How to Build Stairs using Railroad Ties
Have you ever looked at your back yard and wondered how to make it look more interesting and fun without a lot of expense? If you use different materials in your backyard, it will have a more appealing look to people who visit your home that if you do not have anything interesting to look at.
Railroad ties are a great way to create stairs in your backyard along with an ice breaking topic for getting to know the people who visit your home. The following steps detail how to build stairs using railroad ties.
First, determine where you will want the “staircase” in your backyard. Most people position it from the porch to the back wall or from the center of the backyard to the porch, but that is determined by where you want the visitor’s eye to focus upon.
Second, you will need to measure the distance between the stairs and how long the “staircase” will be in the backyard. Many people do this by making a spot and taking two or three steps away from the spot and making another spot.
That gives the walker a more leisurely stroll down the stairs as opposed to having to walk up several steps all at once.
It also is more pleasant for a parent pushing a stroller because they have more room to get it onto the stair without having to worry about it falling off while they attempt to get the back wheels on the stair.
Third, take a trip to your local home improvement store and have a chat with the outdoor designers there. They will be able to point you in the right direction of how to build stairs using railroad ties and the type of railroad ties that you will need for your specific measurements and backyard.
Taking the measurements, a few pictures of the backyard, and a sketch of what you want the backyard to look like when you are done is a great idea and will help the designer understand exactly what you want to do.
If a home improvement store is not available, call a local contractor or designer who you trust and talk to them. They may have other ideas that can help ease some of the cost of the project.
Fourth, place the stairs at the places that you marked and stake them into place. You will either need to use concrete and stakes or you will need very long nails.
The type of ground that you have will determine all of this and the person you consult with should be able to tell you what you will needs.
Once the railroad ties are in place, either fill in or empty out each level of the steps, making certain to keep the stair face even.
This will prevent guests from tripping on a bump in the step. Some materials that you can use are dust, gravel, and grass, but you can choose the one that is right for you. Using safe materials is the best way to build stairs with railroad ties.
