How to Build Stairs Out of Cedar Log Blocks

Measure the width of the path, then use a chainsaw to cut your cedar logs to fit that width. Split each log in half. Lay your first log on its side and place a splitting wedge along the side of the log at one end. Ideally, you'll place the wedge into a crack in the log. Hammer the wedge into the log with a sledge hammer. Place a second splitting wedge just down the log from the first wedge, then hammer the second wedge into the log. Remove the first wedge once a split has begun to form in the wood, and place the first wedge down the log from the second wedge. Continue to hammer in wedges and move them down the log until the log splits. Do this for each log.

Drill a 1/2-inch hole 4 inches from each end of each log. Drill from the flat edge to the rounded back. Measure the thickness of your cedar half-logs from the thickest point of the flat-edge side. Add 6 inches to this measurement. This is the length of the rebar you will purchase.

Drag or carry the half cedar logs to the site of the path. Start at the bottom of the grade and lay the logs flat edge up in line where they should appear when they have been installed as steps. Draw an outline in the ground around the first log, then remove it to a nearby spot. Draw an outline around every log in the path, and then remove the logs to someplace nearby, where they can be easily reached.

Dig a hole for the first log a the bottom of the steps. The hole should be two inches deeper than the depth of the log itself.

Fill the bottom of the hole with 2 inches of gravel. Lay the log into the bottom hole, flat edge up.

Hammer the rebar into the 1/2 inch holes in the log and into the ground. Repeat Steps 4 through 6 until all the logs in the steps have been installed.