How to Build Garden Brick Stairs

Outline an area to place the brick steps. Use spray paint to mark from the top of where the steps will be to the bottom. Place a stake into the ground at the top of the case and at the bottom. Tie a string to the top stake and attach a level to the string, pulling it down toward the bottom stake. This will allow you to clearly see where the bricks will be placed and make sure the area is level.

Purchase a desired type of brick step. Decorative steps come in many sizes, shapes and colors. Pick a design that will complement your garden. Choose bricks that have good traction, such as pebble-based brick for a steep incline. Keep in mind that many rocks can be stained with oil or standard wood stain for an additional decorative touch.

Dig a trench at the bottom where the steps begin. This area will be for the base riser bricks. Insert bricks on top of the ground making sure they're setting firmly against a wall of dirt. Use a concrete slab board that is about 1 inch thick for extra support. This will keep the base setting level overtime. Place the rest of the steps at an incline by digging small trenches to place them in. They can be placed by either lying flat or vertical, depending on the incline.

Add a side support for the steps–something against the sides to keep the ground from collapsing inward or washing the steps out. Use concrete board, like that used for the base brick, to reinforce each additional brick step. Cut the board with a power saw to fit the area around the steps so the board doesn’t show. Fill in any gaps with fine masonry sand. Use a broom to sweep the sand into tiny crevasses.

Consider adding a handrail or extra landscaping to the steps. A handrail can be made from galvanized pipe or iron anchored in concrete. Anchor the railing about 8 inches in the ground. People that have trouble walking up steps may need handrail if the incline is very steep. Plant flowers or small shrubs a foot or so away from the steps for a natural decorative look.