How To Properly Build Concrete Block Steps (DIY)

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Lets wrap up these block steps! To see the previous video where we laid the 1st course, click this link right here👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHbPdYekf7d9gdU Thanks again to all the subscribers and return viewers, enjoy the video! ✌

[@AboutHisBusiness777]

The bird poop on that one cap was a nice touch to the overall look of the steps, really gave it character

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

🤣 It certainly did... lol 👌

[@StanleyRusso-eg7dr]

You do great work and Benny is the best employee you could have. A man of few words, who does excellent work.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, I totally agree. Couldn't be more blessed to have him by my side. ✌

[@johnburton6470]

I feel like I'm Matt Damon and you're Ben Affleck and you're telling me how the best part of your day is picking me up for work, hoping I'm not there cuz I've decided to finally live up to my potential

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

🤣 That's awesome! 👌

[@anthonyrandazzo8836]

You guys do the best work on KZbin. If you were in NY, I’d hire you in a second. Great work as always.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks for the support, I appreciate it! ✌

[@dmaverick2396]

Beautiful work! Thanks…

[@bvrod]

Great work and looks good. I might consider a plastic louvred cap that doesn’t protrude as much and serves same purpose. Safer. Can also paint the cap to color match.

[@josephrottina1901]

They definitely do the best work on KZbin. Great video brother👍🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@cocobj8116]

20:39 really details oriented ❤

[@michaelrenouf5544]

Thanks guys!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Our pleasure! ✌

[@DixonContractingMD]

Love it man, good to see believers being bold as well! I wish you would post the video of you installing the railing man I’m stuck trying to figure out how to install them on the stoop for a job of mine. Great channel though man

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks brother! All glory to God. I did not install railings, I typically leave that up to the homeowner to hire a railing contractor. They can anchor them down how they see fit in their perspective. I don’t like messing with them. I have installed a few though, everything has to be perfect. Good luck brother ✌🏻

[@gjl7022]

exactly what i was looking for at exactly the right time! thank you

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Glad it could help!

[@DiscusDilux]

Wow you guys do great work! Love the videos. I was stumped how I wanted to tackle backyard landscaping, but your work has inspired me, thanks.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you! I'm glad the videos were helpful, good luck on your projects! ✌

[@romasrimas2191]

'U guys know the deal to the next one' ✌ Christmas special video + all explanation, no questions. Perfect. Thank you for u'r work.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

🤣 LOL you know it! Thanks for the support ✌

[@Hiyocherrio]

What kind of geogrid did you use? Does the aperture size of the geogrid matter? And does it matter with different size aggregate?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

There is quite few different options but generally they are all similar. Most every type I have come across are all about the same size

[@Hillsidelanscapemanagement]

This was a great series of videos from this job. Very informative. Thanks a lot for sharing

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks for the feedback man, I'm glad it seems to be helpful. I'm having fun making the videos for sure ✌

[@israelvelazquez9092]

Really good job guys

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you! ✌

[@rodneyramsay5561]

hey, in your first video of this when you were "Screeding", what size rock (i assume its called underlayment landscaping rock, im new to this stuff) did you use? was it something like 1/2 inch or 3/8 inch stone? also, is the geogrid optional/important for structural integrity? its pretty expensive and rare where i live haha! thanks for the videos, very informative!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

That stone I was screeding is 1/4"-3/8" clean crushed stone. Depending on where you are it is called a few different things. (PBS- Premium Bedding Stone) , (HPB- High Performance Bedding) and around here it is called (Chip Stone). I do recommend using the geogrid for steps like this, it adds a lot of stability and structural integrity. Glad the videos have been helpful!

[@Hiyocherrio]

Have you ever had any issues with sandwiching the geogrid between the block? Like blocks sitting uneven or blocks not locking together properly?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

No sir, it sits no problem. Especially when you use a few dabs of concrete adhesive also. ✌

[@JuanTorres-gd2gn]

Was watching your playlist for the veneer steps, "A Hardscapers dream project" , do you go over why these 6 steps do not use mortar and a concrete pad compared to those 3 steps in the veneer project?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

So when you do any type of masonry with mortar or natural stone, concrete pads are 100% necessary every time. With retaining wall blocks like these, they can be built on a pad if you want, that definitely will not hurt at all. But In my opinion, most of the time you can lay them right on a stone base. The blocks with concrete adhesive are designed to move and shift slightly with the season changes. The glue can move with the blocks and still hold tight. Mortar can not do that, it will crack if it moves even a fraction of an inch. Most people don't realize it but blocks walls move very slightly as the ground moves up and down ( very small amounts, fractions of an inch ) during the seasons. So personally, that is why I feel comfortable building steps like this on clean base stone just like a wall. Plus having the pavers around all sides locks the block in place, giving it extra stability and less chance of shifting. ✌

[@JuanTorres-gd2gn]

​@@TheChristianHardscaper I see, thanks for the response, very helpful. I was flirting with an idea of replacing some old wood steps, 7 steps 8 feet wide, 44 inch high and doing concrete blocks 6 steps. Watching your videos definitely puts the idea into perspective if it's DIY-able. Other type of projects I see on youtube, I'm like huh okay I think I can do that, but the work/details you show for these projects is like, oh this is legit professional. Follow up question, you mentioned rails here for these steps, how deep would the rail go, if it goes past the step cap, would it drill into that gravel cavity?

[@yogoombah2356]

Nicely explained...Merry Christmas!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, Merry Christmas!

[@J.Castillo-v7s]

Great video, Looks great! Could this same method be used to build up a large raised patio deck 16' W x 16' L x 24" H or would that be too large? Any special considerations for using this method for a large scale patio? Would love to see a video with this method used for a large patio area. Great work, glad I found your channel!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you. And yes, you can absolutely use this method for a raised patio area. You build the blocks on 3/4 stone and use geo grid every 2 rows. Every row is not necessary, but I did it here to be extra safe and because it is a small area. ✌

[@KGSHEAMASONRY]

Looking awesome boys!! Yeah I like the contrast between the two colors. Also the blue mess granite you guys used as your drip cap would’ve been a nice touch as well but there would’ve been a little bit of a cost difference I’m sure.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks brother! Originally the customers wanted stone veneer steps with the granite treads for caps, but the price was a little more than they wanted to spend. So we went with the block and cap to save money for the foundation wall. But yes, totally agree... ✌

[@mpeanut9360]

How much did that job cost? You guys are really good.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, all together, a job like this can cost between $18,000 - $22,000

[@bryceadrian6027]

Do you glue all the wall block on every row?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Yes sir, small cost of glue pays off big time in the end✌🏻

[@bryceadrian6027]

@@TheChristianHardscaper Good to know , just found your channel and I love it, you explain everything in detail every step until the end💪

[@charliefxtrt6243]

how do you install the handrails to pavers?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

You can drill into those caps and use many different fasteners.

[@Knb736]

Thanks for the excellent content Kyle! If you had to build something similar leading up to a wooden deck (away from a foundation wall) how would you do it? Build a concrete block back wall?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

My pleasure! Yes, you would build a back wall with the same block and connect the layers together with geo-grid and glue just like I did here. ✌

[@woodyslandscape9268]

Awesome work bro, love the tutorials , you’re very informative

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Glad you like them! ✌

[@christopherrojas9690]

Awesome stuff very educational and entertaining!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Glad you are enjoying the channel. Thank you! ✌

[@jeffjeff4887]

Wish I could find a Maryland hardscaper as meticulous as you. Love the videos but I have two questions. Why geogrid at all(not to mention every course) on the steps? Thought that was only needed on taller walls or more heavily loaded walls. Also why did you alternate the blocks along each course? Just picking your brain as you clearly know what you’re doing.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks for the feedback. Geogrid is designed to stabilize backfill stone as well as hold the blocks in place and prevent them from shifting. On regular retaining walls, we use it every 2 rows. But for steps, I add it to every row. It is a very cheap insurance policy, Low cost material that helps concrete block work last longer ten fold... And with steps, I try to have as little amount of gaps in between the block as possible. Again for added strength and longevity. You can't be too safe in my opinion on projects like this. I do not want to come back to fix any issues, so I over engineer all my projects. Not to mention I give a 5 year warranty. ✌

[@clulessable]

Nice job. Do you find it necessary to alternate the direction of the corner units when doing stairs like these? Or, does the geo-grid eliminate the need for it?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you. I think it depends on the situation but I don't think it is always necessary. Geo grid helps a lot in situations like this.

[@MrRadtech22]

looks gorgeous!!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you!

[@jameswright-2024]

how much for the steps (rough estimate) labor plus material?

[@jrdepalma]

When do you decide whether to pour a slab under stairs or not?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

A lot of times with concrete block, I don’t believe it is necessary. If you backfill with that 3/4 cleans stone under and behind with geogrid, I think that is just fine. Everything locks together and is able to flex just slightly if there is movement. Even the adhesive is somewhat flexible. But that clean crushed stone doesn’t hold on to water, so the odds of the steps moving at all is very minimal… I do pads for very large block step projects and stone masonry steps. Large projects just add extra insurance and for masonry steps because your end goal is to make one solid structure, a little different than dry laid block steps. ✌🏻

[@HODIUSDUDE]

Did not catch where you were located. Would these hold up over time through cold winters in Ohio? I rather like the appearance of this over poured concrete, but I suppose my concern is breakdown of the adhesive bonding agent over time with expansion/contraction, exposure to de-icing chemicals, etc...

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I am in Massachusetts, this method works excellent for freeze / thaw climates. Using clean crushed stone will allow the water to drain freely which will help prevent expansion / contraction. And just like regular concrete, it is prone to deterioration if exposed to a lot of de-icing chemicals. Just try to use as little as possible.

[@HODIUSDUDE]

@@TheChristianHardscaper I appreciate the feedback. Awesome video and workmanship. Will definitely be considering this as an option when the time comes to replace those wooden entry steps.

[@spellcheckforyou]

Whats the purpose of reducing the size of the dryer vent? Not having the full size pipe is going to resuce the efficiency of the dryer.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

No purpose really, I had to reduce it so it would fit through the schedule 40 sleeve.

[@lovetheprophets]

Just wondering, do you use those spacers (plastic things) that holds two blocks together vertically? Or they are unnecessary because of the geogrid? Would it be possible to use the spacers plus the geogrid?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Yes we do in certain situations. and yes you can use them with geogrid. They do nothing but help for sure. ✌

[@thebigroy]

Can you tell me the glue you are using?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I like to use concrete adhesive made by (Loctite). Here is a link where you can get it from Home Depot 👉www.homedepot.com/p/Loctite-PL-500-Landscape-Block-28-oz-Solvent-Construction-Adhesive-Tan-Cartridge-each-1602122/203265338

[@thebigroy]

Does anybody else think this guy is the man in the hardscape world?!!!@@TheChristianHardscaper

[@vinhgolf]

i have been watching your and very enjoyable. may i ask, what are the size for the block and cap that you used? thank you.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Nice, thanks for the feedback! The blocks are roughly 16" long x 11" deep and 6" high. The caps are 3 different lengths but they are 13" deep and 3" high (technically 1/8" lower on all measurements...) Here is a link to the wall block I used 👉www.techo-bloc.com/shop/walls/semma?parent=e58a0efe-7ac2-4d9e-b68e-3ef206aaeac5 And here is a link to the wall block cap I used 👉www.techo-bloc.com/shop/caps/architectural?parent=c3dd49e9-84cf-4be1-b11a-598887ac1f7a

[@vinhgolf]

@@TheChristianHardscaper thank you ..

[@vinhgolf]

@@TheChristianHardscaper sorry for all the questions, when laying the block , using the geo grid, and if doing a larger area of paver, would you recommend lay the geo grid for entire area or just over the block and hang over to about 1-2 feet?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I would say in a large application like you are saying, 2-3 feet of geogrid into the backfill stone is plenty. Most rolls are 4' wide, so if you put it under the blocks and let the remainder of the 4' hang over, you will be all set. ✌

[@vinhgolf]

@@TheChristianHardscaper ok 👍 thank you

[@veracant]

What kind of geogrid are you using for the steps?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Just a 4’x50’ roll made by (SRW Products)

[@Hiyocherrio]

Which one if you don’t mind me asking they got quit a few?

[@AntioneCash]

How do you calculate how much crushed concrete you need. I'm going to build some stairs for the first time and don't want to order too much.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I use crushed stone, not concrete. It is stronger and holds up longer before sinking. But to figure out how much you need, it is a calculation to find cubic yards. The calculation is length x width x depth. That gives you how many cubic feet you have. There are 27 cubic ft in a cubic yard. So lets say 10'x10'x2' = 100 cubic ft. 100 divided by 27 = 3.7 cubic yards needed...

[@martincardoso4027]

How much you charge for square feet?

[@DJBallard-co2bk]

How high can you go with these types of steps?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

You can go quite high... But you need to check with your local building codes to what you have to do when you starting doing a lot of steps... Like these ones would require a railing on the outside of them. That is something I always leave up to the customer to find a railing installer. It's something I include in my contracts that my price does not include railings.

[@DJBallard-co2bk]

@@TheChristianHardscaper thanks!

[@samueladams584]

I'm trying to learn how to put a small patio at home, would you use geo grid under a 10x10 paver patio

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Geo grid under a small patio is not necessary... If you want to learn how we backfill / prep the base for pavers, check out this video right here 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZnEe5hpf9Z3bKs

[@jamesgarland3606]

That mighty Yankey know how.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

🤣 Yea buddy! ✌

[@tayonacummings]

Is it only me that thinks you have a strong resemblance too Ben Affleck and sounds a little like him too or should I say Ben Affleck has the resemblance to you. Nice job and a good video.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

🤣 nice! I actually have gotten comments about that quite a few times on here… I never really seen a resemblance before, but after looking at some more pictures of him, we do have some similarities. Thanks for the feedback! ✌🏻

[@e4d578]

The dryer vent pipes should also have a paver tunnel so that it can be replaced more easily.. ie by just removeing the paver(s) above the vent and it'll provide an access to where the joint meets the house. The dryer vent is going to fail way before the steps. It'll require a complete demolition unfortunately to fix.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I know what you mean but I think the vent will last a very long time and there is a PVC sleeve I put the vent through. And the absolute worst case scenario they can route the vent through another place of the house foundation.

[@fabiantorres9294]

Did you forgot put some lights between the steps broo!?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

That certainly would have been a great addition to these steps, unfortunately not part of the plan... ✌

[@Tracker7266]

Should have moved the dryer vent.

[@SamCanada1]

👍

[@banditshorthouse2846]

Why all the geo grid and geo fabric nowadays? Never used it, I guess it is notnl needed in florida or it's a new thing.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Geo textile fabric is a necessity with open grade base stone to separate the soil from the stone and also stabilize the backfill stone. The geo grid helps stabilize the backfill stone and help to hold the blocks together.

[@RiverValleyLandscaping]

Time will tell but I think you would have been better off pouring a concrete footer for the steps to sit on. Once the ground freezes the steps will rise and lift the veneer and siding. House foundation being below frost level will keep the house from moving but not the steps in the current setup

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Time will definitely tell, but I disagree. I have 6 inches + of open grade stone under the blocks and 2-3 yds of open grade stone behind it. No water will even stay in the stone to freeze... That is why I use the clear stone. It is the most permeable base material you can use. In my opinion, these blocks have less chance of shifting than a 6 inch concrete pad poured on dense grade gravel..... That dense grade gravel is basically a sponge. Which is why the majority of concrete pads and footings fail and crack all over the place. A concrete footing does not always mean less chance of shifting..... It is more about the base material you build on. But anyway, I give 5 year warranties on my work. I am very confident in the building method and will always fix any issues that may arise. ✌

[@RiverValleyLandscaping]

Frost goes deeper than 6 inches. Right up against the house it won’t be as deep because of the warmth of the house but still. Concrete footer and pin it into the foundation or some sono tubes under the footing to frost depth… guessing close to 4 foot frost depth in your area. Or just leave enough room for movement and problem solved. I would just be weary of trying to get the closest cuts and having the blocks butt right up to the veneer or siding.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

@@RiverValleyLandscaping Frost has never even come close to 4 ft in my lifetime here, even now there is only 2-3 inches of frozen ground outside. And again, What makes you think the frost can move 4 tons of concrete block and backfill material with 6 layers of geogrid but not a concrete footing..? That's just not logical. The stone behind and under is clean crushed granite. It does not hold water. No water, not heaving when cold temps come. I will guarantee these steps never move. You are talking in wild extremes right now. If Massachusetts was hit by a cold front so bad that we have 4 ft of frost.... We got far greater issues than steps shifting fractions of an inch....

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

@@RiverValleyLandscaping Should I excavate the entire area down 4 ft, backfill with 3 ft of stone and pour a 12 inch footing because of a possible ice age? People will not even hire you because of the cost, then someone super cheap comes in and builds steps on 4 inches of stone dust. Is that better for the customer?You have to know how to balance the cost of a job with projects like this.

[@RiverValleyLandscaping]

I’m just trying to save you from future headaches man. You are seriously underestimating Mother Nature if you think water can’t freeze and lift a few ton up. Two weeks ago on Christmas Eve there was damn near a foot of frost in the ground… the day before as well as the week prior it was almost 60 degrees out everyday. Doesn’t take long when temps drop to the teens or lower. Next time it’s ten degrees out go to your stone supplier and get a yard of 3/4 stone and tell me how it doesn’t freeze cus all the water drains through. And to answer your question of balancing the cost on a project, very simple just leave a little gap so when the ground moves (cus it will) it doesn’t take your hard work (veneer) with it.

[@TestNuggz-l7r]

Never downsize an exhaust vent bro. Ever. Never.