How to Make Paver Steps

Lay out the area for steps. Mark the rough opening and the basic length and width. Adapt the width to the dimensions of the pavers; for bricks or concrete blocks that usually will be multiples of 8, since most blocks are 8-by-16-inches and most bricks are 2-by-4-by-8 inches. That will avoid having to cut bricks or blocks to fit. Measure the length with a tape measure.

Calculate the slope for the steps to determine how many and what size and type of step will be needed. Put a stake at the top of the slope and a longer stake or pole at the bottom. Stretch a line between the two and level it with a line level. Measure the distance between the line and the ground at each end to figure the slope angle; the difference will tell you how steep it is. A difference of 6 inches over 12 feet will be a moderate slope that will require steps with wide treads; a 2-inch difference will need fewer and longer treads; 12 inches will need multiple short steps.

Mark the step area with wood stakes and builder's twine, set outside the finished dimensions. Measure and mark the end of each step, generally about a foot for short steep steps, wider for gentler slopes. Adapt the tread to comfortable stepping distance. Dig out a rough step outline with a shovel, about 6 inches below the intended finish level of each step. Put 2-by-4-inch boards across the riser for each step; extend boards beyond the width and stake them to make a riser barrier. Make sure the space between risers adapts to the size of the tread material to avoid having to make cuts in pavers.

Build risers first, using bricks, blocks or other masonry material. Set bricks or blocks on edge for low risers; use mortar to build bigger risers, essentially making brick, block or stone walls across the walkway. Build the risers so the top is at the level intended for the finished walk. Allow space so that the tread bricks or blocks will butt up to the bottom of the risers at least 2 inches to provide support.

Border each tread area with metal, plastic or concrete edging. Fill the excavated tread areas with gravel, about 1/2-inch size, and compact it firmly with a hand tamper. Add sand up to within 2 inches of the finished tread surface and smooth it with a board, jiggling the board as you work it to set the sand. Lay the pavers in any desired pattern or style. Adapt sand depth to the size of the pavers; flagstone pavers may need less depth. Sweep polymeric sand between joints to seal the tread pavers.