[Malrex]

Hey all...
The wife is cracking the whip on me to build a dry laid flagstone patio. I'm comfy doing that.

But we bought some pre-formed concrete stairs to go from our porch down to the patio I will be building. I did a search for concrete footers and found some info, but want to make sure I got things straight.

The stairs total about 4' wide and maybe 3' long (not very big). I live in PA, so we can get some cold winters. I've read here that for a footer's depth I would need a 1' hole, 2' hole and then a 4' hole to get below the frostline. I got a little confused and figured the depths were dependant on where you live...how deep should I go? Do you think its necessary to go 4' for just some stairs?

I'm leaning towards 2' deep with layers of compacted gravel, then have a 4-6" concrete footer (would use quickrete) that I would just pour into the hole (wasn't planning on using any types of forms or rebar). Am I on the right track? I want to do it right.

We also have some french doors that will need stairs as well. The stairs would be set right against the house. I read that some of you attach the stairs to the foundation by drillin 2-3" or so. Do you think that is necessary for this situation? It is a new home and I'm a little concerned about settling.

I just need to get over this little hurdle before she will let me build ponds and softscapes--which I feel comfy and enjoy doing. Any tips would be great..thanks!

[Ax Man]

New home generally implies an extended settling period, as the foundation backfill has not been compacted.
I would go with the 4 foot hole. To count on bolts into your foundation to hold up a footer and stairs when the soil under settles might not be a great idea. Think of it this way, you can plan on making use of the material you dig out of those holes in your new softscape or water feature.

[Malrex]

Thanks Ax. 4' I will go. I had the same concern about the bolts as well.