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NewHorizon's Land
11-25-2007, 07:03 PM
...when you construct steps in a patio for entrance into a house and use the pedestal method. Do you start the first row on top of the finished base? So it would be compacted soil, fabric, base, THEN steps?

Thanks
CaptainsLS
11-25-2007, 07:07 PM
Yes. You wouldn't want to put the steps on the patio pavement. I always like to bury a whole course, even on smaller steps.
NewHorizon's Land
11-25-2007, 07:15 PM
Ok so by bury you just mean on top of the finished base not incorporated in the base.
CaptainsLS
11-25-2007, 07:30 PM
No, build your steps/stairs first before patio. You will have predetermined measurements like the sill and what not. If you have a 6" wall block, the top of the bottom course for the pedestal should be close to meeting the grade of the finished patio. The base for the patio and for the steps will end up being different heights. That's how we do it.
Mbella
11-25-2007, 07:35 PM
That's the same way we do it Captain.
NewHorizon's Land
11-25-2007, 07:37 PM
Ok now I am confused. I was thinking that you would have the base for the entire patio "finished" then construct steps, screed sand lay pavers, fill joints. Are you saying this is incorrect?
CaptainsLS
11-25-2007, 07:43 PM
I think you could on a smaller step application, but I don't risk it. We would excavate for steps, bury a course (sometimes multiple courses) so its not visible and locks in the base just like a SRW, finish steps, excavate for patio, base, sand, etc.

Why, are you at that point in the job? Just dig out the area where the steps go and install base for the steps.
Mbella
11-25-2007, 07:46 PM
Justin, basically Captain is doing what you described, but in addition, he is burying another block.
NewHorizon's Land
11-25-2007, 07:49 PM
Captain: No it goes back to my other thread about Bad Install. I was just making sure so I dont do it.

What is the base used for steps; Modified or clean?
CaptainsLS
11-25-2007, 07:53 PM
It depends I guess. I find it easier to work on a modified base. I only have access to one type of base material that meets the gradation, and it happens to be reprocessed asphalt.
Mbella
11-25-2007, 07:54 PM
For standard step installation we use modified.
CaptainsLS
11-25-2007, 08:02 PM
What type of block will you be using Justin? Only reason I ask is we use Versa-Lok and things get interesting when you try to go plumb on the pedestal
NewHorizon's Land
11-25-2007, 08:03 PM
So then you could excavate the entire area and then excavate an extra 6" where the steps will sit. Install the base for steps, steps, install base for pavers, sand, etc.?

Please correct me if I am wrong. I want my install process to be correct and not just the easiest way.

EP or Techo
CaptainsLS
11-25-2007, 08:13 PM
Yes. but its easier to do them separately IMO. If you take the patio area grade down and a extra 6" for the steps you will have both areas correct according the the 2 3/8" paver. You still need another 6" in the steps area for the base under the steps. You need to take measurements and draw it out, if you do it the way you said you will be off 2" or something and it may interfere with the overall height of the steps.
NewHorizon's Land
11-25-2007, 08:38 PM
:clap2: Ok, By George I think I got it.

Thanks for your help Captain and Mike.