by Peter Scott
(Long Island)
I own a house on a bluff. The slope to the beach is about 79'. How can steps be placed to last against erosion and the occasional heavy wind?
Thank you,
Dear Peter,
I grew up on a bluff looking out over the York River, a tributary off the Chesapeake Bay. I have seen a few different types of steps used along this waterfront and the strongest ones are done in salt treated or composite lumber. On my steps, we put the posts in the ground to a 6 foot depth to get to good solid ground for a foundation. This depth can vary with your location and soil type. The stringers are attached to the posts, etc. Neighbors that built masonry steps have had continued problems with cracking and movement of the steps because the sand is such a bad foundation for them.
Thanks for your submission!
Nancy