Numerical simulations are performed on the interaction of double‐step laser pulses and solid planar targets. These double‐step laser pulses are routinely generated in the laboratory. The simulations show that compressions of 10 to 16 can be obtained in aluminum when the shock waves, generated by the first and second laser pulse steps, collide within the target. Optimization of the laser pulse shape results in the compression, to this magnitude, of approximately 10 &mgr;m of Al target for durations of about 0.5 nsec. Utilization of shaped laser pulses in conjunction with impedance mismatched targets that cause shock reflection or with opposing laser beams that cause oppositely directed shock collisions can result in compressions of 30 to 40.