How To Use Natural Stone Steps In Your Landscaping

How To Use Natural Stone Steps In Your Landscaping
STONEarch
July 7, 2020
How To Use Natural Stone Steps In Your Landscaping

Natural stone steps are perfect for your front or backyard. Natural stones are very versatile landscaping materials. They can provide your landscape with a luxurious and elegant ambience, a rustic and natural look, and anything in between. Also, steps made from natural stones can complement various garden styles.

One of the biggest concerns of most homeowners is the cost of adding natural stone steps on their landscape. However, it’s an investment that offers not only beauty but functionality and value as well. You can also incorporate it easily in your backyard, gardens, and yard entrance to give your property a natural look and vibe.

So whether you want to replace your old concrete steps with natural stones or want to add a dramatic highlight to your sloping backyard, consider installing natural stone steps.

There are different types of natural stone steps that you may like to consider, including stone copings which are rock-faced, bull-nosed or straight edge stone copings that can be used as steps, or solid blocks of stone as steps. Both are very popular options, however for budget conscious customers, they will often opt for stone copings as a cheaper alternative to stone steps.

You can then create a landing using natural stone pavers, and add copings as a surface treatment on top of the concrete to save some cost and reduce the heavy equipment required to install your natural stone entrance.

Why Should I Go For Natural Stone Steps Instead Of Other Materials?

Aside from beauty and functionality, natural stone steps provide the following benefits in comparison to concrete steps or other alternatives:

  • Add value to your property. Your home will not only look appealing but using natural stones can also increase its overall value. That’s why it’s worth considering if ever you’ll put your property on the market.
  • Low maintenance. Stone steps don’t require a lot of upkeep and care. You won’t have to worry about repairing cracks or growth of mildew and mold during rainy days. Basically, all you need is to sweep off debris like leaves on the steps or use a gentle water pressure to wash them off.
  • Versatile. Natural stones come in a wide array of colours, textures, shapes, and sizes. So you’ll have plenty of options in terms of style and design. The sides of our steps have a nice rock-faced finish that is timeless and rustic. Other custom options also include flamed and sandblasted stone steps.
  • Durable. Our stone steps are 6” or 7” thick blocks of stones, which means they are essentially bullet proof from breakage. They will be able to withstand harsh weather conditions. The stone steps you’ll install today can last you for many years to come. Further, due to their weight, it is unlikely they will shift around much which is a common problem with interlock steps that can often sink over time.

Although it can be costly to use natural stone for your hardscape feature, you can modify it to make it suitable for your budget. The price of these landscape stones vary widely, so you’re more likely to find something that can accommodate your needs and resources. And the best thing about it is that you don’t have to think about additional upgrades or maintenance costs for a long time.

What Types Of Natural Stones Are Ideal For Steps?

Natural granite, limestone, and sandstone are perfect for stone steps. They come in a variety of sizes and colours, so it will be easy for you to find the best finish and colour options that will work with the aesthetic of your home.

Sandstone and limestone are both the primary source materials for flagstone. Some feature either a rock or split face which gives it that natural and somewhat uneven appearance. There are also other options such as sawn-edge and sand-blasted natural stone steps. Whatever stone type you choose will all come down to your preference and the design aesthetic that you are trying to achieve.

Furthermore, stone steps come in a lot of size options. The standard height is 6” or 7” for natural stone steps, or you can opt for stone copings which are 2” in thickness. We can always customize different options for your specific project as well. You can create a lovely and impressive step with a large natural stone. Simply cut it to the proper dimensions suitable to the height or the riser or step and width of your stairs.

The Perfect Finish

If you’re aiming for formal landscaping steps, both of the sides should have retaining or cheek walls. Ensure that the materials you’ll use here match perfectly with the natural stones of your steps. Consider using natural stone pavers that match the overall step tread or you may opt for complementary colours that work with the existing facade.

Complement your stone steps nicely with everyday plants and informal rock arrangements. You may also want to consider putting some lighting on the risers for a more dramatic flair and better night-time visibility.

Final Words

Steps are not only necessary for most homes, but they’re also an excellent wSteps are not only necessary for most homes, but they’re also an excellent way to give your landscape some definition while making it interesting. Additionally, natural stone steps can give your property a style identity. They can also function as informal seating areas to connect different levels in your landscape design.

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