No "Stairway to Heaven". Just steps that lead to the workshop.

Last fall, after the workshop was built, I added a retaining wall along the east and south side of the building.

I figured adding steps would take a while so I put off building them until the following spring. Well, the following spring rolled around and it was time. I had grown a little weary of stepping down through the door, especially during the winter with ice and snow. I am happy to report that I suffered no falls or injuries during that time.

The excavators came to work on the drainage for the wall area so I had them bring their mini excavator and dig a hole for the stairway.

*—It took the guys just 20 minutes to dig out the dirt right along the wall. It would have taken me a day or longer with a hand spade. Good money spent—*

I started by expanding and cleaning out the hole, then disassembling the wall. I then added about 6″ of road pack and tamped the devil out of the rock to make a stable and solid base.

*—Building a perimeter wall on both sides of the well—*

*—I stacked the first layer of blocks then set the next layer back just under 12″, the depth of the blocks. Each layer created a step—*

— Using a cap, I set them on top of the blocks. I used construction adhesive to hold them in place. I could have skipped the cap but then the gravel would always be exposed and would get kicked around and end up on the floor of the shop—

*—All of the cap in place and glued down—*

*—Looking down the stairs. Ignore that shadow—*

The steps were finished but I still needed some handrails-not only for going up and down but to prevent accidentally stumbling over the block if it was dark or someone wasn’t paying attention.

I thought about a wooden railing like on a deck. But then after studying some Google images, I decided on a more industrial and basic look. 3/4″ black pipe. I’ve seen handrails and other parts of the railing structure done with pipe and that seemed to be the best idea for this application.

I took measurements to get an idea of what black pipe lengths I would need. Some of the pieces I could use right off the shelf. Other length would require measuring the angle and height. I spent around $100.00 in the plumbing section along with some primer and paint at Menards.

—This is a pipe threading tool-also called a die. Almost 50 years ago, I had the opportunity to buy a lot of tools and shop ‘stuff’ from someone I was doing some other repair work for. I’ve kept these plumbing tools stored away ready for just such an occasion. The Dunlap brand, sold by Sears, went out of business in the early 60’s—

The wall wasn’t even on both sides of the steps so I had to adjust each rail so they were parallel. The vertical pipes needed to be different lengths to make it work. Then I measured the angle to make sure both of the railings were parallel.

*—This pipe clamp was invaluable. RIGID is still in business but using this +75 year old tool was cool—*

*—It’s old but it did work. I’m in the process of threading one of the vertical support—*

*—I carefully assembled the railing in order. The flanges on the bottom of the vertical pipes allowed me to drill in anchor bolts. It’s not going anywhere—*

One coat of primer then a coat of tan to match the building and it turned out ok.

I’ll add top soil and seed the area later this summer.

On to my next project…

No “Stairway to Heaven”. Just steps that lead to the workshop.

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