How to build a step

[Martin Kendrick]

hi, I am an absolute beginner here. I want to build a step from a conservatory to the garden. it is a single step . What is the best way to build a step and has anyone any tips and / or things for me to be aware of??? Whats the easiest cement to use??

Thanks in advance for help people Martin

[dg]

Easiest way

Buy a suitable concrete slab and enough engineering bricks to go around the perimeter and 2 for the middle. 1 bag building sand and 1 protland cement.

Your step wants to be between 100 and 160 high

Place the slab where you want it and mark around the edge.

Mix the mortar 3 parts sand to 1 cement

Remove the slab and lay the bricks 25mm in from this line. Lay two bricks in the middle to support the slab.

Point up the joints and lay mortar on top of the bricks. Bed the slab on, level it and scrape away excess mortar.

The above assumes you have an existing paved area to build off. If not, you need a bit of a concrete footing.

1 course of bricks = 75mm plus 35 to 50 mm for the slab and 10mm mortar. For extra height, you can lay the bricks on edge (100mm high).

Allow 10mm between top of step and bottom of door cill to prevent water bridging the dpc below the door frame

dg

[John Rumm]

Sounds familier! My attempt at same last year:-

't all laugh at once - it was the first time I tried brick laying!)