Question
QUESTION: In our new garden we have a very steep slope up to our top lawn. The slope has been terraced, but is very overgrown. A previous owner had wooden steps along the outer wall of the garden, but these have long since rotted. We should like to build wide steps using wood and gravel to replace them, but don't know how to go about it. Dowe have to make concrete steps first?

ANSWER: Hello Lindsey

The problem with wood is that it rots, therefore I would reccomend building  retaining structure in brick to contain a gravel walking base - it will last 100 times longer!

Good luck

Jonathan


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Jonathan,
Thanks for your answer. There is a retaining wall on one side (hence stone already) and stone wall terraces on the other - obviously with soil in between. We were going to use supported railway sleepers at the front of each step and build each one up with hard core, before finishing with a thick layer of gravel. Will this be successful? Also what depth should we ideally make the steps for ease of ascent/descent, as we are getting older (in our 60s)!?

Answer
Hello again Lindsey

Railway sleepers will have generally been treated with a bitumen resin so will not rot but they are heavy and somewhat cumbersome to handle.

An averagae and comfortable step (riser) is around 20 to 25cm (8 to 10 inches). In order to calculate the ammount of steps required simply calculate the exact height drop (using straight planks and a spirit level). Then simply divide that height by the riser (20 or 25cm) and you will discover the ammount of risers you will need.

The same should be done for the steps themselves (the flat). Calculate the entire distance (length) of the step area and divide that distance by the length of the flat part of the step(around 30cm) and this will give the ammount of steps you will need.

Good luck

Jonathan www.italiangardendesign.com