outdoor steps

Set the blocks in mortar, let it set up, then fill the block.

Why bother with cutting/shaving(?) the block? If it's only out an inch the setting bed mortar can deal with it, and since the block will be filled, there's probably no need to pin the steps to the slab - gravity will do a fine job of holding the steps in place.

The question that hasn't been asked or addressed is what exactly is the concrete that the steps will be sitting on, and will that move with all of the additional weight that will be added.

I was not certain if the blocks purchased were too high. Without actually knowing the riser height, and the existing concrete height I was a bit confused. I would set the blocks right in a mortar bed if the height of these was proper....

Why bother with cutting/shaving(?) the block? If it's only out an inch the setting bed mortar can deal with it, and since the block will be filled, there's probably no need to pin the steps to the slab - gravity will do a fine job of holding the steps in place.

The question that hasn't been asked or addressed is what exactly is the concrete that the steps will be sitting on, and will that move with all of the additional weight that will be added.

Thank you guys. I spent a good deal of time thinking about this and you have both made it seem simple. Much appreciated.

No problemo, muchacho. What exactly is the concrete that the steps will be resting on? And are you sure that the concrete hasn't moved? Reason I'm asking is if the existing slab or whatever it is moved with just it's own weight, it will most likely move more with the added block/fill/paver weight. Obviously you don't want to be building good on top of bad, and masonry work is always made or broken on the preparations and precautions. The actual setting or pouring is the easy part.

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The concrete was there when I bought the house 5 years ago. The only thing I know about it is that it covers the first half of the yard and is about 6 inches deep - I know that from having to core through it in a few spots to place termite traps. It is all graded away from the house and I'm a wood floor guy trying to do something I have no clue about :)