My brick front stoop is two steps, 7 inches and 11 inches. Obviously, that second step is too tall. I see two options.
Add a layer of split bricks to the first step. This would make the first step 9-1/8" and the second step 8-7/8".
Or make a new first step (on top of the current concrete sidewalk, using two layers of bricks) and add a layer of bricks to the current first step. This would make the first step 6-1/4" and the next two steps 5-3/8" each.
Obviously, the second option is better ergonomically. However, I don't know if I can do it myself. I can figure out enough to know you need a special adhesive between the concrete sidewalk and the mortar for the first step. And you need to angle the bricks slightly so water runs off. But I'm unsure about whether I need drainage holes or how to make them. And perhaps there's something else for this second option that would require a professional and more money I don't really want to spend.
So, would the first option really not be good enough, or do I not need anything special for the second option so I can do it myself?