How to create a step from brick landing to lawn?

Question

I am looking for ideas on how to create a step from the bricks down onto the lawn. The area was previously coffee rock and dirt, however we realised it was the main passageway to the lawn and rest of the backyard.

We attempted to grow lawn, but due to the high traffick, it did not last.

We then tried to diy a couple steps with some scrap bricks and timber sleepers (as shown in the pictures on the right). It works ok, but I am not happy with how it looks. I would also like something that extends the full space from the garden edge to the palm tree (approx 3m).

Looking for a diy solution that is also small child friendly!

Dave-1 · Answer

Good Evening @racheledwards

Steps are fun…. But not…. but Fun when they feel right :) I am sure you have encounted the feeling of steps that dont feel quiet right. The ones you have atm look a little low on the rise so when you step up them you kind of do a double step? When I was trying to work out steps I walked around with a tape measure and actually meausred random steps that felt right. Our lengths of legs are similar but not totally the same.

Apart from my step project that @EricL has listed :) How about considering one long low gabion cagewith a single step in it. Follow the steps I worked out (test the height for sure) but make it only two high with a longer depth for the top of the top step. Here is a bench seat I built, I am thinking something along those lines (not so high a syour ground dosnt appear to drop that far but enough height that it retains the pavering area. The step in the middle could  be made seprate or combine as one basket. Combine is a little harder but keeps it tidy and in line easier.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/175994/gabion-wall-bench-seats

If its hard to picture just let me know and I will try and sketch it out.

Dave

EricL · Answer

Hello @racheledwards

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about creating steps in your backyard.

There are a number of methods and materials you can use to create a step in your backyard. What's important is that it be fully supported and secured into the ground so that it does not move or sink into the soil. I suggest having a quick look at this discussion - Outdoor steps with pavers and pebbles by @SMJGGT. This is an excellent method to create steps that does not involve cement or masonry. Generally speaking, it is a series of timber frame steps interlocked together and then filled with soil and gravel in combination with pavers as steps. The best part is that you can make the steps long and wide which makes the transition going down quite easy.

To enhance the steps in your backyard path, I propose adding small gravel or round pebbles around the pavers and installing garden edging to keep the gravel in place. I've placed some discussions below that should help.

I suggest having a good look at these discussions:

* How to build a retaining wall by @Adam_W. (It has an excellent explanation of how to build sleeper steps)
* Outdoor steps with pavers and pebbles by @SMJGGT
* Gabion retaining wall and steps by @Dave-1
* Steep front yard makeover by @bthederan
* Ekodeck front entry deck and steps by @tobyandtamsyn
* How to build outdoor masonry steps with cinder blocks with stone cladding risers? by @ethanspeeds
* Curved timber garden stairs by @RobP (one of my favourite projects)

For your pathway, I recommend these discussions:

* Travertine pavers and gravel garden path by @TaylerMayd 
* Side landscaping with gravel and pavers by @Gillo53 
* Stepped pathway down the side of our house by @RobP 
* How to build a composite deck with steps? by @Revi

Here is a link to our top ideas - 10 paths and paving ideas

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric