One highly attractive feature that hasn’t been discussed before is bullnose steps. Too often, the design of steps is overlooked, with functionality taking precedence over aesthetics for many homeowners. If you’ve never considered it, why not add some style to your steps and enhance their appearance?
In today’s article, we’ll guide you through the straightforward process of laying bullnose steps on an earth slope. This is a relatively simple task, and making this one small change could have a significant impact on your garden. If the area is already prepared and you don’t need to work on the earth slope itself, your job becomes even easier.
For all your landscaping and paving needs, our RF Paving team is always here to help.
What Are Bullnose Steps?
This is a great question! Let’s start by explaining what bullnose steps are and what makes them unique.
Bullnose steps are cut on three sides and feature a rounded edge at the front, resembling a bull’s nose. While it may not look exactly like a bull’s nose, it’s certainly similar enough for comparison.
At RF Landscape Products, we offer bullnose steps in two elegant options: Kandla Grey Sandstone and Raj Green. The rounded finish of these steps is not only safer than the traditional sharp edges found on standard paving steps, but it also reduces the risk of injury during a fall. Additionally, bullnose steps provide a luxurious appearance that can help set your garden apart from others.
How to Lay Bullnose Steps
Now that you understand what bullnose steps are and the benefits of incorporating them into your garden, let’s discuss how to install them. The process is quite similar to laying regular steps, with a few key differences.
Set Up Your Markers
Like many landscaping projects, the first step is to mark the area where you plan to place the bullnose steps. Since bullnose steps are sold individually, you’ll need to determine the total area for the stepping feature and calculate how much space will be occupied by the steps.
Measuring the area can be challenging, especially on a steep incline. Start by measuring the vertical height of the slope to figure out how many steps you’ll need (if more than one). To do this, set down two markers at the same horizontal distance apart as your bullnose steps.
Next, establish two parallel lines along the length of the slope to mark the outer edges of your step installation. You should now have four markers that define each corner of the stairway. With the horizontal measurement in place, you’re ready to take the vertical measurement.
Determine the Number of Steps Needed
First, drive a peg into the ground to mark the back of the highest step. Extend a measuring device from that peg to align with the markers at the bottom of the slope. Use a spirit level to ensure that your measurement is straight, and then measure the vertical distance from the ground. This measurement will give you the vertical height.
Most bullnose steps are available in standard sizes. With your vertical measurement, you can calculate your riser height (the height of the steps without including the thickness of the step itself). Additionally, use the thread-riser combination chart to determine your total tread length (the length of the step). At this point, you should know how many steps you will need.
We always recommend using materials specifically designed for steps for any stepping project. Cutting pavement slabs can be unnecessarily complicated and may not result in a finish you will be proud of. When you choose materials that have been manufactured for stepping, they are usually produced at the optimal size and depth, ensuring a better outcome.
Roughly Shape Your Steps
Rip up the turf in the area you’ve measured, and use pegs to mark the back of each tread (leaving plenty of space to actually work). Create the rough shape of the steps in the earth.
Concrete the Footings
Dig whatever trench is necessary for your first footing (it may have to meet concrete paving), and drive in pegs that align with the height of each step. Concrete the footings of the first step, making sure that the surface is level with your first two pegs.
Build the First Riser
Once that concrete is dry (usually around 24 hours later), you can lay the first riser. Mix your mortar (four parts sand, one part cement) and build the first riser with two skins of your chosen brick. It will take around two hours for the mortar to dry.
Fill the area behind that riser with hardcore, ensuring that it extends beyond the length of your bullnose step. Make sure the hardcore is nice and compact, and double-check with a spirit level that everything is flat.
Laying Your First Bullnose Steps
Start by applying a layer of mortar on top of the riser and hardcore, then position the first bullnose step. Ensure that there is a slight overhang on the top of the riser and fill all the joints with mortar. If you are installing two bullnose steps side by side, create a pointing mortar along the edge of the first slab.
Next, place the following riser at the back end of the first bullnose tread. Repeat this process until you reach the top step. It is advisable to continuously measure the riser height and the hardcore layer to avoid introducing any errors, as fixing them later can be quite challenging.
In the end, you will have a perfectly constructed set of stairs with bullnose steps that are safe, modern, and long-lasting.
Freestanding Steps
If you are fortunate enough to have an existing stepping arrangement (and only need to install the bullnose step), your task will be significantly easier. There are several different ways to use bullnose steps, whether you are combining them with paving for a garden feature or providing steps between your home and garden.
Bullnose Steps with RF Paving
We have extensive experience with a wide range of paving and landscaping projects. Our knowledgeable team is available to provide you with all the advice you may need and to supply you with high-quality equipment that will ensure your project’s success.
Contact us today to find out more.
