How to Pave a Stairway

Determine the direction and width of your intended stair path, and spray an outline on the ground surface.

Hammer a 12-inch wood stake at the top and bottom corners on one side of the painted stair outline.

Tie string from top stake to bottom stake. Attach a line level to the string. Adjust the level until the level's bubble is centered. A line level is a small level with hooks made to hang and slide on a string line.

Measure the total rise distance. This measurement is the stair run from the bottom stake to the top stake. Record the measurement.

Calculate the rise, or height, of each step by measuring the vertical distance straight down the bottom stake from the leveled string to the ground. Record the measurement.

Figure the number of steps needed for the stair run by dividing the recorded total rise distance, using inches, by eight, if working with a steep slope. Divide the total rise distance by six if working with a gentle slope. For example, a 48-inch total rise on a steep slope requires six steps, but requires eight steps on a gentle slope.

Spray paint a mark on the ground to represent the width and depth of each intended stair. Many flat stone pavers are at least 12 inches wide, so this number is a useful guideline for determining stair width and depth.

Shape each step by removing topsoil from each intended step base to the width and depth calculated, using a shovel. Make each step height, known as a riser, consistent at the back of each step base with the recorded riser calculation. Lightly tamp each step base, using the flat back of the shovel. Check each step to ensure that it is level.

Lay a 1-inch thick layer of medium gravel on each step. Medium gravel allows for better drainage than fine gravel. Grade the gravel. Tamp the gravel, using a hand tamper. Check again to ensure each step is level.

Pour a 1 1/2-inch thick layer of sand on top of the gravel on each step. Tamp the sand, using a hand tamper. Level the sand.

Work the pavers into the sand, leaving a 1/8-inch space between the pavers.

Pour additional sand on the completed pavers, and sweep it between the stones using a broom to create a smooth, finished look and to help eliminate weed growth.