Step by Step

Notes on practical landscaping

See how the square slabs turn and overlap, creating a curve yet with all straight lines everywhere.

In the cut-away drawing there’s the case for a ton of gravel. (Click the picture to biggify.)

I wish I’d gotten prices on the 4-inch solid concrete blocks. They’re about half the size of a normal block but without holes. These would be dandy for placing under the tread stones.

The treads, as I’m calling them, are 16 by 12 by 3 inches. Stacking ‘em on a half-block base makes for a seven-inch step. That’s a relatively common measure I’d guess.

Putting the treads long-way with the walk, it takes three of ‘em side-by-side to make a walkway that’s three feet wide. That only leaves about four inches overlap for the step above to do its turning.

If the treads are laid long-way across the sidewalk then two would make a 32-inch sidewalk (narrow) and three would make a four-foot walk. But to make the treads deep enough for comfort there would need to be a total of six treads per step (see the first photo) or it’s going to be too crowded for comfort. Assuming there are five steps, that’s thirty treads at $5 each – you do the maths.

At the top of the ground there should be a smooth landing. Of course it, like the steps, needs to have a bed of crushed gravel underneath. I would probably want to put those heavy 4-inch concrete blocks down for a surface. Concrete pavers – like at Weston’s patio – would be okay as long as they have a sturdy base but I think they’re too light. Whatever. Of course y’all have a pile of paver bricks just achin’ to be put back into service….