Lay First Course of Steps
6:00
22:03
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At 6:00 in
DIY Guide to Everything Retaining Walls w/ Versa-Lok -Including Stairs, design, Construction & more
What happens here
Begin laying the first course of blocks for the steps and the adjacent retaining walls. Use a Versa-Lok lifter to easily pick up and place the heavy blocks. Ensure the blocks forming the steps are level vertically, while the blocks for the retaining wall have the appropriate setback. Use a level and dead blow hammer to make final adjustments. This specific staircase is 32 inches wide, using two full blocks side-by-side per step. For wider stairs, simply add more full blocks. The key is to use whole blocks where possible to avoid unnecessary cutting.
Goal: Place the initial layer of blocks for the stairs and retaining walls.
Tools and materials
- Dead Blow Hammer — Making fine adjustments to block placement
- Level — Checking the horizontal alignment of blocks
- Straight Edge Bon — Ensuring the front and back of the blocks are aligned and level
- Versa-Lok Blocks Versa-Lok — Constructing the steps and retaining walls
- Versa-Lok Lifter Versa-Lok — Safely lifting and placing blocks