We’ve been busy finishing up our landscaping for our home. It’s been a big project!

We stepped our front yard down, as it’s on a steep hillside, and used the material that was there to grow the yard size. But this left us with a retaining wall that needed steps.
I had planned to build steps out of the retaining wall blocks, but in Alaska, we couldn’t source the blocks needed for steps. So we decided to create wood steps.

I came up with these! The steps are sturdy and “float” on the lawn (or soon to be lawn) – so we don’t have to worry about seasonal elevation changes.
And I love the planters on the ends – kind of makes the steps feel more permanent and substantial than just steps would have.
After we built them, I realized how many other uses these planter steps could fullfill … firepit benches, tiny house steps, food truck steps … they are beautiful on all four sides, so could be a very versatile project!
These planter steps were the star of this video –
And with quite a few of you asking, I’m glad to be able to get you plans today!
Enjoy the free plans following.
XO Ana