[Keith N]

I'm looking for advice on building radius steps using Belgard celtik steps. The height is 2.5 ft.

[Stonehenge]

Keith - what are you unsure about?

[Keith N]

Jeff, I'm just trying to get a jump in my mind on building these steps. I have to tear off a deck to see exactly what kind of height I have to work with. Steps just have my number when it comes to using a man made block and I have never done steps in a radius especially coming off a backdoor. Most have been done going into grade. I will be trying to build them with as little cuts as possible. I just hate seeing a bunch of pie shaped cuts.

If you build the steps using the pedestal method and inlay pavers what do you use to get the pavers at the same height as the wall block. Block being 4" and the pavers being 2 3/8? I assume you build your base row and set your leading edge or coping (4" block) and then use screenings to get the extra height needed?

[Stonehenge]

Can you use pavers for the entire tread of the step? Or caps for the entire tread? We've tried to stop doing the inlays like that, just because it takes a premium in labor, but clients most often are not willing to pay that premium over a simpler construction, using only caps or only pavers for the step tread.

But if this is what you have designed, and if I understand it correctly you'll have a cap at the front of the step and the riser for the next step at the back of the current step, giving you a "dish" more or less in which to prep and lay pavers.

If that understanding is correct, instead of using screenings which would require more work compacting, I'd lay a geoblanket down where the pavers will go, lipping up on all sides, then fill the area with a coarse sand. It can be troweled off quickly and easily and won't compact much. Then lay your pavers over the top of the sand.

I hope that answers your question - if not, fire away with more.

[Keith N]

Give the man a ceegar! That's exactly what I was trying to come up with Jeff. I think I'll use either option that you hit on since I can build what I want. The customer is open as long as it matches and looks good. I'm going to try the builder and caps for the whole tread if I can get a good color match with the pavers and SRW blocks. If they don't look goood I'll use the pavers for the whole tread.

[Stonehenge]

Glad to help.

[Fine Edge]

Take some pics when you're done!!
You'll still have to cut some caps to get the radius to look good but it will be worth it.

[Ax Man]

If you don't like the caps, Belgards Mega Bergerac paver is the same thickness as the caps.

[Lanelle]

Remember to buy lots of glue because it's going to take more than you estimate.

[Keith N]

Originally posted by Lanelle
Remember to buy lots of glue because it's going to take more than you estimate.

LOL! That's no joke! I buy it by the gross these day's.


Ax man, I was looking at Mega B for the treads. It will depend on what color matches the best with Cambridge Cobble in the Burnt Walnut color untumbled. I'm not sure if the C-cobble would look good for the treads.

Thanks Jeff for your help. I'll keep everyone posted on the progress.