Isn’t the name of this post mystifying? It’s not any ‘ol DIY project…it’s THE Do It Yourself Project. What could it be? Well…to DEmystify the title…let’s go with this title instead, DIY Super Simple and Super Hard But Super Cheap and Probably Not Very Safe Outdoor Steps. Not so exciting anymore huh?
I decided that I needed some steps in between the raised garden beds that I built into our big slope of a back yard. Okay…maybe I didn’t need them, but I think that steps make it a little easier to get up and down the hill…unless you’re on skates…that would be hard…but…hello…who gardens in skates these days?
This is what I am working with:
I love the organic feel of those huge natural stones. They are gorgeous, but come on, who’s going to be carrying around those mammoth rocks? So, I had to search for other ideas. Something that I could handle by myself. Like this:
It isn’t AS aesthetically pleasing, but it isn’t too hard on the eyes either. Plus, it serves it’s purpose.
I started off by measuring the area from top to bottom and then from the high point of the hill to the low point. These measurements gave me an idea of how many steps I would need.
I went to buy the supplies: Retainer blocks, Sand, River Rocks, and Pea Gravel
I tried to find a retainer brick that matched the color of grout on our house.
Starting with the bottom step, I got to digging. (hardest part)
I had planned on using one row of blocks per step (like in my inspiration pic above), but quickly found that the hill was too steep and so I doubled the middle rows. Does that make sense? Maybe the next picture will explain…
After digging out 2 wheel barrows of dirt all of the bricks were put into place. Then, I just added the rocks and pebbles:
It kind of looks like the bricks are just stuck in there, but each step is actually level with the rocks. Promise.
Before with no steps:
After with steps:
It’s actually pretty stable…maybe not for a 90 year old. It will be interesting to see what happens after it settles a little.
Total cost of project: Retainer blocks x 13 $1.35 each (on sale right now at Lowe’s), Sand $3.11, River Rock x 2 $3.98, Pea Gravel $3.65 = $35! Not too shabby! (Tools and fabric and my muscles were already on hand.)
So…what do you think of the new steps? I know exactly what you are thinking…gheeettttto FABULOUS!!
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24 Comments
You crack me up!!! Love reading your posts. The project, as most outdoor projects, almost never meets our expectations since everything looks so “raw” and new. Give it some time and nature will take its course. I think you did a great job!
BTW- Was Craig any part of this? Can’t imagine him getting his hands dirty! 😉
KT
Thanks for the encouragement Kevin! Nope. Craig was no part of this…ha! You know him so well…
This is amazing!!! It turned out so great and what a price. Well done girl!
Thank you for your sweet comment Ann!
I can’t believe how gorgeous your steps are! You are so amazing to DIY those. I bet you grew some muscles doing it too… LOL!
Enjoy that yard-paradise of yours!!!!
hugs x
Crystelle
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wow! what a great idea, and good for you doing it yourself. looks like you’ve got a lot of great things growing, too.
Thank you!
If you find the stone start to slip do they make some sort of adhesive that you could attach the top steps to the bottom?
I’m not sure Kathy, but the stones do have little grooves that kind of keep them from slipping!
Wow, you are a brave woman to tackle that project! It turned out great. Love it! Thanks for sharing at Give Me The Goods Monday!
Jamie @Better With Age
Thanks Jamie!
Nice stairs. I have the same rocks in my garden but never thought of using them as stair steps like this.
Thank you for stopping by Audra!
Great idea! My garden is flat but I was thinking about steps in between rows of tomatoes and peppers.
Thanks so much for sharing at The Creative HomeAcre Hop! Looking forward to seeing what you share this week!
http://back2basichealth.blogspot.com/2013/06/welcome-to-another-creative-homeacre-hop.html
Thank you Mary
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