[HRLand]

I am finally building my own patio after removing the old deck more than a year ago. It will be 18" above grade, using techo creta plus 6" block with steps on 2 sides. I would like to use natural stone for the steps but have never done this before. Anyone have advice and/or pics of similar work?

[ianc]

I put in the steps first - support them with a strip footing and block framework - granular backfill - then sat the steps into position
I built the walls/pillars afterwards

~ian

[HRLand]

Thanks Ian, your steps look great. However, my steps will project out from the wall with exposed sides. I was just hoping to see something similar to help me plan this but I can't find examples.

[ianc]

this be the only one with exposed sides

[jwholden]

Ian,

Is a strip footing a footing that is only along the sides to support the weight, kinda like a bench? I'd love to hear a little more detail about that.

[ianc]

a strip footing is usually 6" thick and extends 4" past the front/back of the wall - it provides a level area and I usually morter the first row of precast pieces to it - then glue from then on up

[fakie99]

ian,

you're out there doing some beautiful work! still in the software biz?

hope all is well,

jim

[4seasons]

can you take 3" sandstone treads and glue it to your blocks instead of coping?

[mark allen]

is that a fake boulder on the left of the steps.... it looks like it is above the bricks???????

[John LaPointe]

Do you always use a cement footing beneath steps? Are there any alternatives?