Stone, brick and concrete landscaping steps

Steps

Solid, Useful, Beautiful

You Can’t Get There From Here. Grade changes in a landscape require steps to transition from one level to another, to prevent erosion, and for safety. Whether quarried natural stone, concrete (block or pavers), or brick, they should be solid and useful. The most common material for landscape steps is natural stone.

Dress up your landscape with steps and stairs

Step design starts with the style of the landscape and home. Steps add interest to the landscape and can make a statement at an entry, pique curiosity about the destination, or simply provide easy access to other parts of the landscape. Steps and stairs can be decorative, with or without rails, lit with low-voltage outdoor lighting from top to bottom, edged with plants to add color, curved or straight, with or without landings.

Design and build steps with safety in mind

Correct sizing is important. The common formula for landscape step construction is a 6-inch riser and a 12-inch tread. However, riser heights from 4 to 7 inches can be used. The relationship between riser and tread should remain constant throughout the entire flight of steps/stairs. Wide steps are perceived as more welcoming and allow side-by-side climbing. Plus, wider steps also allow for container gardens or a private spot to sit.

A striking mix of textures artfully accented with a custom railing.

Concrete steps and boulder wall

Concrete steps and boulder wall lead from the front yard to backyard.

Luxury steps and landscaping in Wayzata, MN

Curving steps with stone veneer and smooth stone caps.

Limestone staircase with large-format treads

An elegant limestone staircase with large-format treads leads to a luxurious outdoor living room.

split asymmetrical staircase leads to a saltwater backyard pool

This split asymmetrical staircase, divided by a built-in planter, leads to a saltwater pool.

Chilton Stone Steps in Eagan backyard landscape.

Irregular boulder wall and Chilton stone steps add some rugged character to this backyard.

belgard steps through a tiered retaining wall

Concrete steps through a tiered retaining wall provide easy access from the street to the front door.

Stacked boulder retaining wall with stone staircase.

Stone steps cut from boulders blend right into this stacked boulder retaining wall.

stone steps path boulder wall and garden

A path from the front yard descends down this saw-cut boulder staircase past a basalt column bubbler and native perennials.

Natural stone steps with flagstone walkway.

Natural stone steps with flagstone walkway.

natural stone steps, shady garden, back of home

Multiple sets of steps run up a steep slope which helps this family safely access their outdoor spaces and the lake.

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