building steps into a slope

[toffee]

we have had extension built at the back of the house where the land is higher than than at the front.
We have got about 3metres dug out from the back of the house which slopes up to the higher level, about 4 feet higher.
We have young kids so thought a slope would be safer than a wall and drop.
I thought for ease we would grass the slope?
What would be the easiest way to have steps up this slope and what materials would be cheapest?
Also, I thought we would put gravel down on the area below (have got some sandstone for around the door but cant afford to cover whole area yet as house is long)
What would I need to put under the gravel?
I had all sorts of ideas for here but the money pot is sadly low at this stage of the work!!!

 

[Thermo]

depends how severe the slope is and what effect you want, but you could do it with sleepers, or as a cheaper alternative, half round posts, set horizontally and pegged in position. you can then dig the earth away to form each step, cover with a geotextile fabric and cover with your gravel

put the fabric under the gravel on the lower area as well. use a proper landscaping fabric and not plastic sheeting, as it lets the water through it and will avoid any drainage problems.

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heres one i did earlier!

 

[toffee]

thermo, how do you keep the wood in position?
You said peg it but explain please.

 

[Thermo]

toffe have you got any photos of where you want to put the steps, it will be easier to come up with some solutions for you.

the ones in the photo are all part of the retaining wall so its quite a big solid structure. If you look up from the steps you will see a sleeper half way up the path. if you have a fairly gentle slope you can make the steps, by using the sleepers in a similar way. The sleeper is sitting on a levelled and compacted bed of soil. Its placed in position and then some 50 x 50, 3 feet long stakes are hammered in behind it. The posts are then fixed (screwed or nailed) to the sleeper and that holds it in position. Sleepers can be expensive and you have to chose carfully what ones you use these days. All the ones i use are new treated softwood, which are very easy to cut and lift and also have no creosote in them which is harmful. If you look to the sides of the path you will see some half round poles. you could use those instead of the sleepers as they are a lot cheaper.

 

[toffee]

thermo... I have a neighbour a horse and cart ride away who has a digital camera and can do stuff like that. Dont hold your breath but I will get photos. thank you.

 

[Thermo]

horse and cart, blimey you must be out in the sticks. You are sure its a digital and not a box brownie arent you?

 

[toffee]

hee hee