OUTDOOR STEPS & STAIRS​
SOLID, USEFUL, AND IMPRESSIVE
Grade changes in a landscape require steps to transition from one level to another, prevent erosion, and ensure safety. Whether quarried natural stone, concrete (block or pavers), or brick, they should be solid and functional. The most common material for landscape steps is natural stone.
ELEVATE 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 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 essential. The standard 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 the 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 container gardens or a private sitting spot.
EXPLORE OUR PROJECTS FEATURING
stairs & Steps
Grand Staircase & Retaining Wall
St. Louis, MO
A stunning grand staircase and retaining wall, a gorgeous flagstone patio, a pergola, an outdoor kitchen, and the prettiest fireplace to gather around. Lots to see with this beauty.
Natural Stone Steps
St. Louis, MO
These natural stone steps allow for a dynamic and elevated paver patio and pool deck. Other hardscape features include a pavilion, swimming pool, and natural stone retaining wall.
Flagstone Steps
Wentzville, MO
Into the woods with this flagstone masterpiece! A quiet oasis that invites nature into every detail – waterfall, stepping stones, pathways, and plants that accentuate the theme.
STEPS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the different types of stone steps?
Outdoor stone steps fall into two formats: natural slab (irregularly shaped, organic look) and machine-cut (precise edges, more formal or contemporary finish). Common material options include:
- Granite: dense, weather-resistant, available in light gray to deep black
- Bluestone: a Midwest favorite; clean gray tones, naturally slip-resistant, works in both traditional and modern landscapes
- Limestone: refined, classic look suited to formal or traditional home styles
- Flagstone: flat, irregular pieces with a rustic, naturalistic character
- Sandstone: warm earthy tones, softer underfoot, best for lower-traffic areas
- Slate: layered texture, distinctive aesthetic, great for bohemian or cottage-style landscapes
Manufactured concrete pavers round out the options: engineered to mimic stone in a more consistent, often lower-cost format.
What is the alternative to concrete steps?
Natural stone, brick, and manufactured concrete pavers are the three most common alternatives. Natural stone (granite, bluestone, limestone, or flagstone) ages beautifully and outlasts concrete significantly in climates with heavy freeze-thaw cycles. Brick suits traditional and craftsman-style homes. Concrete pavers sit in the middle: more design flexibility than poured concrete, lower cost than natural stone. For informal garden transitions or sloped backyard access, timber or boulder steps are also worth considering, depending on the design context.
What is the best stone for outdoor steps?
Granite is the top performer. Dense, nearly impervious to weathering, and strong enough to handle decades of heavy foot traffic and Missouri freeze-thaw cycles without cracking. Bluestone is the most popular choice aesthetically, valued for its clean look and natural slip resistance. Limestone works well in formal or traditional settings but requires slightly more care in high-traffic areas. The right answer depends on your home’s exterior palette and how formal or naturalistic you want the overall design to feel.
Are stone steps cheaper than concrete?
Upfront, no. Natural stone staircases typically start around $2,500 and can reach $15,000 or more for elaborate designs, while poured concrete runs $1,300 to $6,000 installed. But the long-term math often favors stone. Concrete cracks, scales, and spalls over time, and badly damaged concrete requires full removal and repour. Natural stone can be repaired one piece at a time and, when properly installed, lasts 50 to 100 years or more. For homeowners thinking in decades rather than years, stone frequently ends up being the lower total cost of ownership.
How long do stone steps last?
A long time. Properly installed natural stone steps (granite, bluestone, or limestone) regularly last 50 to 100 years or more, often outlasting the structures they were built alongside. The longevity depends on a well-compacted base, adequate drainage to prevent frost heave, and correct installation for the site conditions. Poured concrete, by contrast, typically shows meaningful cracking and surface wear within 25 to 50 years, particularly in climates with aggressive freeze-thaw activity.
