In this project, I am making stairs for my deck which is located at the entrance to my house.

So far, we have been using a temporary wooden pallet as a ramp for access to and from the deck.

It's finally time to create a permanent, stable, and high-quality solution.

Supplies

Materials:

Self drilling screws
Wood 14x3 cm
Metal Profiles 10x5 cm
Cement
Sand
Gravel
Metal bars
Galvanized Spray
Strong adhesive

Tools:

Welding Machine
Welding helmet
Welding gloves
Angle Grinder
Clamps
Ear protection
Impact Drill
Leveler
90 degree ruler
Measuring tape
Wheelbarrow
Hoe
Bucket
Orbital sender
Table saw
Safety equipment

Step 1: Planning

The planning is based on the architectural design of the house, which defines the heights and widths of the steps, as well as their location.

(This is my sketch :))

Step 2: Iron Frame

I created the iron frame using galvanized iron profiles 10x5 cm with a thickness of 2.65 mm.

I cut the iron profiles to the desired measurements.

I cut at a 45-degree angle to maintain closed profiles along the entire length of the path.

I created three identical frames.

After finishing all welding I cleaned and painted the welds with a protective paint to prevent rust.

For the connections that were not welded (only in the corners), I applied a strong adhesive to prevent water from entering the profiles.

*I did not weld the inner corners to avoid distortions in the metal.

Step 3: Installation

To find the position for the holes in the ground, I placed the profiles above their estimated position and checked with a level and 90 angle tool that I was in the correct position.

I removed the paint from the main iron profile of the deck where I would attach the steps. (That way it will be simpler and easier to weld)

I dug holes approximately 40-50 cm deep.

I placed the profile inside the hole and attached it to the main deck profile using a large clamp.

With a level, I ensured the profile was straight, and with a 90-angle tool, I confirmed it was at a 90-degree angle to the deck, and full weld it.

I also welded two additional iron bars inside the hole in different directions to help grip the profile with concrete.

I repeated the process with the remaining two profiles, leaving the middle one for last. Before the final welding of the middle profile, I checked with an iron profile that all three profiles were in the same plane.

Step 4: Concrete

I mixed cement, yellow sand, and gravel in a bucket (which was too small and not very convenient for mixing, so I switched to a wheelbarrow, which was easier).

The approximate mixing ratio for each hole was:

2 parts cement
1 part sand
1 part gravel

I slowly added water while mixing to avoid a too runny mixture.

I filled the holes with concrete.

Step 5: Wooden Cladding

I made the step surfaces from pine wood planks measuring 14x3 cm.

I attached the planks to the iron using self drilling screws.

I made sure to leave a 5 mm space between each plank and between the planks and the iron - the gaps are important due to the wood's expansion and contraction when exposed to water.

For each step, I attached the first and last plank and then measured the distance between them.

To the missing parts in the middle I cut the desirable size on a table saw to fit the gaps.