Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - stairs from retaining wall blocks

I have an existing set of stairs made out of railroad ties. I would like to replace the ties with stairs made out of retaining wall blocks, but can't seem to find plans or directions on the internet.

I'd appreciate any places to look for plans, directions, or just some ideas.

thanks.

jack

You are thinking about the keystone or garden wall blocks by Basalite, or similar? Smooth on 3 sides, rough on the other 3, with the hook on the long smoth side?

They'll work fine.

To install them, you dig a trench that they will fit in, bury the 1st course at least 1/2 of the block height (make sure the bottom of the trench is tamped and level!!) Getting that course set is 90% of the work. The next however many tiers (4 max.!!) just set on top of the one below. Then backfill behind them. (THE HOOK GOES DOWN!!)

Well, we've looked at many different styles of blocks -- most seem too narrow or thin. We looked at Keystone, too. I'm guessing they're pretty expensive, although it seems you would use fewer of them. We even came home with their installation book, although its hard to imagine how to transfer the drawings to the actual cuts into the hill.

I'm assuming just about any standard base material will do -- small gravel or paver base?

thanks for the input!

Keystone blocks -- "I'm guessing they're pretty expensive"

That's relative, but they're not expensive. I bought 2 pallets of them (120 per pallet), and if I remember right, they were a bit under $2.00 each. What you put behind them is up to you. I used them to build a retaining wall in my front yard, back filled the area with mulch/loam mix, and planted grass. I've seen them used to create steps down a bank as well.

2.00 a piece. Alot cheaper than I would have thought.

again, thanks.