New steps using timber sleepers and granite pavers as well as new garden beds helped transform a steep front garden that was hard to mow.
The project
We have a relatively steep slope at the front, which made it difficult to mow the lawn. We got quotes for concrete steps, but they were astronomical. I decided to try my hand at steps and the project evolved from there. I used 75mm Treated Pine Sienna sleepers from Bunnings for longevity and strength.
I measured the slope and worked on the basis of the 200mm-wide sleepers being the height of each step.
Each step has approximately the same depth, so a formula was followed. I dug each step out and worked from the bottom up, anchoring each step with a 10mm Steel Reinforcing Bar to a depth of 400mm. I built each step directly onto the ground without pre-assembly.
The last step only has a height of 100mm as it needed to butt up against the concrete platform. That sleeper was attached to the concrete by 8mm Masonry Anchors.
The steps were then filled and compacted with Crusher Dust and Granite Pavers. No concrete was used at all.
Before and after
