Project Granite steps

[Egon]

The owner of a local cottage has asked me to install some steps from the lake shore to the cottage front yard. [ He may not be a wise man ]

This involved smoothing the face of the bank, hauling rocks, splitting rocks and then placing rocks. Some of the steps have been placed. The next ones get harder as my little tractor loader reach is limited.

The steps should see a rock facing on either side when the project is finished.

[Bird]

Egon, I can sure see why some steps are needed, but that appears to be some very unstable soil. Is that the case? And how are you going to prevent the granite steps from sinking, shifting, or sliding down the hill?

[3RRL]

Egon,
Looks like you are staying busy in your old age. Don't strain yourself too much. About what size, how big are they?
Did you shape those granite rocks yourself like that? That's some nice work.

[Egon]

The granite was split by myself. I can just about lift the rocks but that don't mean much as I'm not very strong.

Bird: The bank they rest against is granular material ranging from sand to larger boulders. The hillside on either side of the steps will be clad with rock.

Picture of before.

[curly]

The granite was split by myself. I can just about lift the rocks but that don't mean much as I'm not very strong.

Bird: The bank they rest against is granular material ranging from sand to larger boulders. The hillside on either side of the steps will be clad with rock.

Picture of before.

This may sound dumb, but how exactly does one go about splitting granite?

[Egon]

Splitting granite by a novice:

Drill a series of holes using a hammer drill.

Insert feathers and wedges.

Tap on each wedge in turn till the hammer note goes from sharp to dull when the stone splits.

[fishpick]

AWESOME POST!