Cut Lumber and Anchor Step Frames
At 3:47 in
Quick and Easy Outdoor Steps
What happens here
Use a miter saw to cut 4x6 pressure-treated lumber into the appropriate lengths (typically two 24-inch pieces for the sides and one 48-inch piece for the front of each 4x4 ft frame, assuming you start with 8-foot sticks). Assemble each step frame by screwing the cut lumber pieces together with lag bolts. Place a new step frame directly above the previous one, ensuring its back end rests flat on the front end of the lower frame. Drive long 1/2-inch rebar pieces through pilot holes drilled with an auger bit into the frame corners and into the ground to securely anchor each step and connect it to the preceding one. This prevents the steps from shifting or sliding down the hill.
Goal: Prepare lumber and securely assemble and anchor subsequent step frames
Tools and materials
- 1/2-inch Auger Bit — Drilling pilot holes for rebar stakes
- 1/2-inch Rebar — Anchoring step frames to the ground and connecting them
- Drill Ryobi — Driving lag bolts and drilling pilot holes
- Hammer — Driving rebar stakes into the ground
- Lag Bolts — Securing lumber pieces together
- Miter Saw Ryobi — Cutting pressure-treated lumber to length
- Pressure-Treated 4x6 Lumber — Constructing the step frames
- String Line — Providing a visual guide for the overall alignment of the steps