Site Engineering
Existing grade measured, total rise calculated, step count and geometry designed to spec.
Site Measure
Week 1Total rise measured, step count calculated, plan drawn for review.
Outdoor Steps
Steps That Earn Their Place
Stone, masonry, and timber stair systems engineered to code-compliant geometry — comfortable to walk, durable through freeze-thaw, and scaled to the architecture they serve.
- 7"
- Max Riser Height
- 12"
- Min Tread Depth
- Frost
- Footed Foundations
- Code
- Compliant
Overview
Stair Geometry Is Not Optional
Outdoor steps that don’t feel right almost always violate stair geometry. We design and build to consistent rise and run — typically 6” rise over 14” tread for the relaxed cadence appropriate to garden steps — and footed below frost line so the stair holds shape through every freeze-thaw cycle.
- Frost-line footings
Concrete footings poured to local frost depth so steps don’t shift seasonally.
- Consistent geometry
Equal rise and run on every step — no half-step at the top or oddly tall first riser.
- Built-in lighting
LED riser lighting integrated into the stone for safety after dark.
What's Included
Frost-Line Footings
Concrete footings poured below frost depth — typically 36–48” in our region.
Stone or Masonry Treads
Solid bluestone or granite treads, mortared in place over reinforced cores.
Risers & Walls
Stone or block risers with optional flanking cheek walls or planters.
Drainage Engineering
Surface pitch and weep paths so water doesn’t pool on or behind the stair.
Integrated Lighting
Optional LED strip or riser lights on a low-voltage transformer.
Our Approach
How a Stair Build Runs
- 01
- 02
Footing Excavation
Days 1–2Excavate to frost depth, set forms, pour and cure footings.
- 03
Wall & Riser Build
Days 3–5Cheek walls and risers built to consistent geometry, cores reinforced.
- 04
Tread Installation
Days 6–7Stone treads cut and set, mortared, leveled, and pointed.
- 05
Lighting & Walkthrough
Day 8Lighting installed and tied in, surfaces cleaned, final walkthrough.
Common Questions
Outdoor Steps, Answered
Why do my existing steps feel wrong?
Almost always inconsistent rise or run. The brain catches the inch-and-a-half difference between the top step and the rest — that’s why a stair feels “off.” We rebuild to consistent geometry.
Do steps need a railing?
Code typically requires a railing at four or more risers. Aesthetically, even three-step transitions in steep grade benefit from a low cheek wall or rail. We design to code and good practice.
How long do stone steps last?
Properly footed solid-stone steps regularly perform for 50+ years. The stone is the easy part — the longevity is in the footing depth.
Can you tie new steps into existing walls or patios?
Yes, and we’ll spec-check the existing tie-in points before contracting. If existing footings or walls need reinforcement, we’ll flag it up front.
Design Your Stair Run
A senior lead will measure the grade transition and propose a fixed-price stair plan.