You already know how to build a natural stone staircase for each part of the process. You don’t need new knowledge to do it, just our advice on what to do, when and how to do it in general.
Building stone stairs is a fun and exciting project. When you have finished, you will be rewarded with a set of aesthetically pleasing stone staircases. They are elegant in your garden, in the garden leading to your terrace or in the middle of a steeply sloping path.
Most people leave this to professionals, but the pleasure of doing something at home is always special and much more satisfying. It may sound complicated, and frankly, it’s not the easiest task, especially if you don’t have any experience.
But we’re here to guide you every step of the way. The construction of a natural stone staircase installation is not as difficult as other similar projects. You can certainly start this project if you are willing to invest energy and time.
It’s not hard, but anything you do halfway there won’t be good. So put your whole heart and soul into it so that it becomes beautiful and you have the right to brag.
There are many different materials to choose from for this project. Choose what best fits the design of your other neighborhood.
You can opt for a rough look with uneven stones that look more natural and let grass grow between the stones, or you can opt for thinner, flatter stones for your steps that may look more humane.
In the end, it all depends on how you want it. Make sure everything is in order with the rest of the environment. Because otherwise it comes out like a sore thumb.
Psychological preparation for laying natural stone steps
First of all you have to decide which stone you want to use for your project. There is a wide range of flagpoles to choose from. They are available in almost all possible sizes, styles and colours.
This makes the choice easier for you. Analyze the style of your house and then find the right stone. Of course they can be found in nature, but frankly it is much easier and better to make money and buy them, in my opinion.
If you want your stone staircase to look natural and rough, work the split or coated stone directly onto the walkway. If you want a more refined and sophisticated look, you can choose flagpoles, both in shape and colour.
There are also size options. You can get small pieces of stone and put them together, or use them to fill in the gaps between large but irregularly shaped stones. It’s up to you, but keep in mind that the little ones can be squeezed out over time.
Do not choose small stones, because they can be difficult to assemble. You can stack the small stones to form a step, or you can use a large stone for a single step. But the smaller ones will eventually break the whole train.
To use a large stone in one step, you have to measure the size you want, taking into account the size you want. The size and width of your crotch plays an important role.
We recommend that you use medium-sized stones when you do this for the first time. Indeed, a stone that is too large would need manual or mechanical help, and a very small stone would require some experience, because not only can they be assembled beautifully.
How much does it cost to build a natural stone staircase?
Installing stone steps can cost about $2,300 on average, depending on the type of natural stone slabs used and the length of the stairs. A shorter scale can only cost $1,000, while the longer scale can cost up to $13,000, including labor.
If you do the installation yourself, you can deduct about 40% of the total cost.
Ten steps would require about 25 linear feet of plate. The five steps will be approximately 13 linear feet. Here are examples of the prices you can expect to pay for the type of natural stone slab on a linear basis.
- Bluestone – $15 to $30
- Flagstone costs $15 to $55.
- Planned Concrete – $20 – $65
- Limestone – $25 to $50
- Sandstone – $30 to $50
- Slate – $30 to $55
- Granite – 45 to 95 dollars
Call the many places that offer these stone staircases to find the best offer. Don’t forget to ask about the costs of loading, delivery and unloading if you want to do that for you. Otherwise you’ll need a low loader and a rear support!
Once you have chosen the tiles, make sure they fit into the environment and are as safe as possible for the elderly and children.
Building materials and plans in natural stone
First think of the depth of each step. Do what you want according to the length of the barrel, but keep the depth of the plug between 12 and 18 or they will be completely uncomfortable.
Normally the stones should be 6 to 7 mm thick. This will help you to create the perfect 7-seat elevator that we are all waiting for to take the stairs. If you cross these limits, you’ll get a lot more accidents.
We usually do at least 7 transports and 14 groceries. You can go up there, like 8 risers and 15 runs, but don’t go under and don’t go above. If the barrel is too long, it can become clumsy or uncomfortable.
If you need more space, it’s always a good idea to widen the bottom step and let it narrow a bit upwards. You don’t have to do it, but it always seems welcome and friendly.
You also need A-gravel and sand for bedding. They are used to create flat surfaces on which the stone stairs can rest, so that the water can drain off and evaporate.
Calculation of the gradient and classification of stone steps
To determine the number of kilometres and the height of the stairs, we have to do some calculations. They’re not complicated, so don’t worry. But you must have a calculator at hand.
Measuring the length of the stone ladder
First we determine the distance to the stairs. Measurements should be taken horizontally, because an oblique measurement does not provide accurate values.
It is like measuring the hypotenuse of a triangle if you want to measure the base. Your readings will take too long.
You measure from the future side of the top step and the future side of the bottom step, but in the air up to a vertical point above the bottom step. You can plant a large stick in the ground, a shovel, a ruler or any other object long enough to reach the maximum height.
Measuring the rise of stone steps
Mark a point on this bar equal to the base of the future upper steps. You now measure vertically from the base of the lower step to the base of the upper step. You can simply use a stick or a shovel to measure where you have marked it, from the ground up to this marking.
Calculate the number of stone placement steps required
You now have the barrel (horizontal length) and the stroke (vertical length). Divide the total race by the ideal race for each stage to calculate the number of stages required.
First look for the thickness of the panels you wish to buy, especially the height of each slot. By dividing your vertical measurement (height) by this panel thickness, you know how many panels to buy, which tells you more about the price you can expect.
For the desired odometer reading, divide the total measured odometer reading by the number of stone steps (calculated above). This will tell you whether your pitch depth is acceptable, which should be between 12 and 18.
If you want to level a lower step with the soil, subtract one step from the total number of steps in this measurement. Depending on the answer, it may be necessary to shorten or lengthen each step to adjust the current height, which is easy to do once you start building natural stone steps.
Preparation for laying the first natural stone step
To prepare a springboard for the foundation stone, make sure that the area where you want to place the foundation stone is slightly higher than the surrounding soil, so that there is sufficient space for drainage. It will also settle a bit in the ground over time, so expect the same.
If there is not enough space to drain the lower step, you can use a drainage tile instead, behind or in front of the lower step.
In general, 4 thick corrugated pipes and 3/4 of the drainage stones are used. You can cover it with a geotextile membrane to better integrate it into the environment.
When you close this pipe, the stone of your choice will be laid. Check that the collected water flows well from the end of the hose to the pull frame. If that’s the case, you’re free to go. Otherwise you accidentally closed the holes in the top of the pipe.
You will have to use a shovel to dig up the surface on which the new step will be placed. Make this area bigger than the walk will be. Dig a rectangle about 5 meters deep. Scrub the floor at the bottom of this hole so that it is flat enough.
Fill the hole with a gravel mixture of at least 4A and compact it so that it is flat. Then cover it with about a layer of sand and press it down again. This is the flat surface on which your stone slab will rest. Not only is it flat now, but it also allows water to infiltrate and drain away and is resistant to bacterial growth.
We recommend using a hand compactor to tap the sand, but this of course depends on the size of the stone. The tile sealing machine is ideal to start with if you can afford to rent one. I did it with a flat shovel.
Place each stone step by step upwards
In this final step of our natural stone stair construction guide, we install the rest of your stairs, starting with the bottom and top of the second stage.
Watch out for two. The length of the rope to ensure that the front of the rope is half an inch lower than the back of the same length of rope. The idea is to prevent the water from standing on each step and running down and out.
They ensure that each natural stone staircase slides slightly forward so that the water runs to the bottom step and the basement, where it can drain naturally or in a corrugated drainpipe.
Standing water is bad for your stairwell. Make sure that you leave a little space behind each step so that the water can run to the front and sides, or make sure that the front of the next higher step overlaps slightly with the front of the next one.
What you need to do is repeat the process of digging where the next stone will be, adding A-gravel and foundation sand and pushing it into an even layer. Continue adding material until you reach the desired height. Now place the stone stepladder slightly diagonally to the front.
You must ensure that the front of each top step overlaps the bottom step by at least 1. To add a slight forward tilt, you can use the gravel you dropped as a spacer at the time of purchase to raise the rear ends.
We’re convinced that if you take each step in turn, you’ll do well. That’s how stone stairs are built… step by step, literally.
How to make your stone staircase more beautiful
Once you know how to build a natural stone staircase, they are already a great addition to your yard, house or garden. They immediately change the appearance of the area. To embellish your natural stone steps, you must first think about where to plant them.
If they are in an informal environment, such as your garden, they should be in an inclined position. This gives the area a naturalistic look.
You can consider adding stone walls to the side if necessary, or you can add flowerbeds to give your natural stone staircase a beautiful look. You can even place a kind of arch and grow climbing vegetables or vines.
You can also get inspiration from Google or Pinterest and place natural rocks, flowers and planters around it. For example, some people want to light their stairs. For example with solar lamps, tiki torches or Christmas lights.
It’s even more important when the stairs are outside. Before you start tinkering with the stairs, you should first make plans on how to safely light them.
For a more formal approach, cheek walls work best. They are elegant next to your stairs and give it a more charming finish. Make sure that their color and size match so that they visually harmonize with your steps. A coordinated wall reinforces your natural stone staircase, especially if it stands on a steep bank.
Many houses require steps, but some people just want to accentuate their landscape. The addition of steps not only transforms the area, but also contributes to its beauty.
Stairs are a great way to connect your landscapes. You also talk to others about the style and appearance of your home and the atmosphere you want to create.
If they are outside your home, they serve as an introduction, and if they are in your garden, they serve to add magic and relaxation. Personally, I prefer a nice frame. If there’s running water somewhere, all the better.
How to build with natural stone steps.
Building natural stone steps alone can be tricky, and when we started this adventure, there was no real manual or step-by-step guide. We decided to write a complete guide for people who want to start this trip, although there are more now.
This article is for people who want to invest their time in something productive and meaningful. The guide is easy to understand, and with a basic knowledge of it, you will be able to understand it and take successful action.
Decorating your home gives meaning to the materials and brings you peace of mind. We strongly advise those interested to learn how to build a natural stone staircase.
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Editor: Rick Sausage
Rick is a home design consultant and enthusiast whose life revolves around everything that has to do with home and garden. What started as a hobby has become a true mine of information and inspiration for both professionals and owners. Rick owns and publishes many of our content providers. To find out more about Rick and the operation, click here.
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