Can you use retaining wall blocks for steps?
Along with basic pattern shapes, retaining wall blocks are manufactured in cap, corner and other edging forms that create a finished look. Take advantage of these preformed shapes to outline your steps with a complementary border, contrast the risers with the treads or create steps with a welcoming curved top landing.
How do you build an Allen block staircase?
Tight Stairs with AB Capstones
- Excavate the area for the stairway. Make the bottom trench 12 in.
- Place 4 in. (100 mm) of wall rock in the trench and compact thoroughly.
- Install the cap blocks on the first course.
- Fill the blocks and behind to the back of the trench, and compact again to lock the second riser in place.
How do you build stairs on a steep hill?
Part 1 – Planning
- Measure both the vertical and horizontal distance of the slope.
- Divide the vertical distance of the slope (rise) by 6 inches.
- Put 2 stakes at the beginning and end of the staircase.
- Divide the horizontal distance of the slope (run) by the number of steps you determined in step two.
How tall can a Versa-Lok wall be?
three to four feet tall
How tall can VERSA-LOK walls be built? A. In most situations, VERSA-LOK walls can be built three to four feet tall without engineering or soil reinforcement and can be build to any required height with proper engineering and soil reinforcement.
Can a stairway be built into a retaining wall?
The simplest stair designs are built using curves. Allow for extra time for laying out and building your stairs. The steps shown here are general guidelines for building stairways. By understanding the basic installation elements, stairways can be easily incorporated into the retaining wall installation.
Where do you put blocks for stair treads?
Place the blocks on top of the compacted stair tread area making sure to allow for 6 in. (150 mm) of wall rock behind the blocks. To ensure that the blocks will be level with the corresponding wall, place a block on the wall as a reference point and level from that block to the block being used for the stair treads.
How do you calculate the number of steps for a retaining wall?
To find the number of steps needed, measure the total rise of your slope in inches and divide by 8 in. (200 mm) – the approximate height of a block.* *Check with your local Allan Block Dealer for exact specifications.
Can you use salt on retaining wall stairs?
When building stairs, use the long anchoring units (LAU) with the facing units for quick and easy installation. In colder climates, salt CANNOT be used on the blocks or AB Capstones as it will cause them to deteriorate. Use sand instead.