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:
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prepare the base leveling pad
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lay the first, second, and third courses
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fill the cores with concrete or gravel
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add stair treads
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create risers
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and more
This guide can help anyone create beautiful and practical stairs for any wall systems.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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These stairs are designed with a hollow core, making them lightweight and easy to handle during installation.
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The SecureLug feature ensures a secure interlocking connection between the step units and the wall system.
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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.
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