eHow: How to Cut Slab Steps Into Your Front Lawn

Adding slab steps to your front lawn can boost your home's appearance and value, while easing access to the front door. The measurements and slab sizes for your project depend largely on the slope of your lawn, which you will need to measure before proceeding to cut the steps. You should first cut a rough outline of the steps with a shovel and tape measure, then perfect the dimensions as you lay down the mortar and stones

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Wooden board
• Level
• Measuring tape
• Shovel
• Crushed rock
• Mortar
• Trowel
• Ready-mix concrete
• Slabs

1. • 1
     Measure the rise and run of the slope where you intend the steps to be cut. Lay a wooden board or pole on the top of the hill or slope, using a level to ensure it is straight, and measure the height of the board from the bottom of the hill with a tape measure. This is the rise. Set the board upright at the bottom of the slope and measure the length from the top of the slope to the board. This is the run.
   • 2
     Calculate the intended height and tread for each step, based on the slope measurements you have found. An ideal tread is 15 inches, with a riser of 6 inches. The tread should be a comfortable size for a foot to fit, while the riser is whatever step height you want. You will need stones for the risers and slabs for the treads.
   • 3
     Cut out the rough dimensions of the steps you have planned, using a tape measure to keep the riser and tread measurements consistent. You will perfect your measurements when you proceed to lay the stones and cement in place.
   • 4
     Excavate 12 inches down where the base slab will be placed. For a durable design, you should establish a foundation there. Fill with 4 inches of crushed rock and 4 inches of ready-mix concrete, and allow to dry.
   • 5
     Dig down to 2 to 3 inches on each side of the base tread and place support stones to keep it anchored.
   • 6
     Add mortar to the dried concrete at the base and lay the first slab on top so it is level and at the same height as the ground.
   • 7
     Apply mortar behind the first slab and place the first riser stone. Let dry.
   • 8
     Dig down to 6 inches behind the first riser stone and establish the second tread area. This time, add 3 inches of crushed rock and 2 inches of mortar.
   • 9
     Set down the next slab so it is hanging over the first riser by about 2 inches. Apply mortar between the two treads.
   • 10
     Repeat by adding mortar, slabs and risers until all the steps are constructed. Let dry completely and wait two weeks before use.

Tips & Warnings

• Your slabs can be any kind of stone, although flagstone is one of the most popular. Cut the slabs or select a size that is the length of the tread, plus the thickness of the riser, plus 1 inch for overhang. You can use a chisel, hammer or professional assistance to cut the stones to size.
• Support stones are especially important to avoid erosion. They can be any size, as long as they are placed securely.

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