[fakie99]

OK....we'll be laying an ashlar full range bluestone patio (dry-laid and I'll be including a couple of steps in the plan. Here's the question - suppose I want to use bluestone to create the risers for the steps, in addition to using it for the treads. can I use concrete adhesive to fasten the treads to the underlying risers, or would mortar be preferred. The risers would be installed on top of a well compacted gravel base. Looking for ideas....

Thanks.

[Lanelle]

You might think about using very thick 'stepper' slabs of bluestone then you don't have to construct a riser since the stone will be about 6" thick. We can order cut or irregular,broken stones for this purpose from various suppliers in PA.

[ianc]

I would suggest pouring concrete and mortering the kickplate and tread using portland/sealbond mix, I just put down step treads - Owen Sound - 6" riser 16" tread - flamed face - less fuss and fast if you work from the top and slide the stones downhill into place

[Stonehenge]

I've seen bluestone projects where adhesive didn't take very well to the stones. You may have to cut some inverse V grooves as Paul had advised me on another project to make that adhesive work.

Or, you may try mortaring a veneer to the face of each block you use as a riser, with the same dimensions as the riser, so if it heaves in winter, it'll all go together.