What type of ground is suitable for garden stairs made of sandstone steps?

Hello forum,

I want to build a three-step staircase made of sandstone steps. I have already built some with concrete steps. Gravel/crushed stone, then lean concrete, and then the step on top. Can I do the same with sandstone? I read different things regarding sandstone. Trass, lime, no cement... Can the sandstone simply be placed next to the (damp soil)?

I would really appreciate clarifying help.

Many thanks!

Directly on soil works. No cement, trass works. Sandstone is relatively soft after all. If there is tension, the stone cracks and not the cement.

Directly on earth works. No cement, trass works. Sandstone is relatively soft. If there are stresses, the stone cracks and not the cement.

Thank you very much for the quick response. I only know trass as trass cement/concrete. That would then be very hard as well. If I don't want to set it on earth, what exactly goes under the stone?

You can place the steps on a gravel bed, 20-30cm should be sufficient, and of course compact it. You can then align the exact height using the mortar bed (3-5 cm). Trass cement works well with natural stones, as it prevents or minimizes efflorescence.

You can place the steps on a gravel bed, 20-30cm should be enough, and of course compact it. You can then align the exact height using the mortar bed (3-5 cm). Trass cement works well with natural stones because it prevents/almost prevents efflorescence.

Now I have to ask stupidly again, sorry. Trass cement is harder than sandstone, right? Or can it not lead to any stresses because of the gravel?

Trass cement breaks cleanly out of the joint. For whatever reason. In the old wall, the joints are reworked every few years.