Need New Steps? Masonry Contractors Suggest These Trends in the Newport and Bristol, RI Areas

Need new steps? Masonry contractors suggest these trends in the Newport and Bristol, RI areas. If your landscape is sloped, adding steps will ensure a safe transition between various levels. Steps are also a wonderful opportunity for design expression.

Related: 3 Ways a Mason Can Complement Historical Architecture in Portsmouth and Barrington, RI, Areas

1. Solid Stone Steps

Nothing says “been here forever” like stone steps. Some stone steps have been in place, and have seen heavy use, for thousands of years and while they may show signs of wear, they are still standing and still usable.

Stone steps are dramatic. They can be used to visually balance other large elements in the landscape such as trees, a pergola, an outdoor kitchen, or rock outcrops.

Solid stone steps (with a 6-7” riser and a tread depth that matches the contours of the land) can be used in any design. For example, you could choose shaped, smooth stone steps for sleek modern rectilinear designs and rustic hand-hewn stone steps for more naturalistic designs.

Solid stone steps are simply stacked on top of one another, but that doesn’t mean it’s a DIY project: they must rest on a base that will prevent them from shifting over time, and the sheer weight of the steps may require machinery to put them in place safely.

Bluestone, limestone, granite, and slate are good choices for steps. The price will be higher than brick, wood, or concrete but you’ll get a great return on your investment thanks to their incredible longevity.

Manufacturers of concrete patio pavers often carry their own line of concrete slabs that can be used as steps, much like solid natural stone steps. As with natural stone, you have choices in styles and colors to match your design aesthetic.

2. Wooden Steps

Wooden steps can be made in several styles that are suitable for relaxed or rustic landscapes. One style uses landscape timbers as a frame that is then filled with concrete, gravel, flagstone, brick, or - for an even more informal look - grass or resilient ground covers. This is a surprisingly durable method as long as pressure-treated timbers are used.

Another style is to use wooden planks to construct steps (much like the steps leading to a deck or a boardwalk); these will need to be supported by a staircase and kept off the ground to prevent rot. The look is ideal if you want to create a beachy or spa-like atmosphere. And, you can easily incorporate lighting right under the treads (at the top of the riser) to provide safe illumination for each step.

3. Stacked Flagstone

Stacked fieldstone walls are common in the Rhode Island area. You can mimic the look by using smaller stacked flagstone pieces for the risers, and larger flagstone slabs for the treads. The stones should be mortared together to prevent the steps from shifting over time. Surprisingly, this design can work very well with both ultramodern and rustic settings (though it’s not the best choice for formal homes).

4. Brick

Brick is another classic material used for both vertical and horizontal applications. Brick is a beautiful complement to historical homes or any setting where you want to infuse charm and color. Brick steps can last many decades and should one brick be damaged, you can replace it without having to redo the entire staircase.

5. Concrete Patio Pavers

Concrete patio pavers also make excellent landscape steps. You will get a huge choice of styles if you go with patio pavers: everything from sleek and modern to rugged and rustic.

Related: How a Mason Reflects the Beauty of Nature in Their Work in Newport and Bristol RI Areas