ᐅ Transporting and Installing Terrace Block Steps?

Created on: 5 Dec 2025 15:32
U
uweuweuwe
Hello,

We want to transport and install 6 steps measuring 100 cm (40 inches) weighing 120 kg (265 lbs) each, and 6 steps measuring 150 cm (59 inches) weighing 190 kg (419 lbs) each, from the property boundary to the terrace (approximately 15 meters (49 feet) distance).

A landscaper will do this, whose equipment is rather average. However, that doesn’t matter because he has delivered good performance and quality.

The terrain is fairly level with some slight slopes in between.

My two concerns/questions:
1. Transporting the steps – what would you recommend?

2. The procedure for installation – individual work steps, materials, tools.
Are there any instructional videos available?

Thank you very much for your support!

Neue Terrasse mit großen Terrassenplatten auf Kies-Unterbau neben dem Haus

Zwei Paletten mit gestapelten Beton-Blocksteinen auf einer Baustelle vor dem Haus im Gartenbereich
N
Nauer
5 Dec 2025 18:20
Lever effect, of course. One side now weighs only 175 kg (386 lbs). The lever reduces the remaining weight.
U
uweuweuwe
5 Dec 2025 18:24
Thank you!

I watched two videos.
It doesn’t look very complicated.
You just have to work 100% accurately, otherwise the staircase will stick out or be set too low.
Both would be a disaster!

I only see a thin layer of concrete there. I was told there should be 15-25 cm (6-10 inches) of concrete underneath.
I find that hard to evaluate.

One reason for my question is that the excavator and a mounting bracket need to be rented for 400-500 euros including transport.
And then there is the risk that the steps might get scratched...

By the way, there are 2 staircases with 6 steps each.
a. 100 cm (40 inches) wide
b. 150 cm (60 inches) wide
N
Nauer
5 Dec 2025 18:26
I wouldn’t put myself through that. You want to do it yourself? I think professionals should handle that.
U
uweuweuwe
5 Dec 2025 18:32
No, no, you must have realized that I’m not a tradesperson.

But my foreman needs some support there.
N
Nauer
5 Dec 2025 18:44
Then I would present the gathered information – maybe he will have some questions afterward...
N
nordanney
5 Dec 2025 18:52
uweuweuwe schrieb:

I only see a thin layer of concrete there. I was told there should be 15-25 cm (6-10 inches) of concrete underneath.

If the bottom step is positioned correctly, not much concrete is actually needed. However, it is important that a solid support is poured on the sides (like with curbstones).
uweuweuwe schrieb:

One reason for my question is that the excavator and a holder have to be rented for 400-500 euros including pickup and delivery.

Wow. Here, renting the excavator along with a block step clamp costs about 140-150€ (per day). Then there is transport – 20€ for the trailer if you drive it yourself. The 400-500€ price really surprises me.

BUT: Do yourself a favor and don’t strain yourself doing it by hand. Your body will thank you, and if one step is not set correctly and you have to lever it out as mentioned here, you risk ruining the whole staircase (the lever forces don’t just lift the incorrectly placed step, but in the worst case also push the step(s) below downwards, making everything crooked).
uweuweuwe schrieb:

I watched two videos.
It doesn’t look that complicated.

Feel free to watch more—many are also from professionals. You can learn a lot this way (I always find it helpful) and might get additional useful tips (for example, a good video from EHL, setting the steps by hand—also on just 10 cm (4 inches) of concrete).