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Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2014 3:16 pm
by Forestboy1978
Roots aren't a problem as I think the shrubs have grown out maximally. Might need to remove some but new growth shouldn't be an issue.
There some steps there already but only 2 or 3 out of the 13 are still intact/ safe to walk on. They are natural stone, not mortared so I would want to at least use the stone and get more of the same. Perhaps clean it up a bit with the pressure washer.
It's not really my thing but it's a regular customer and she's going away for 2 months so no pressure to get it done. I'm a bit bored so might give it a go if it's not too hard.
Any advice on sub base etc would be grand.
Cheers
Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2014 3:26 pm
by Forestboy1978
Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2014 3:28 pm
by Forestboy1978
Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2014 8:30 pm
by Forestboy1978
OK I've figured it out. I'm gonna take everything away and carve steps into the actual hill out of the dirt. Then tamp down and lay a membrane.
Then string line off where each step will be positioned.
Then I will compact in some limestone scalpings to about 2-3" before placing all my risers of which there will be 12/13 at 8" high. Not sure if 2-3" is enough but it's clay hard soil. I'll mortar the stones with a 4-1 mortar, leave to dry over night and then back fill with more scalping behind the risers and compact and then fit the goers.
That sound alright? Roughly what time scale should I bill her for do you think? I understand it will take me longer and that's alright. I don't mind as long as I learn something.
Cheers
Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2014 9:27 pm
by r896neo
I have built a few long winding sets of steps in sloping gardens, one of which you can see on my website if you like.
In that one each riser has a concrete footing and then the bullnose flag laid on top. On the wider treads hardcore and gravel form the rest of it.
Steps like this take ages and usually gardens that need steps are steep and often have terrible access so guesstimate the time you think you'll need and add at least another half.
Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2014 10:21 pm
by lutonlagerlout
sounds like a fail forestboy
the couple of steep steps we have done we excavated the topsoil and then shuttered the steps
poured concrete (with difficulty ) with mesh
and then laid the risers and treads on the concrete
as said it was a pita job
LLL
Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2014 10:59 pm
by lemoncurd1702
Have you considered sleeper risers or pegged in boards backfilled with gravel. Could be a more economical option.
If its gotta be stone risers and treads then concrete all the way, When I've done similar in the past I use rapid cement so it's a quick build.
Some of the treads may need to be deeper/longer than others as it looks as though the slope is of varying degrees.
To be honest I would not try to over engineer something like this, build each step separate rather than as a mass. The present steps are a mish mash and whatever you do will be an improvement.
On your own 2 days if your under 30 years old. Over 30 but under 40 1.5 days cos u know what your doing. Over 40, 3 days cos u can't be arsed anymore.
Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2014 12:13 pm
by Tony McC
The thing with steps is that they want to slide down the slope, so it's essential that they are well and truly anchored in place.
This might be achieved with deep stones set well into the sub-layers, or it might be achieved by relying on concrete. If you;re not sure about the ground conditions or, as it seems, you've not much experience in building steps, then concrete as a bed/foundation is your best option
Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2014 2:38 pm
by Forestboy1978
Cheers for the advice guys. I've declined the job cos she wants it done cheap for 1 and 2 I've got enough work. Sounds like it will be a pain to do right.
Ps sleepers aren't an option due to slippyness!
Pps yeah I checked your site mate. Looks nice. These ones would be more of a pain than those though cos they would be back to back with less area to play with for anchoring etc.
As usual guys, invaluable 
