What are your ideas for rebuilding these patio steps (see details)?

Question

I am being faced with the challenge of rebuilding some stacked paver steps. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture - it's three tiers of steps with the base being roughly 16' x 4'. It's framed with 6'x6's and the steps themselves are pavers (these pavers: http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=12239-000000215-12239&lpage=none). The steps sort of look like the steps in this second picture: http://www.sonic.net/dwstark/images/landscaping2006/Dec11.htm only imagine the risers are 6'x6's and the tops are wider and filled with the paving stones. The shape is also more rectangular instead of curved.

These steps were built directly on the ground and filled with gravel and sand to place the pavers in. The wood is now rotting out and is infested with ants so the steps need replaced. The homeowner wants the same look -- wooden fronts and wood edged treads with the pavers filling in the rest of the steps. How can we rebuild to achieve the same look and prevent rot?

Answer 1

Instead of sand, use stone dust. Lay down crushed rock, gravel, then stone dust. It won't hold water like sand will, and ants aren't going to like living in it.

Then make sure that all the lumber you use is pressure-treated. Prime/finish all sides of each board you use.

You can always do concrete and block, as others are suggesting here, and then attaching the pavers to it and also attaching thinner boards to the sides and fronts of each step, making the wood decorative rather than structural.

Most of all, make sure that when it's all in place, water will drain easily away from the steps. Try to avoid having any wood in direct contact with actual soil.

Answer 2

I haven't looked at the links, but certainly have put in thousands of hours doing and re-doing decks and steps. VET actually has the best clue in using Blocks as the frame/base, as opposed to wood.

I'll assume you're a contractor of sorts; and might try to set a relationship/rapport with the customer that allows him to feel confident in YOUR suggestions, as they blend with their GREEN/Natural/Aesthetic sense. Of course you could suggest Rail Road Ties,,,sigh,,, but consider the job as a signiture too; in that YOUR work is your income, and credibility. If the notion is natural, and the pavers, gravel, etc. project that; you might investigate Paving/Border stone as the base for the terraces. Big Box stores sell them by the ton, every day, and you certainly could use it effectively, even mortared.
With all due respect to YOUR customer and/or any... They are always "RIGHT" even when they aren't. If you find what the customer is OK with; in Wood;;; do the job; get paid; and walk away knowing you did your best.

On a personal level, for me at least; I'd very much enjoy being remembered favorably, as if I had Built a structure in the UK for example, that was begun before the USA was established, and still stands.

Steven Wolf

Answer 3

you could use cinderblocks to replace the wood and the do a decretive paint on them or skim them with stucco for a neater look

Answer 4

Hello,

Wish I can answer but I am clueless to this subject. Anyway Good Luck and hopefully you will get the help you need.
Blessings to you:)