Hardscaping
Steps & Natural Stone
Solid underfoot and built to last generations. Stone steps, landings and natural stone work that won't wobble, heave or crack.
Steps take a beating from feet, frost and salt, and crumbling concrete steps are one of the most common problems around older homes. Stone steps built on a proper base stay solid and look far better. Groundwork Landscaping builds front steps, porch landings and garden steps, and works with natural stone like armour stone and flagstone.
What's included
- Removal of failing concrete steps or old landings, hauled away.
- A compacted base or footing sized for the steps and their weight.
- Even risers and treads, so every step is the same height and safe to walk.
- Slab and block steps, or natural stone slabs set with equipment.
- Armour stone for walls, edging, shorelines and garden features.
- Flagstone walkways, stepping stones and patio inlays.
How steps are built
- Measure. The total rise from grade to the door sets the number of steps.
- Remove and base. Old steps out, base built and compacted.
- Set the stone. Each step set level, with the tread sloped slightly to shed water.
- Finish. Railings, lighting and planting around the new steps as needed.
Safety first
Consistent step heights and enough depth to stand on are what make steps safe. Taller sets may need a railing. Tie new steps into a matching walkway, or light them with step lights from our landscape lighting service.
What affects the cost of steps & natural stone
Steps are priced by the number of steps, their width and the stone you choose. Removing old concrete steps, landings, the size of the footing, natural slab steps that need equipment to set, railings and lighting all affect the total. Armour stone is priced by the piece and depends heavily on equipment access.
Steps & Natural Stone questions
Can you replace my crumbling concrete steps?
Yes. We remove the old steps, build a solid base and replace them with stone or block steps that won't crumble the same way.
What's armour stone?
Large, roughly squared blocks of natural stone, often limestone, used for walls, steps, edging and shorelines. Each piece weighs hundreds of kilograms or more.
Do stone steps need a railing?
It depends on the height and the number of steps. Taller flights are safer with a railing, and we'll recommend one when it's needed.
Is natural stone slippery?
Some stone gets slick when wet. We choose textured finishes for steps and walkways, and slope treads slightly so water runs off.
Will my new steps match my house?
We'll bring stone and block samples so the colour and texture suit the brick, siding and walkway.
Can steps be built in winter?
Some step work can be done in mild weather, but most stone work waits for the ground to thaw so the base can be properly compacted.
Can you add lights to new steps?
Yes. Small step lights can be built into the risers or under the treads while the steps are going in, with the cable hidden.
Do stone steps need maintenance?
Very little. An occasional cleaning and checking the joints is usually enough, and natural stone can be sealed to resist stains.
Where we offer steps & natural stone
We provide steps & natural stone for homes and businesses in Windsor, LaSalle and Tecumseh. See what to expect in your area:
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