How to Create a Stunning Landscape with Stone Steps
When it comes to creating the outdoor space of your dreams, sometimes function has to come before design. But this is not the case when you need to build stairs and pathways to make it easier to walk through your property!
There are lots of benefits to investing in landscape stone designs. Not only is it visually stunning, but it can also increase the value of your home by up to 13%! Further, stone pathways can be added to all kinds of landscapes, from porches to patios to gardens and even stairways for elevated services.
But if you’re looking for landscape stone ideas for your next project, you may soon be overwhelmed by the options. There are countless styles out there – how can you narrow down your options to create a beautiful design that enhances your property?
Here are a few helpful tips and landscape stone ideas to help you through the design process.
1. Figure Out What Kinds of Steps You Want
There are so many types of landscape stone categories – so your first step is to determine which ones are needed for your property.
If you have any elevated surfaces like a porch or hills in your property, adding stairways is recommended. This will make it much easier (and safer) for people to walk through your lawn. But there are several stairs styles that you can design, depending on your layout and overall preference.
Traditional Slab Steps
Cut stone can be used to create traditional-looking stairs with the same shape and size. This design is quite structured and can fit in seamlessly with virtually any architectural design.
Natural Cut Stone
If you prefer a more natural, old-fashioned look, the natural cut stone is the way to go. The edges of each step are left with their natural texture, giving the appearance that the steps have been carved out.
Floating Steps
If you’re looking to add stone steps for a safe pathway through water, such as a shallow pool or creek, floating steps are an eye-catching choice. Thanks to the smaller, hardly visible support column beneath, these stones appear to float above the water.
2. Choose Your Stone Step Type
The material of the stone you choose is another important consideration. You need to think about which type of stone complements your landscape and home best, as well as which material is ideal for your intended use.
Brick Pattern Steps
Brick patterned steps are made of poured concrete into rectangular slabs. These come in various colors, including brick red, grey, and tan. This style will create sharp, straight lines, and the material is quite durable and long-lasting.
Slate Stones
Slate is a fine-grained rock often used for exterior flooring, pathways, and steps. Slatestone blocks measure 16”x16” and can be used for both pathways and steps and are available in a natural tan color.
Wood-pattern Stone
If you like the look of natural wood, but the durability of stone, wood-patterned stone, or Borealis steps are the ideal choice. These stones are created with poured concrete and pressed in a wooden pattern. This creates a stunning texture that fits well with both modern and traditional designs.
Large Slabs
Large stone slabs may be best if you have a large area to cover (such as a steeper hill). These can be stacked on top of another to create a stairway with natural stone edges. These large slabs come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, depending on the type of rock you prefer.
Thin Stone Veneers
Thin stone veneers may also create flat surfaces on top of stacked rocks, concrete, or wood to create stairways. In addition, thin stones are lighter and easier to install than larger slabs and quite versatile.
3. Set Your Budget
Next, you will want to determine your budget for the project. Natural stone can be a fairly hefty investment, but the payoff is quite worth it in the long run. This type of landscape design will last you for years and years, and it enhances your property value significantly.
If your budget is a bit tight, consider using flagstone or flat stones, such as bluestone or slate. These are thinner pieces of stone that are less expensive than heavier types. However, stones like granite and sandstone tend to cost more, whereas concrete steps and limestone are great middle-of-the-road options.
4. Make Them Your Own
The possibilities are virtually endless when it comes to landscape stone design ideas. You can make them a focal point by using bold colors, sharp angles, and stunning designs. Or you can blend it in seamlessly with the surrounding landscape for a more natural look. The choice is all yours!
Add Plants and Grass
If you love a more natural look, consider paying down the grass between each step. This works very well with modern architecture, as it creates clean lines.
Install Lights
Subtle lighting can also be installed beneath stone ledges or around the sides for softly lit pathways. This is not only an added safety benefit, but it can elevate the overall design of your stone steps.
Take Care of Your Stone
Although stone steps are extremely durable, you should take some care to ensure they maintain their fresh look for as long as possible. Steps should be swept and rinsed off regularly to prevent dirt from building up in the crevices. You can even use gentle dishwashing soap to give them a deeper clean.
Be sure to clean up any spills, especially dark liquids or grease, as soon as possible. Sop up any excess liquid with a rag and use a water and soap solution with a brush to wash any remaining stains.
Finally, never use harsh industrial cleaners or power washers on stone steps. This can chip away the top surface and even lead to cracks. Be gentle when shoveling snow or chipping away ice, and use de-icing salt sparingly.
Looking for More Landscape Stone Ideas?
If you’re looking to revamp your outdoor space with beautiful stone elements, reach out to Central Home Supply. We carry a wide variety of landscape supplies to match any design ideas you have in mind! Our team is also more than happy to provide more details about our selection and point you in the right direction.