How to Build Steps From Timber
- 1). Use a measuring tape to measure the distance from the top of the slope to the bottom in the area where you intend to construct your timber steps. Determine the number of steps you intend to use to cover the slope. Determine the height of the vertical risers you will use, or the piece of each step that extends vertically. Also determine the depth of the treads, or piece of the step that is positioned horizontally. Add the measurements for the tread and riser, which should approximately total 430mm.
- 2). Mark the location where each timber step will be positioned on the slope using stakes on either side of the slope. Tie a string across the base of the stakes to ensure the stakes are evenly positioned, or level.
- 3). Mark the appropriate height and width measurements for your tread and riser on a piece of timber with a carpenter's pencil. Position the timber on a sawhorse to secure it. Cut the timber along your marks using a chain saw.
- 4). Use a shovel to cut into the slope to allow enough space to accommodate the timber placement. Start at the top of the slope and work your way down, using the staked lines as a guide.
- 5). Position the timbers onto the dug-out areas, again using the staked lines as guides. Place two treads, one after the next, horizontally onto the trench. Then place two risers on top of the two treads, one after the other. Allow for an overlap, so that the last riser rests halfway over the top of the last tread. Strike the boards with a wooden mallet to help secure them. Use a level to ensure that each piece of timber is even.
- 6). Attach an electrician's extension bit to a drill. Use the drill to drill a hole through the front corner ends of each final timber tread piece. Drill down until both holes extend through to the board below and insert a reinforcement rod through each hole to help secure the timbers together.
- 7). Use the drill to drill a set of horizontal holes on either side of the front end side of the final timber tread piece. Drill horizontally through the timber piece until the hole penetrates the timber piece behind it. Insert reinforcement rods to secure the pair of timber pieces together.
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