How to Landscape Steps With Rock
- 1). Outline an area to place the rock steps. This area should be on a slight to moderate grade. Use spray paint to mark an area from the top to the bottom so you know exactly where the rocks must be placed. Hammer stakes into the ground at the top and bottom of your area. Tie a string to the stake from the top and attach a level to the string, pulling it down to the bottom stake.
- 2). Use the level to keep the string at a level measurement, then measure the length from the top stake to the bottom stake at the ground. Measure the distance from the top of the ground to the string. This will tell you how thick each rock should be. Most steps should be around 6 inches high.
- 3). Calculate the number of steps you'll need by dividing the rise of the incline by the height of the steps. For example, if you're building a 6-foot high staircase using 6-inch steps, you'll need 12 steps. The steps must be placed above one another just like wooden stairs.
- 4). Purchase or find the correct number of stones needed to complete the staircase. Consider a stone supplier to ensure each rock is equal in thickness and as flat as possible. Using different size stones will mean the steps will not be level. The base stone, at the bottom of the staircase, should be thicker and heavier than the rest of the stones for extra support.
- 5). Dig a large hole for the base stone with a shovel. Make sure the stone is firmly up against a dirt wall before adding additional steps. Continue digging trenches large enough for each additional stone. Make sure all sit at the same height as the staircase becomes higher. For additional support, add smaller flat rocks under the stones to keep them from shifting over time. Pour a fine masonry sand between the stones when they're all placed, then sweep to fill in any cracks.