How to build timber steps on a slope

Learn how to build landscape timber steps for some stylish curb appeal that will prevent erosion and make it easier to ascend a slope at the same time.

Published on June 8, 2015

Properly constructed garden steps are more than a convenience. They can also serve as a retaining wall, holding back soil erosion. This means you need to plan carefully, and securely anchor them into the slope they ascend. For a simple set of steps using landscape timbers, you'll need to secure them in two ways—to each other, and to the ground. (We used rebar.) See how to construct these timber stairs yourself in just a few hours with a little elbow grease.

Before You Start: Tips for Planning Timber Steps

Decide how many steps you will need, how deep each horizontal tread will be, and how high to make each vertical riser. Here's a useful rule: The tread dimension plus the riser dimension should equal about 17 inches. Try to make your riser dimension no more than 7 inches and no less than 4 inches. No matter how you juggle the figures, just be sure all treads and risers will be exactly the same depth and height: Changes break a person's stride and cause stumbles.

Also, be sure to take into account the depth of tread-finishing materials and mortar, if any, when planning a concrete foundation.

Use stakes and a level string or board to determine the total rise your steps will ascend and the total run they will traverse. To determine how many steps you will need, divide these measurements by combinations of tread and riser sizes until you come out with equal-size steps.

A caution: Building codes usually place limits on tread and riser sizes and other stairway dimensions, so check with local authorities before finalizing your plans. Codes also mandate handrails in some situations.

What You Need:

Tools:

• Stakes
• String level
• Shovel
• Work gloves
• Sledgehammer
• Level
• Drill, drill bits, and extension

Materials:

• 8-inch timbers
• Rerod, used in concrete construction

Step 1: Plan and Excavate Slope

Lay out your planned site with stakes and a string level. Cut carefully into the slope, making room for the desired tread and riser dimensions. Steps of two 8-inch timbers work well if they overlap by 4 inches.

Step 2: Place Timbers

Lay the timbers in place, then pound them until secure using a sledgehammer. Check for level.

Safety Tip: Wear appropriate protective gear, including work gloves and safety glasses.

Step 3: Add Timbers and Secure

Using an electrician's extension bit, bore holes at the front edge of each timber into the one below it, then pound in rerod to tie them together. Also bore horizontal holes to secure each timber to the one behind it.