Are you looking to create a visually striking and unique set of stairs in a wall project? Look no further than CornerStone® 100 stairs. These stairs are designed with features, such as a hollow core and SecureLug, making the installation process simple.

This section provides step-by-step instructions for using CornerStone® 100 to construct stair details. After reading this blog post, you will learn how to:

  • prepare the base leveling pad

  • lay the first, second, and third courses

  • fill the cores with concrete or gravel

  • add stair treads

  • create risers

  • and more

This guide can help anyone create beautiful and practical stairs for any wall systems.

separator-fancy

Step 1: Base Leveling Pad

  • When building steps, exercise the same care used in typical retaining wall design and construction.
  • Prepare the sub-base and base leveling pad by following Gravity retaining wall CornerStone® Installation Steps 1 to 9.
  • Build each step in sequence with each course of the regular retaining wall units for best results of wall to step interlock.

cornerstone-100-stairs-step1

Step 2: Lay the First Course

  • CornerStone® first base units will have the SecureLugs removed before placing on the leveling pad.
  • The first course of step units will be completely buried.
  • Backfill behind the first course units with gravel, then compact and level flush to the top of the first course.
  • Do not fill the step units’ hollow cores with gravel if you plan to use concrete.

cornerstone-100-stairs-step2

Step 3: Lay the Second Course

  • Place the second course of units on top of the base units.
  • Place a second row of units back-to-back behind the second course of units on
    half bond.
  • Backfill behind the second course of units with gravel, then compact and level flush to
    the top of the second course.
  • Do not fill the step units’ hollow cores with gravel if you plan to use concrete.

cornerstone-100-stairs-step3

Step 4: Lay the Third Course

  • Place the third course of units on the lower backward facing units with the SecureLugs placed into the 2 hollow cores of the lower units on half bond.
  • Pull the units forward to lock the SecureLugs into the lower backward units.
  • The third course units will be in a forward batter approximately 1.5 inch leaving 10.5 inches exposed on the front first step.
  • Place a second row of units back to back behind the third course of units on half bond.

cornerstone-100-stairs-step4

Step 5: Continue Installation

  • Continue to install each course of step units following the same steps as above.
  • The top and final step does not need backward units.

cornerstone-100-stairs-step5a

cornerstone-100-stairs-step5b

Step 6: Concrete Core Steps

  • Concrete filling the cores of all the step units will provide for greater stair stability.
  • Flush the concrete/gravel core infill to the top of the units.
  • Use a steel bar to hand-vibrate the cores to insure proper filling.
  • Option: Unit cores can be filled with gravel but must be well compacted.

cornerstone-100-stairs-step6a cornerstone-100-stairs-step6b

Step 7: Stair Threads

  • CornerStone® 12-inch deep cap units can be used as a stair tread.
  • Option: Pavers, Patio Slabs, or Natural Stone can also be used as a stair tread.

cornerstone-100-stairs-step7

Step 8: 8″ Riser Cross Section

  • The 12-inch cap will overhang the step units by approximately 1.5 inch on each step.
  • The riser will be a full 8 inches using the above installation.
  • Properly secure the cap units using a concrete adhesive.
  • Make sure all units are free of dirt and stones before installing.
  • Place a bead of adhesive between each joint of the caps.

cornerstone-100-stairs-step8

Step 9: Lower Step Risers

  • Lower risers can be made, such as 6″ or 7″, by lowering the buried units 1 to 2 inches below the top of the backward buried unit.
  • Larger treads can be created by moving the buried units back off the forward step course 3 to 4 inches to create a 15 to 16 inch tread.
  • A variety of riser heights and tread lengths can be created to suit your project.

cornerstone-100-stairs-step9

Wrapping Up

Constructing a striking and functional set of stairs for your wall project has never been easier with CornerStone® 100 stairs. With the instructions above, you can spruce up your landscape and create a practical solution for accessing higher levels.

CornerStone® 100 stairs offer a wide range of options for customizing your stair treads. These include concrete caps, pavers, patio slabs, and natural stone.

The ability to customize the stair treads allows you to create a personalized look that matches your style and preferences. Additionally, using high-quality materials for the treads ensures that your stairs will be durable.

Using CornerStone® 100 stairs has several other advantages:

  • These stairs are designed with a hollow core, making them lightweight and easy to handle during installation.

  • The SecureLug feature ensures a secure interlocking connection between the step units and the wall system.

  • The use of concrete or gravel in the core of the step units provides added stability and durability.

By integrating these stairs into your wall systems, you can achieve a seamless and attractive design that will endure over time. Plus, it can potentially add value to your home.

More CornerStone 100 Installation

  • cornerstone 100 geogrid retaining wall

CornerStone 100 Geogrid Wall

January 7th, 2016|0 Comments

Creating a CornerStone® reinforced retaining wall system, involves the use of geogrids for reinforcement. Cornerstone geogrid retaining walls 3.5ft (1 [...]

  • cornerstone 100 curved retaining wall

Retaining Wall Curve CornerStone 100

January 7th, 2016|0 Comments

Retaining Wall Curve details are often required for specific sites and can be specified by designers and engineers. Correct construction and professio [...]

  • cornerstone 100 retaining wall corners

Retaining Wall Corner Installation

January 7th, 2016|0 Comments

Retaining wall corner installation details are often required for specific sites and can be specified by designers and engineers. Correct construction [...]

  • cornerstone 100 stone pillars

CornerStone 100 Pillars

January 7th, 2016|0 Comments

Pillars add a finishing touch of elegance to any CornerStone® wall project. They can be used to create distinguished entranceways to any residence or [...]