Building A Set of Stairs

  • Maine Coast Stone natural slab steps

    A Set of Stairs #5446

    Maine Coast Stone natural slab steps

  • Bluestone thermal treads

    A Set of Stairs #5438

    Bluestone thermal treads

  • Rockport reclaimed granite steps

    A Set of Stairs #5406

    Rockport reclaimed granite steps

  • Thermal bluestone treads with natural cleft bluestone landings

    A Set of Stairs #5410

    Thermal bluestone treads with natural cleft bluestone landings

  • Reclaimed Granite Landing

    A Set of Stairs #5414

    Reclaimed Granite Landing

  • Maine Coast Stone steps

    A Set of Stairs #5418

    Maine Coast Stone steps

  • Maine Coast stepping stones

    A Set of Stairs #5434

    Maine Coast stepping stones

  • Maine Coast Stone steps and slab bridge

    A Set of Stairs #5422

    Maine Coast Stone steps and slab bridge

  • Monolithic Maine Coast Stone steps

    A Set of Stairs #5426

    Monolithic Maine Coast Stone steps

  • New England Fieldstone steps

    A Set of Stairs #5430

    New England Fieldstone steps

    Architect

    Visionary Landscapes

    Location

    Newburyport, MA

  • New England Fieldstone steps

    A Set of Stairs #5442

    New England Fieldstone steps

    Architect

    Infinity Design

    Location

    Westford, MA

  • New Fieldstone Steps and landings

    A Set of Stairs #5450

    New Fieldstone Steps and landings

    Architect

    Infinity Design

    Location

    Westford, MA

The basic function of steps has not changed since man started building them, they create an easier way to change grade.  Once it is determined that a set of stairs is required in a landscape construction project, then the options for what materials are best for both form and function come into play     

Steps vs Treads

In landscape construction there is a distinction between natural stone used for steps and treads.  Steps are solid stone and generally have a rise between 4-8” with 7” being the most common.  A tread is a thinner stone, usually about 2” thick, that is placed on top of premade risers.  

Monolithic steps 

Bluestone treads on natural stone risers

Types

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Sawn and gauged steps

Made in quarries from blocks of stone.  The stone is sawn or split and then is gauged to have exact height, length widths.  These types of steps are the most precise. a heading here.

 

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Sawn and gauged treads 

Standard 2” tread is an economical and flexible material to create steps in a variety of ways.  In this photo the risers the treads rest on is the same stone as the veneer
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Irregular natural slabs 

Pieces of natural stone that have been broken out of a quarry or harvested from fields can be used to create a more rustic or informal step.  The natural edges and irregular shape can be used to create a more natural looking set of steps