones up the path in the same way. Use just one stone per step if you can, or combine two or more stones for the step width, if necessary.

Finish the steps by packing in dirt at the steps' edges to hold the stones in place. Sweep sand into joints on the tread of any step composed of two or more stones.

Walk along the steps a few times to discover any stones that are not solid or that shift under your weight. Adjust any loose or wobbly stones.