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Build Safe & Attractive Slope Steps: A DIY Guide

Railings are recommended for steps with a long and steep slope.

If you have a property with steep slopes and hills, it can be difficult to comfortably walk around. In addition, some people also see slopes as eyesores on their property. A solution for this problem is to incorporate steps into your slopes. Slope steps can be made of wood, stone, concrete, brick or many other materials. The least expensive and most user-friendly steps to build are made from wood. Build simple low-to-the-ground steps or more elaborate elevated steps with railings.

Step 1

Measure the length of the slope where you want to build steps.

Step 2

Cut two frames for the steps with a saw. The length of each frame should match the length of the slope. For example, if the slope is 8 feet long, 2-by-8 boards work best.

Step 3

Dig out approximately 3 to 5 inches of the slope area where you plan to place the steps. Make the width of this area approximately 3 feet and the height all the way from the bottom to the top. Use the back of the shovel to pack down the earth.

Step 4

Place the frames on each side of the slope so they're slightly indented into the ground where you just removed the dirt.

Step 5

Cut 2-by-4 boards to a length of 3 feet for the runners. Two of these runners will be used to keep each step in place. Start at the top of the slope and attach two runner boards to the side frames with decking screws. Go down about a foot on the frame and repeat the process. Place the steps as close together or far apart as you want.

Step 6

Cut 1-inch boards to a length of 3 feet for the decking. You'll need three of these boards for each step. Attach these boards securely onto the runners and frames with deck screws.