granite steps

chuck172 · Mar 4, 2015

I don't know if this is the proper forum for this.
Has anyone installed front granite entry steps? For some reason I can't seem to get good info on this. I need front entry steps, have a tractor with forks, thinking this might be a good spring project.

ishiboo · Mar 4, 2015

Sure, what kind of info do you need?

I saw a trick on This Old House... Rodger uses ice under the blocks so the straps can be removed (hang the steps via nylon straps below the forks, the forks will make nasty marks).

davesl708 · Mar 4, 2015

ishiboo said:
Sure, what kind of info do you need?

I saw a trick on This Old House... Rodger uses ice under the blocks so the straps can be removed (hang the steps via nylon straps below the forks, the forks will make nasty marks).

I saw that episode. Worked great. Ice also gives you time to get everything lined up and level.
Good luck with the project.

chuck172 · Mar 4, 2015

what's needed as far as footings?

ishiboo · Mar 4, 2015

chuck172 said:
what's needed as far as footings?

If it cannot move at all, technically standard footings below the frost line.

Most people use just a base (4-6") of crusher run, decomposed granite, etc.

chuck172 · Mar 4, 2015

so a base for the first one, the next will be ontop and canterlevered over the first. Does it need a base or just a level area behind the first?

jel1988 · Mar 4, 2015

How many steps will there be? More rises will be difficult to adjust after a few frost cycles. If you have more than 3 rises I would sink a two 12" sono tubes (concrete filled) below frost on the bottom riser and save back breaking required to adjust 500 lb. blocks of stone. If less than 3 rises 6" of gravel that will pack tight is a bare minimum, a foot would be better. Dampen and pack in at least two layers.

ishiboo · Mar 4, 2015

As jel said, more details would be nice. How many steps? Are these going up a slope, or are they on flat ground?

If it's a few (2-3 steps), most people would do a flat pad and have each step be progressively smaller, i.e. the first one is 4'x3', second one is 3'x'3, top one is 2'x3' and they stack on each other. If it's a lot you have to figure out how you're going do it.