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Hi all,
Our outdoor steps have deteriorated significantly and are now very uneven with the sleepers falling out. Bricks are in great condition (and heritage- from the town’s original fire station). They seem to be standing on earth which I assume has subsided.
I would like to try to repair these steps myself. Could anyone advise me where to start/what to do?
thank you so much! Jennie
Hello @JennieClark78
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your steps.
It appears that the sleeper frame holding the brick steps in place has given way. Looking at the photo, it looks like the framework was not properly supported and when the sleepers started to move there was nothing to hold it back from moving. I propose having a look at these guides - How to build a raised garden bed by @Adam_W and How To Pave A Pathway. Once you've had a look at these guides, you'll get a general idea of how to reconstruct your steps.
It will be necessary to take everything apart and rebuild the sleeper framework, but once the frame work is in place you should be able to reconstruct the steps methodically. I propose taking measurements and drawing up plans on how you'll re-build the sleeper frame work. My best advice is to make sure to use TWA Woodcare 300g Ecoseal Tanalised Timber Treatment on all the exposed pieces that have been cut. This will protect the cut end from insect attack and mould and mildew infestation.
However, if you feel that this is too complex a build for you, I suggest engaging the services of a landscaping specialist to build your steps back to its former glory.
Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.
Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when using the tanalised spray.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Good morning @JennieClark78
Figuring out the step height and depth is about the most difficult part of building steps 
You already have yours in front of you so half the figuring is done. Thats if you want to keep it as is.
What @EricL has suggested is also the steps I would go through to replace the existing, A bunch of moving those bricks out, new timbers put in with some supports for the boards installed.
Or, you could change it up depending on the space you have or redisgn the front area?
You can shorten the step depth, you can change the way the steps head or even if you ahve enough space around you coul make aramp out of compacted soil and reuse the bricks to pave a path. I did that when I redid my landscaping for my front yard, I lost 5 ish (non consistant step heights) in forming up a path to the existing steps. It was nice to have a new feel to the area.
Heres the landscaping projects, there are a few more you can troll through if you look at my bookmarks. There was no way I could build a high enough and shallow enough ramp to go to the patio but I could get rid of a few steps with a ramp.
If you think of changing the layout, remember we are humans and we always want to take the shortest route so your new pathway needs to follow that roughly
Dave
Thanks heaps for your reply. You’ve given me lots to think about. I like the idea of a different route but that would mean a lot of earth moving!
thanks again
