Garden Steps

[Joe Shmoe]

Hi folks.

I have a natural steep slope in my garden, and want to put some steps in, rather than walking down the muddle slope that I currently have. Instead of buying slabs and have the hassle of foundations and brickwork, I figured I would do something like this:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1280/541 ... 78.jpg?v=0

Simple length of wood, which will be held in place at either end with a rustic tree-stake hammered 400mm into the ground.

I don't know what timber to use for the retaining lengths, seeings as they will be in constant contact with the dirt, and will surely rot?
Would some lengths of 2x4 (stacked two high) in rough-sawn treated) softwood be okay? What do they use in national parks etc?

Regards
Joe

 

[MikeG.]

Oak would give you a chance, and would certainly last longer than softwood.

Please build them a bit better than the ones you show, though, which look more like a trip hazard than a set of steps.

Mike

 

[Joe Shmoe]

haha, yes, those steps are really bad!

Okay, Oak sounds good. This Timber-merchants is just up the road from me, but I don't know what to ask for?

http://www.thorogood.co.uk/products.php ... imberstock

I figured 50mm x 200mm x 1mm should give me decent sized steps.... but can anyone advise how I ask for this?

Are there special terms such as PAR, or rough-cut or planks etc ?

Also, they list European and North American?

Oh, by the way, incase you hadn't realised, I am an amateur! haha


Regards
Joe

 

[DaveL]

Joe,

If you are just up the road from Thorogoods then you are not that far from me and Mike G.
He did have some oak for sale, don't know if he has any left, but it would probably be cheaper option than Thorogoods and its English as well. 8)

 

[BMac]

Hi Joe,

I was advised to use Red Cedar for raised vegetable beds because it can resist deterioration for 10 to 12 years. Like a fool I went and bought a load and then discovered scaffold planks that cost me nothing. However, for a job like yours I would go for the Cedar, looks a lot better.

Maybe I am giving you bad advice but one of the other guys will jump in and correct me hopefully. I went on advice I got from a timber yard so maybe they saw an easy catch.

Brendan

 

[MikeG.]

Thorogoods are great for seasoned timber.......but this would be a complete waste of money in these circumstances. You should use "green" (unseasoned) timber .............give us a clue as to your location and we might be able to point you in the right direction.

Mike

 

[thomvic]

Steps in a garden are a nightmare! Barrows, lawnmowers etc are not designed to go up and down them. I too have a steep sloping garden. By necessity, I have a flight of 13 steps from the yard at the back of the house that can't reasonably changed. This used to be followed by a series of steps in a well constructed path. I have done away with all of them after the initial flight.

Richard

 

[Joe Shmoe]

Cool, thanks for your advice, Mike. I'm in Colchester.

Oh, just edited to say that I found this, which seems appropriate - but delivery adds £100 to the price!!! lol.

http://www.uk-oak.co.uk/product-catalogue/Green_Landscaping_Oak



Regards