ZIPPER STAIRS - a new type of stairway using Nylon-Cement

Step 9: Other Examples - 2

These photos show some of the zipper stairs I made back in the 1980's. Trying for the minimum thickness, I only did the splash coat and top coat. The stairs and walkways held up pretty well considering how thin the material was, about 1/4 inch thick. Made thicker by having a first coat underneath the nylon, I'm sure they would have held up better. Erosion was controlled, at least. We get a lot of rain here and dirt steps don't last long.

As you can see, cracks do form, and weeds do grow in the cracks. A string trimmer takes care of most of the weeding.

People tend to step on the edge of steps, instead of in the middle of the step. The steps tend to get damaged on the front face of them because of that. I make the front faces thicker now when I make steps. Also, tree roots can grow under the thin layer of cement and break the step as the root grows. If roots rot away under the cement, they cause hollow areas, which can cause the nylon-cement to break and sink in under the weight of a person.

Comments

[Wepwopper]

Thanks for the great instructable!

I love the natural look of these and they would definitely be easier on my knees. :)

I could sure use a set of these down my hillside to stop erosion and give me access to my 'back 40'. :)

It looks to me as though it channels water down the center. Does that create water damage at the bottom?

[Thinkenstein]

I suppose that would depend. You could channel water off to the sides occasionally on the way down, or control the channel at the bottom. Eventually water leaves the cement and flows over dirt. You have erosion there.