I have some very basic questions about building outside steps, using stone
materials, either river rock or some type of slab stone.

These steps would be about 18 feet long, with a rise of approx 10 feet.
These are very approx figures, and are included just to give a perspective
of what I am planning.

I live in a mountain area where the frost-freeze level, in the worst of
times, can go down nearly three feet.

How does one go about building steps like this ? Does each and every step
point have to have a three foot footer ?? This would seem to be such work
and expense that I can't see anyone building a set of steps like this.

For most steps made out of stone, do people normally building concrete forms
first, and then lay the stone on that ??

I know these are green questions, but I would appreciate some basic
information on these points please .

Thanks for any input and direction !!


--James--