Slate step risers... - Query on best way to create slate risers

[gmw]

Hi

I'm build a patio and steps out of slate and want to have the risers on the steps in the same material.

Checking out the site (and the book) there seem to be a number of options:

1. Build steps from concrete and glue/fix risers.
2. Build steps from brick and glue/fix risers.
3. Use slab on edge approch to create the risers.
I would like to know what the differences between the approaches is likely to be - both benefit and costs. And also if there is a better way... ?

[Tony McC]

Depends on how many/how big are the steps.

Casting concrete is tricky but great if you have a larger-than-average construction. In some cases, you can build with concrete in stages rather than cast in-situi and then clad. Again, it does very much depend on the job in hand.

Brick built is all well and good as long as it's just one or two steps, but any more than that takes a great deal of planning and working in stages.

For most 'garden' scale projects, the flag-on-edge approach suits me best.

[lutonlagerlout]

i'll second that
i have had more trouble with steps than all the women i have ever met,just when you think its job done your last riser is 50mm short or long== nightmare
remember all risers and treads should be the same height and width ,this stops people falling over
cheers LLL

[Rich H]

How about block and render for the risers - looks nice with slate.