Hello,

I'd like to build a new front step to my house from retaining wall stones, similar to what is shown in this picture:

http://www.unilock.com/products/prod...did=0000000012

I've recently finished a paver stone walkway so I'm familiar with the steps for building a walkway. however, I dont know how to build one of these steps though- so my question is, would the steps for building one of these be similar to a walkway (base of crushed stone, then stone dust, the lay stones on top)? Are you supposed to build it like a box (wall stones on 4 sides) and fill the center with gravel/or fill? or should i plan to fill in the center with cinder blocks? i think these stones are interlocking. but do you use adhesive to hold them together, or are they held together under their own weight?

any help is appreciated. Thanks!

 

Most manufacturers will have step layout instructions on their website.

 

pchoung -

Are you committed to using Unilok products?

The major retailing wall companies (Alan Block, Anchor Wall Systems, Keystone and Versalok) all had great instructions and details on their sites the last time I looks. Versalok had some of the best. These are available in most major markets in the U.S. and internationally.

Unilok is very big in pavers, but not so much in retaining wall block. I looked at their site, but did have difficulty finding much specific.

Look at the sites for the other systems to undestand the basics. Maybe you can find a way to use the Unilok. You may end up using the retaining wall units for the walls and retailing wall cap units for the steps. The step tops can be adhered with dabs of silicone to hold the in place and allow for some flexibility. Retaining wall block should NOT be used with mortar.

Dick

 

Hello,

Thanks so much for your reply- i checked out Versalok and they had a great writeup with exactly what i needed. Thank you!

I'm probably going to use the Unilok, because my pavers are Unilok brand, and i want the colors to match. i'll probably do what you said, using the wall units for the sides, and caps as treads.

i'll stop by the local stone yard some time soon.

Thanks again!

 

Unilock makes a great paver adhesive to hold the caps on the blocks. All of the systems are built pretty much the same way. You do not need a 4th wall if the steps are going against the house, otherwise it be a bleacher.