How To Build Cinder Block Steps

[@solavisa]

After watching your video, my husband made steps for us and they work just fine. Thanks for sharing!

[@LenovoLenovo-g2f]

And you made, what? 😅

[@Smoothjazzsundays]

@@LenovoLenovo-g2fhopefully dinner

[@e4d578]

I realize it is always easy to criticize, but a few points: 1. The gravel and dirt should not touch. An interface such as non-woven geotextile prevents the incursion of mud into the gravel when wet, which would compromise the cohesive integrity of the gravel base. 2. The gravel base should be angular and sharp to prevent shifting. The rounded pea gravel pebbles act as ball bearings and encourages shifting due to weight over time, leading to crooked steps. 3. The base should extend slightly more on either side to ensure even stability. 4. Putting in dirt into the cider blocks is not a great idea due to its ability to settle and form voids. Gravel is a more recommended.

[@briardan9226]

I thought cinder block could not be stacked on top each other? Shouldn't they have rotated the next layer? One laid across two cinder blocks.

[@e4d578]

@@briardan9226 yes, you are right.

[@johnlee7085]

Definitely right about not using pea gravel. Using a well graded 3/4” gravel with fines is vastly superior. If well graded, the geotec fabric is generally unnecessary, because there is limited void space for the subgrade soil to migrate into. The follow up comment on using a running bond for placing the blocks is also important. I wonder how long these steps lasted before needing to be rebuilt?

[@jayanthikundeti6871]

1:50

[@e4d578]

​@@jayanthikundeti6871 what does 1:50 tell us? It proves my point.

[@violetatcontentboutique7188]

Thanks for posting this, Craig! I am also replacing a rotted wooden front porch with cinder blocks, top blocks, and I dream of a smooth stucco finish with a bit of mosaic. Your video confirmed my instincts to completely fill the cinder blocks before setting the top blocks. I plan to sweep dry mortar down between the blocks and gently water it in, and I'll use concrete to fill the blocks. ... now I have to decide between mortar or adhesive to join the top blocks ... we have extreme cold and hot weather here, so that is a factor. Thanks again!

[@jeremycurbey7958]

Thank you. Just did this for our elevated porch so our old Great Pyrenees can get up and down. Works perfectly!

[@maggiegrande3454]

We just laid a small pad of quick Crete under it all. Just build the frame, dump your requisite amount of bags and spray down with water- in place. After two hrs, spray again. Two more hrs repeat. Then repeat once more after water is absorbed completely. After 24 hrs, lay your cement blocks down . This way they won't sink or shift. Construction adhesive is a must if you're not pounding in rebar and filling the cells with more concrete mi's. You'll only need to do this on the sides if you do,to eliminate shifting.

[@Zilla12]

Thanks for going back and adding chapters to this video. 👍🏿

[@Farmgirlathart]

I can do this! Thank you for showing us the basics.. thanks to the extra insight of the “engineers” too. Disappointed no one noticed how much you look like Tom Cruise.

[@mmiles55]

Can you do a quick video of how they look now? It’s been 4 years. I live in the Northeast with cold winters. I’m curious if you see them holding up from frost heave. I’m trying to do steps on a side hill about 12 steps. I think over time they blocks will start to move, shift. Etc.

[@LifeMasteryPodcastStevenArecco]

i like the video as it shows you don't have to be a purist to get good results. I also appreciate the comments that help possibly improve the install. just wondering why no one mentioned pea gravel as a base instead of angular stone base?? pea gravel cant really be compacted as it always has a tendency to shift specially the thicker you lay it.

[@magicone9327]

Have always been conflicted with this type of block layout! The blocks have the greatest strength when laid with cells open to the top but when laid on substrates such as sand is where the problem begins! The pounds per square inch of pressure applied is greatly increased on the wall structure against the substrate. This most always leads to the blocks sinking into the substrate shortly after the steps are used. Here is where I always wondered if 1/2" concrete board was placed over the sand to lay the blocks on. The concrete board is strong enough and would spread the weight over its surface area and not allow the blocks to simply sink into the sand. The blocks could be glued just like in this video or mortared if chosen. The concrete board can be placed on the sand at a desired grade and the blocks placed on it will be on a surface that is about as good as can be!

[@fw5455]

Wow..... While we're at it, let's also build some flying buttresses around the outer edges, too. And why not set the whole structure on top of a plate with rollers underneath so that it is earthquake-resistant. THEY'RE THREE STEPS..... not the Notre Dame Cathedral.

[@cashew2757]

You can simply use a layer of solid 4x8x16 (inch) concrete blocks for your base course. Perfect to attach your hollow cinder blocks to and weight is evenly spread out over a much larger area. As cheap as cinder blocks and your steps will last a significantly longer time, especially if your region reaches subzero temps.

[@theOriginalRadar]

you should be putting the cinderblocks on top of 6-10 inches of compacted base layer at 90% compaction followed by 1" of screed, not compacted, sand or 3/8" angular aggregate on top. The first course of blocks being below grade means you're excavating around 14 to 20 inches. Each course of cinderblocks should be filled with aggregate as well. A lot of dirt and aggregate to move, but you won't have and settling over time and you won't get any issues with water either. The stoop in this video is going to settle a lot, even quickly if there's an aggressive freeze/thaw cycle in that area. tl;dr - don't put concrete board under the blocks, do the base layer properly!

[@kathydelgado7861]

It’s only two narrow steps dude

[@bmo5082]

Magic one does have a point. These CMUs will sink over time. Here is my suggestion. Pour a 4 inch think slab and then stab the blocks into that about a half inch while the concrete is still wet. The cost is minimal to do this, and will make for a longer lasting stair case.

[@braznartn5176]

When you stack blocks on eachother they should always be staggered. This significantly minimizes sinkage. That includes the cap blocks.

[@KingParisBuckingham]

Yo he had me going g cra y with this Mickey mouse kiddies shit not staggering riws..then he pulls a tube of gummy bear glue to stick em instead of using morta...damn!!!!...lol

[@markthompsoncpa]

Braz Hey Einstein, He isn't building a wall, not needed, but Im sure he appreciates you comment

[@cafetero101]

What do you mean staggered?

[@Comrade005]

@@cafetero101 Idk maybe he means the bottom row should've been perpendicular to the next row? I think its fine the way it is. I mean, its just going to be supporting the weight of a person lol

[@johns9779]

@@KingParisBuckingham why are you even watching the video? If you knew anything about this you wouldn't be watching. What you should be doing instead is learning to spell.

[@dattape2828]

mortar would've been cheaper than adhesive. I would've also apply it between the blocks. and use crushed gravel for filling the inside so weeds dont grow. also use a weed barrier. you never know. weeds are tough suckers

[@timm2845]

Adhesive will hold better

[@jackienorth8762]

Cheers for this, been searching for "floating shed foundation vs concrete" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Ever heard of - Damkietor Nonpareil Dominion - (do a search on google ) ? It is a smashing one of a kind guide for building better sheds and woodworking minus the headache. Ive heard some super things about it and my mate got excellent results with it.

[@johnlee7085]

Adhesive will not hold better than a bed of mortar. It’s just easier.

[@brookenom]

Thanks for this! I'm getting rid of a rotting deck and making a patio with pavers. These steps will be great for it.

[@kathylewis7543]

Thanks for the video can you tell me if you put a sealer on the tops of the stairs?

[@patsyroampachl8019]

I got to build my brother a couple of steps so he can get in his barn he's 60 years old and in bad health thanks for the tips I needed them

[@Cryptoscammersbeware]

for elderly. or in bad health i recommend ramps over steps.

[@lot5953]

Awesome, I really like it there you don't use any cement.

[@Greenr0]

The blocks are supposed to be staggered, so not have break lines from bottom all of the way to top.

[@kensmith9821]

57 years ago similar steps were built for a porch that I own--no glue or mortar, no tops, no gravel, no rebar, no filling,etc. Etc. It works great with no safety issues--so much for the know-it-all smart asses with their inane criticisms.

[@HickoryBritches]

Post a picture of those steps grandpa! 🤣💯 and your trailer.

[@mz_martina]

@@HickoryBritches ohhh😵

[@johnleuzzi77]

Hey sure all the tips that were given by viewers were great. In this case these steps served there purpose. I hope this was his house and not a costumer is all I say.

[@frankb518]

Good Plan! My only problem Here In Upstate N.Y., i'M Rebuilding steps to me garage side door which is almost 2 feet lower than the Lawn grade. after A while cinder blocks start to deteriorate..... but this does give me a new idea! Either Way.....thanks for sharing!

[@reaper-sz5tm]

Fill the cinder blocks with concrete and they’ll last 20-30 years before they start to give you trouble

[@carlenegula2921]

This is so helpful. I think even I can do it! Thank you.

[@joseparada4430]

I recommend using polyetilen film or better asphalt gel on the ground to avoid ascending water. Thanks for sharing. Good effort

[@Sandy-qx4he]

Do you put the film under the sand and gravel im assuming? Do you butt it up against the wall too?

[@joseparada4430]

@@Sandy-qx4he Yes, to both. Try paint fixer (acrylic latex) in the morter. It will become water resistent. Of course there are commercial products too. Near the house those products are a must.and the deeper the better. Good luck.

[@alexcordero6672]

Wow!!!! No cement--that was the part I was nervous about. I didn't know about construction adhesive. Thanks!! Great video!!

[@terrilee3869]

You MUST USE OYTDOOR STONE ADHESIVE....NIT JUST LIQUAD NAILS, IT WONT WORK

[@johnlee7085]

Liquid Nails is the worst construction adhesive. There are caulks that have better adhesion.

[@oldschool6558]

Nice job. Looks like this will be my new outdoor step setup too. Thanks for sharing.

[@jlamamafoco]

Thanks so much for step by step directions. Did you glue step 1 cinder blocks to step 2?

[@radicevideo]

this is great for climates that don't freeze, holding up in buffalo it will fail before it should but I love the idea

[@warrenanderson8642]

In Mass. it has held for 4 years no problems.

[@alexsmlbstory5327]

Thank you so much I'm getting ready to build blocks step.

[@psidvicious]

Next time you might go with corner blocks instead of stretchers so you do get the jagged uneven riser faces.

[@rickjones1281]

That looks kinda nice but the glue thang is a little weak..I would prefer a Portland mix for stronger bond and safety.

[@RuxlowNI]

I've been working with a licensed contractor to install two steps from my homes laundry room into my attached, unheated garage. This is my pathway to reaching my trash and recycling bins just outside the standard size back door into the narrow side yard. A plan to build these steps from wood has changed to using square pavers left over from a previous back yard project. Contractor has been clear about his process; scoring all surfaces and using appropriate adhesives for stability. Can anyone here comment on this plan?

[@clarkosteo]

Just wondering why you did any cutting? There are cement block toppers that you can buy ready made?

[@michaellyons5663]

What about the crack on the foundation wall isn't that an issue?

[@togodbetheglory9725]

The second row of blocks. You should have laid it the opposite way for better strength

[@rosacurls]

Nicely Done , somthing will consider

[@artschulte1897]

Great video this is exactly what I was looking for Thanks for the tip on concrete adhesive too

[@daledow2278]

Others have mentioned common mistakes you made, but still, these came out good. If I were to suggest something more structurally sound, I would have drilled the existing foundation for rebar, epoxied the rebar, poured an 8" footing for the new block, staggered the block as many have said, mortared the block, filled them with concrete, then capped them by mortaring the cap in place. Sounds like a lot, but as a structural engineer and designer of 37 years, I can say those steps won't make 10 years in any kind of condition. That said, you're young enough to learn the hard way, so git er done.

[@mhwp3286]

How many engineers does it take to change a lightbulb? Five. One to design a nuclear-powered light bulb that never needs changing, one to figure out how to power the rest of the USA using that nuked light bulb, two to install it, and one to write the computer program that controls the wall switch.

[@Greenr0]

Well said. Footing below frost line for steps to entrance door is a requirement to pass building code. This plus rebars will make a long lasting structure.

[@BANDAIRMA]

Why 5 Engineers? Isn’t it easier for 1 to do it all and keep all the credit for herself or himself? Or is it just cozier to work in a group of 5? Sharing is caring!?

[@daledow2278]

You forgot the three to review the drawings, the 4 more to approve, dont forget the project engineer to manage the other engineers. You forgot so many engineers. Your joke isn't even close to reality, or funny either.

[@warrenanderson8642]

I followed his direction 4 years ago in New England, they are still perfect. I used blocks with a smooth face (corner blocks) and even built a wall. I also put the blocks in opposite directions for greater strength and used red patio blocks on top. I also put it on hard pack. It was a great video and very helpful. Thank You

[@carolley9705]

He used cement blocks cut with a wet saw. I don't have all that so I believe I'd use paving flats to top the steps; could even use a brick color to top for contrast.

[@johnlee7085]

Carol - A cut like these could be made with a 4” grinder and specialty blade. You could get both for $30-40. Have a helper pour/spray a small stream of water on the blade as you’re cutting to eliminate the nasty dust. I have a wet tile saw and still use this approach for simple cuts when I don’t want all the setup.

[@andrescosta2992]

U doing the job w/o Cement..?? It looks solid. Any adhesive for cinder blocks? When U fill each block w/soil, U do it 'cause it gets stronger or just to get rid of it..? Thnks....!

[@kathleeny899]

Wow! This makes me feel like I can do this! Thanks for the video

[@johnlee7085]

Please see the other constructive comments so that you can have a long lasting safer stairway.

[@thomasgregory8941]

Great way of doing steps Thanks

[@toddwiseman1421]

A guy at Home Depot steered me to Sika Concrete Fix as my construction adhesive for the cinderblocks and pavers. It's sikaflex + polyurethane crack repair sealant. Seems its intended purpose is crack repair and it has high elasticity. Is this the wrong thing to use here? I'm clueless. Thanks for your help, great video!

[@elizabethrose3667]

We have high step into our house. This would help a lot.

[@easlandscaping]

Excellent video, thanks. Did you use a rubber mallet for slightly tapping the top pavers or did they just lay in place nicely? We are landscapers in Philly and we don't do a lot of steps per se, but we use, obviously, rubber mallets for the paver installs to get stones into place, etc.

[@anilmasih7568]

gr8 tutorial.I need to extend an existing stoop so this video helps me quite a bit.Keep up the good work.

[@thinkerscompass]

What was the thinking behind orienting the cinderblocks that way and using step stones as toppers? Is it safer or sturdier than using the hole-less sides of the cinderblock to step upon?

[@kamthornhill1109]

good video, i was looking for you to put on railing also

[@pudgiecardenas842]

very helpful video thank you

[@larrysciblo3509]

Well its been over a year. How are the steps doing? I just followed your project here in Arizona, I think it will be fine. I also thought of doing concrete forms but, like you, I had no experience. Thanks for the video I liked it and found it helpful.

[@CraigSearer]

Steps have held up fantastic! Been through lots of rain, snow, heat, freezing, etc. and having a harsh winter here in Michigan this year. No cracking, breaking, splitting, or movement to speak of. Very pleased with how these are holding up.

[@Cryptoscammersbeware]

thats because your system is fine. and easy to fix too. i landscape by trade in colorado. your steps will last a decade or more. acts just like a paver system.@@CraigSearer

[@Signaturewoodcraftcom]

@@Cryptoscammersbewarecan you send a pic now- Thanks

[@PopleBackyardFarm]

We are going to build some new stairs so this was useful

[@CraigSearer]

Pople BackyardFarm glad the video helped! Let us know how your steps turn out :)

[@KingParisBuckingham]

What's up cutie....nyc

[@peziki]

Yes, everyone says it looks nice. Cinder block is not very sturdy over time. As it ages it will become less able to take hard knocks and edges will chip off and surface will crack. If you have freezing temps, it will crack up and crumble.

[@tinkerbell5068]

You did an EXCELLENT job. They look really great !!!

[@garryibbetson9912]

no he did not

[@savann.sun1980]

hi thanks a lot. this will be my next project for this summer.

[@accomplishedtheory9502]

Easy and inexpensive. right on!

[@BeautyfromOurLordsEstate]

Great video! I am going to build one cinder block step to a wooden landing. Can I use the construction adhesive to attaché the cinder block to the wood landing ? Thank you

[@Sandy-qx4he]

Question: if I want to put thin brick over this is it possible? AND, could I make a complete deck this way? Thank you!

[@josephdexplosivejoe581]

Construction adhesive? Is there a brand name? Maybe itz like grip fill?

I dug out and expanded the 4 steps to a basement door. Im hesded to home depot to find a drain or whatever for the bottom. Theres old cinder block steps there. Can I keep them and shape them for 7" rise 11" tread by using metal lathe?

[@awaw1175]

I will be attempting this weekend. ThankYou!

[@matthewpetras4282]

Thank you for your video great info my brother!!

[@STMARTIN009]

Would this work for stairs under a basement bulkhead?

[@josephlypowy7389]

It will work for a while, but not a professional job. Would have probably been cheaper to build using wooden forms and mixing the concrete in a wheel barrow. Concrete mix is cheap.

[@w.industries2598]

why would it only work for a while?

[@WisconsinDIYGuy]

Weeds will grow in the sand in the cavities. More of an issue is the adhesive. Rain, heat, cold, weeds, mildew, mold, frost, alge, bacteria, bugs and who knows what else will cover the adhesive over the years. Blocks are not staggered. Once adhesive rots out, it is done. Morter would last 5 decades or more.

[@faywalker5559]

Wonderful. Just the tips I was looking for. I have to build something similar for my back stairs but I want to use Tennessee stone instead of paver stones for the top

[@Mike-zx6zr]

Are the front row of cynderblocks deeper/higher then the rows closer to the house?

[@angelaa7616]

May I ask that if I can apart those glued stones and bricks in the future in case I wanna change something?

[@johnlee7085]

It would be very easy to knock the blocks apart in the future.

[@darnellbaker533]

How many bags of quick crete sand and pea gravel did u use for this project please? thanks

[@4dscdriver]

Don't use pea gravel. Use crushed rock instead.

[@Rockhounding_ronin]

How this doing today, can we get an update on that adhesive?

[@MikeSheasheaDtree]

I wonder how these steps have held up, the construction adhesive??

[@paulieohalloran5549]

Nice job and thank you for sharing! p.s. I thought my phone was dying when battery image popped up lol

[@CraigSearer]

+Paulie O'Halloran thanks for the nice comment! Hope it helps you in your future projects!

[@vanessadupas5975]

😂

[@gladiatormechs5574]

how high does the steps require a handrail for building code ?

[@ramonaalvarez4268]

Since no one responded, it’s typically 3 steps or more but always check with your local residential code to confirm.

[@tonyarnold9784]

I was just thinking I could use these blocks for this here in the UK and stumbled on your video. Thanks for confirming!

[@meleasaclick4719]

I’ve learned something. Thank you for sharing.

[@steveseger5642]

You should wear steel toe boots working with cement blocks.

[@larlarkrumble7578]

I understand the reasoning for sloping the gravel but wouldn’t that make your steps sloped also. Thanks for the video!

[@johnlee7085]

As long as the slope is minimal (1/8-1/4” per foot or 1-2%), there should be no problem. That is a minimum standard for most outdoor “flat” surfaces.

[@jpickles8627]

What is on the top? How do you cut the blocks?

[@eugenespicer3272]

Is that dirt in the cores? you never mention filling them with anything.

[@johndough23]

the blood of thy enemy fill the holes.

[@ariojalilzadeh3821]

It's dirt but i recommended gravel

[@theboyfat2]

I notice at 2:43 that the center block is right side up if one were laying blocks with mortar. The other four would be upside down if laying blocks conventionally as the center webs are much smaller than the web in the middle block. Is this done intentionally or does it really not make any difference which way the blocks are set/

[@pristinelandscapes2459]

Why not mortor? Cheaper and much stronger.

[@johnlee7085]

Not as easy, though I definitely agree with you.

[@laurapage6868]

Can you please share how many tubes of adhesive are required for this project? Thanks!

[@CraigSearer]

Laura Page for the two steps I built I went through almost three tubes of adhesive. I was generous on the application too.

[@laurapage6868]

Thank you!

[@Mackandal-]

Excellent 💯

[@andyteri777]

I feel the need ...the need ...for speed

[@hebrewess7487]

WoW you made it look easy,thanks

[@alexsearer113]

fCTA

[@japan-e9j]

Excellent job sir

[@paulhoeck8266]

Is this guy for real?!!!

[@kawikadee9670]

Looks like it.

[@johnlee7085]

He thinks so.

[@PWFnetwork]

Great Video, Craig.

[@magicone9327]

I would be concerned with this type of construction in areas that have frost! Water will get in thru the pavers and down into the cells and base substrate. Frost wedging will happen as well as each cell can be expanded from the freeze thaw that will happen in areas subject to cold winters.

[@BillSW]

what do u suggest to prevent

[@johnlee7085]

Offset the blocks. Fill with concrete. Seal the joints. Going below the frostline and connecting to the house foundation would be best.

[@rtoguidver3651]

I hope it never freezes there, moisture in the block will crack them.

[@CraigSearer]

Freezes every year and still no issues :)

[@OpusJ]

Looks great! Thanks.

[@hinanoraynel4285]

No🥇 video- Mahalo for the advice Aloha🌋from Hawaii

[@vondaddy]

Looks great!

[@christielovemusic2768]

Great job 👏🏾

[@jaynebennett8398]

Wow that’s crazy! Even his voice sounds like Tom cruise!

[@benkardell7366]

Great Video. Very helpful

[@charlenenorman3644]

I need 4 to my steps, so would I stack cinder blocks-on top of each other?

[@KasandraB11]

Lots of good information, but I wish you had showed how to pack and level the gravel and sand. And how did you clean the surface of the blocks? I imagine using a hose would not be a good idea…

[@johnlee7085]

If new, no need to clean the blocks. If old, use a pressure washer.

[@mystrength2009]

thanks, very helpful.

[@vpfyi3351]

Great job 👏🏽👏🏽

[@bluemoon6380]

What did you use to fill in the cinder block holes...sand?

[@Cryptoscammersbeware]

use pea gravel. helpts hold in place and with drainage.

[@mz_martina]

If the foundation is already concrete could I glue the cinder block directly to the ground?

[@CraigSearer]

Martina A. You'll want to check to make sure the concrete is sloped away from the house. If it is then you can glue the cinder blocks directly to concrete. I'd also recommend digger around the edge of the concrete, if it's just a small slab for the steps, and put pea gravel to help with drainage.

[@mz_martina]

Thank you!

[@aqbhawkins28]

Thank you that was a great video

[@heather92]

Awesome! I want to do this too. Did you fill in the blocks with dirt to make it more sturdy or was it to get rid of the dirt?

[@CraigSearer]

Helps with both. To help eliminate any weeds that may come up (I don't have any even with dirt), you can fill with gravel or small rocks.