How to Build Garden Steps

Dealing with an awkward slope in your garden? Turning this eyesore into a set of stairs can be a practical and attractive addition to your outdoor space. All it takes is some measuring beforehand, preparing the ground, and then following our handy step-by-step guide - no pun intended. Building a set of garden steps is easier than you might think and can really upgrade the aesthetics and functionality of your space.

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When building garden steps, start by calculating the number of steps you’ll need to make based on the total height and desired step height, then determine the tread depth to plan the step layout accurately.
To build usable garden steps, you’ll need to prepare the ground first by marking the area using pegs and string for guidance on placement, digging out the step shapes, and compacting the soil to create a stable base for building.
You can build garden steps with either brick or wood. To make your decision easier, use mortar, bricks, and slabs for durable steps, or opt for pressure-treated wood secured with rebars, and filled with compacted sub-base and gravel or soil for a natural look.

How to measure for garden steps

Before you start building your garden steps, it’s important to take measurements to work out how many steps you’ll need in the first place. Use this formula:

Number of steps = total height divided by step height

So, if the height difference between the top and bottom of the slope is 700mm, and the recommended height of each step is around 200mm, you’ll need to divide 700 by 200, giving you 3.5. Round this up to the nearest whole number, and that’s how many steps you’ll need.

Then you need to work out how deep your steps will need to be. The usual tread depth is around 30 - 45cm, so all you need to do is multiply you desired depth by the number of steps.

How to prepare the ground for garden steps

When preparing your ground for garden steps, start by marking out the area with pegs and string before you begin digging to make sure you’re happy with the placement of your steps.

Once happy, it’s time to dig out the steps, matching your planned shape of the staircase. It’s a good idea to use a spirit level to make sure all surfaces are level. Then compact the dirt to create a solid foundation.

Building garden steps

Brick and wood are the most common and easy to use materials for building garden steps. Here’s a guide on how to use both:

How to build garden steps with brick

Using brick for your garden steps will maximise their longevity and durability.

Mix up a mortar made in a 4:1 ratio of sharp sand and concrete and then leave it to dry. Starting with the first step, build two rows using bricks and always ensure that the top is level.

Once the mortar has dried, fill the space behind each brick-made step with sub base, compacting it down with a contractors rammer, making sure it’s level with the top of your bricks.

Layer the mortar on top of this surface and place a slab over it. You may need to use more than one side-by-side to fill the space. This can sit flush with the front of the bricks or overhang; just make sure its depth matches your previous tread measurement.

Build your next step on top of the slab you just laid. Make sure it’s at the same height as the previous step. Do this for every step you build.

How to build garden steps with wood

For simple wood steps, all you need is a plank of pressure treated wood per step, a method of securing this into the ground and some sub base and gravel.

Place your first plank of wood where you’d like your first step to be. Ideally at the bottom of the original slope.

Once happy with the position, secure the plank into the ground using rebars. It’s a good idea to use 3 for each step for maximum stability.

Fill the gap behind the wood with sub base, compacting it until it’s level and sits just below the wood.

Layer gravel on top of the sub base to complete your step. As an alternative, fill the gap behind the step with soil and sow grass seed into it so that the surrounding areas blend in with the rest of your lawn. Repeat this for the rest of the steps.

And that’s it. Now that awkward slope is a DIY highlight in your garden, helping to keep it safe and add some new texture and interest to the space. Whether you go for brick, wood, or paved steps, there’s also the option of introducing decorative elements like raised planters on either side for a pop of colour, making your steps a feature of the garden.

Frequently asked questions

It’s unlikely that planning permission will be needed before building garden steps. The only time you may need to consider it would be if the steps are part of a larger project, or if you’re building an entire staircase that may encroach on your neighbours’ privacy.

Handrails are not legally required for DIY outdoor steps, but if there’s a large drop on either side, or if you live with anyone who has mobility issues, they are recommended.

The depth of a step is known as the ‘tread’. In the UK, an outdoor step tread should be between 280mm and 425mm, keeping this consistent from step to step. The top and bottom steps should have a tread of at least 900mm.

The height of a step is known as the ‘rise’. In the UK, an outdoor step rise should be 150-170mm, with each step being uniform.