Allan Block Wall Systems offer a variety of options for stairways.

Stairs can be designed with flowing curves or corners. Curved sidewalls create a softer, natural look. Straight sidewalls and corners offer a crisp, traditional style; however they require AB Corner Blocks and take more time and custom cutting to build.

Video: How to build
retaining wall stairs

How Many Steps Do I Need?

To find the number of steps needed, measure the total rise of your slope in inches and divide by 8 in. (200 mm) - the approximate height of a block. *

*Check with your local Allan Block Dealer for exact specifications.

Tackle Your Slope

Match your stairway design to the natural grade of your slope.

• On steep slopes, keep the blocks tight together. With Allan Block, you get an 8 in. rise and a 12 in. run. (200 mm rise and a 300 mm run). *
• On gentle slopes, add pavers or other materials to increase the depth of the tread and length of the run.
• Landings can soften a long stairway and provide an easy way to tie sets of steps together.

Take Time to Build in Quality

Building stairs and steps requires careful planning, flexibility on the job site and an eye for detail. Be sure to allow adequate time for layout and building of stairs.

Many stair design variations are possible. Stair layout for rise and run needs to be calculated with consideration to the stair tread that best suits your application.

Determine Stair Riser Locations

Once the number of steps has been determined and the type of stair tread has been selected, excavate the stair location based on the rise and run.

• Mark the center of the stairway where the base stair riser will be placed. In this example the first stair riser is the continuation of the base course of the retaining wall that the stairs are being built into.
  
• Each stair riser will need a minimum of 6 in. (150 mm) of base material under it that extends a minimum of 6 in. (150 mm) behind the retaining wall block.
  
• Make adjustments as needed so that the first riser is not more than 8 in. (200 mm) high with stair tread material and final grading in place.