Compacting gravel without a vibrating plate

[ATTACH alt="8639494B-207E-4AAF-853F-4DDA4C1F3B46_1_105_c.jpeg"]83022[/ATTACH]

On the right side of this terrace, about 80 cm down to the lawn, a small staircase with 4 steps is needed. It will be built from granite slabs and will be quite a massive block, which will probably only be movable as a whole. A layer of gravel will be laid underneath as a base. According to my many years of construction site observation, this should be compacted. For this purpose, it makes sense to use a vibrating plate. But this house is on a slope, and there is – this is a "permanent problem" – no easy way to bring such a 50-kilogram tool behind the house. Carrying it down the concrete stairs and back up would be a real challenge. The alternative, a "hand tamper," i.e. a rod with a plate at the bottom, I would also have to borrow somewhere, but such a tool does not provide nearly the compaction that would be advisable.

I assume there is no solution to this problem, I just can’t think of anything, but maybe I’m overlooking something?

Well, construction was done before 1950 as well – but there were no vibrating plates back then. So there is also a solution for your "problem" ;-)

Use a 12kg hand tamper. Then you don’t compact 30cm at once, but rather layer by layer, 5 to max 10cm. It's great for fitness. Or build steps with a lot of concrete and less crushed stone. There are many possibilities.

If you draw up a detailed plan and show it, maybe someone can help you.

P.S. The steps will be really heavy. How will you get them to their place and how will you lay them?

But this house is on a slope and there is – this is a "permanent problem" – no easy way to bring such a 50 kilo heavy part behind the house. Going down the concrete stairs and back up again would be a real challenge.

2 men, one holds on the left and one on the right. That’s not a problem at all. Unlike the block steps ;)

These tamping plates are available at the hardware store you trust for a small amount of money. I once bought one for 30 euros about 2 years ago. You can always use one now and then.

Well, a vibrating plate with 50kg is more in the toy category. Rent a rammer/hopper, they weigh only ~65kg and can be carried easily by two people (or alone with a good breakfast). Do it right the first time, then you'll have peace for a long time :cool:

one holds on the left and one on the right

the staircase is about 60 cm wide

yes, two strong, young men might be a "solution".
I don't have them "ready like that". I am over 70 and my social environment is similar.
You would then of course need two of them twice.

The idea (which I actually hadn't had before) will be kept ... thank you for that.