How To Mortar Stone Steps

Step 1

Set the first stone in place as a riser where you want the stairway to begin. For the strength of the entire stairway, this stone should be large and very heavy, though only approximately 10-inches high. If the stairs are free standing rather than excavated, use stones on the sides of the stairway as well.

Step 2

Fill the area behind the first stone with 8 inches of gravel, and then place the second 10-inch-high stone riser on this bed of stone. This stone can be smaller than the first riser stone, but must still be 10-inches high. Fill the area behind this stone with 8 inches of gravel. Continue doing this until you have built the steps up as far as they need to be built.

Step 3

Step 4

Fill the remaining 2 inches of each step with coarse sand, then pack the sand into each step completely with the flat side of the shovel.

Step 5

Mix the mortar with water in a wheelbarrow according to manufacturer instructions until it is the consistency of peanut butter. Apply 1 inch of mortar on top of the sand as well as on the riser stones using the mason's trowel.

Step 6

Press the stones into the mortar bed until they are strongly embedded. Use a rubber mallet if necessary to position the stones. Make sure to overlap the stair riser stone on each level by at least 1 inch.

Step 7

Thin the mortar slightly by adding a small amount of water, and then load it into a mortar bag. Use this tool to squeeze mortar between the joints of the stone. Allow the mortar to cure for at least a week before attempting to walk on the stone steps.

Step 8