Cast stone steps have a rich history, with their origins dating back to ancient Rome (1), where they were used in grand architectural designs that still stand today. These enduring features can also be found at many luxury houses and historic castles across the UK and beyond, showcasing their lasting beauty and functionality.
In this blog, we will explore the various practical uses of cast stone steps, understand the distinctions between treads and risers, and reveal the advantages they bring. We will also discuss how cast stone steps can complement other garden cast stone products, enhancing both the visual appeal and functionality of outdoor spaces.
What Are Cast Stone Steps?
What Is the Difference Between Treads and Risers?
Steps are made up of treads and risers. Treads are the flat horizontal parts of the stairs where you step. They need to be deep enough so you can comfortably place your foot on them without feeling unsteady.
Risers, on the other hand, are the vertical parts that separate each tread. They offer a continuous transition from each tread and often cover up unsightly concrete. The height of the riser affects how steep or gradual the stairs feel.
The Benefits of Cast Stone Steps
Cast stone steps are a practical and versatile addition to outdoor spaces, offering both functionality and visual appeal. They serve multiple purposes, adding a wow factor and having a variety available.
Multiple Different Uses
One of the key advantages of cast stone steps is their ability to lead visitors to the entrance of your home, creating a welcoming and structured pathway. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property but also make a positive first impression on guests.
In a garden setting, cast stone steps can help navigate sloped terrain or different garden levels, making it easier to move around and access various areas of your outdoor space.
Cast stone steps can also lead to and work harmoniously with different garden features such as porticos, obelisks, temples, or fountains, enhancing the overall aesthetic and functionality of the outdoor space.
Durability
Cast stone steps are highly durable, requiring minimal maintenance and capable of withstanding high foot traffic. This durability makes them a practical and reliable choice for creating functional and visually appealing staircases that can endure the test of time.
Wow Factor
By incorporating cast stone steps at the entrance or in your garden, you can instantly enhance the curb appeal of your home. The timeless steps create a lasting impression on visitors, delivering that wow factor you desire.
Consistency
One of the key advantages of cast stone steps lies in the consistency of their quality and appearance. Cast stone is typically manufactured in a controlled environment, which safeguards their uniformity, making them both reliable and visually pleasing.
Variety
Cast stone steps provide a range of practical options to accommodate various needs and styles. One key benefit is the wide selection of colours, enabling homeowners to choose a shade that complements their home’s exterior. This diversity ensures that the steps can be effortlessly integrated into the overall design.
Similarly, cast stone steps are versatile in their applications, making them suitable for several outdoor settings. Whether you need steps for your front entrance, garden levels, or to highlight specific features like fountains, cast stone steps can be adapted to meet these different requirements.
Additionally, the option to incorporate various gradients in cast stone steps adds a visual appeal that can enhance the overall look of your outdoor space. By playing with textures and gradients, you can create a stylish and dynamic effect that complements your landscape design.
How Cast Stone Steps and Balustrades Work Together
Cast stone steps and balustrades are a practical and smart combination for your outdoor space. Together, they provide both functional support and a cohesive look that enhances the safety and aesthetics of your garden or outdoor area.
Functional Support & Safety Assurance
Balustrades serve as a railing system that offers support and stability for elevated areas. When paired with cast stone steps, they create a secure pathway, ensuring safe navigation throughout your outdoor space.
Enhanced Visual Appeal
The detailed patterns and design of the balustrades complement the style of the cast stone steps, creating a cohesive and visually appealing look. For more information on Cast Stone Balustrades, you can read our ultimate guide here.
How Cast Stone Steps Work with Other Garden Cast Stone Products
When it comes to improving your outdoor space, cast stone steps can seamlessly complement other cast stone products. Here are a few ways that cast stone steps harmonise with various cast stone garden features.
Obelisks
Adding cast stone steps leading to a centrepiece obelisk can create a striking focal point in your garden or outdoor project. Obelisks, available in different sizes, serve as traditional garden features and can line driveways or garden paths, adding height and elegance to your outdoor setting.
Temple & Pavilions
Cast stone steps leading to a cast stone temple can make a significant impact, especially in spacious areas. Temples are known for their stateliness and can serve as a central feature that leaves a lasting impression on guests.
Cast Stone Urns, Vases and Troughs
Framing the steps with cast stone urns, vases, or troughs adds a decorative touch to the landscape. By planting colourful flowers or plants in these containers, you can introduce additional pops of colour and enhance the overall aesthetic of the outdoor space.
Porticos
For properties with raised entrances, integrating cast stone steps that lead to a cast stone portico can elevate the overall look and feel of the exterior. This combination not only adds a wow factor but also creates a cohesive and luxurious appearance for your property.
By combining cast stone steps with other cast stone products, you can create a cohesive and visually stunning outdoor environment that reflects your style and enhances the beauty of your property.
Our Range and Colour Options
At Acanthus, we pride ourselves on providing a wide selection of treads and risers, along with an extensive range of colour options for your cast stone steps.
Our Range Of Treads and Risers
Our range of treads and risers are used to create impressive steps and landings. They are available in a range of standard sizes but can also be made to suit your specific requirements or design. The risers are 60mm thick and can be adjusted to different heights.
We also offer a range of stone slabs in various sizes to match the treads and risers. These may be laid in line or as a brick-bond design for added impact.
Our treads come in three different styles:
- T1: The most popular option, available in 70mm thickness with a bullnose feature on the front edge. We also offer different options for where the bullnose runs i.e. side only, front only, two sides.
- T2: is the same as T1; other than the treads are thinner. The treads on T2 are 50mm in size, providing an elegant and sleek appearance.
- T3: Featuring a chamfered profile, T3 treads offer a modern aesthetic that suits various exterior styles.
If you’re looking to upgrade or add steps with high-quality treads and risers, we have the products to meet your needs.
Cutting Our Cast Stone
When installing cast stone steps, it’s common to need to cut them on-site to fit specific dimensions. To do this, use a diamond-tipped masonry saw, preferably water-fed, to ensure clean cuts without overheating. After cutting, clean the dust with water to prevent staining.
Please keep in mind that cut faces may look slightly different from the original cast stone faces.
For more information, you can read our full blog here.
Our Colour Options
We understand the importance of choosing the right colour for your project, which is why we offer a wide range of natural stone colour choices to cater to your design preferences. To assist you in making this decision, we have created a helpful blog to guide you through the cast stone colour selection process.
To get an idea of what cast stone feels like and the colour, you can request a free sample. By physically interacting with the stone and seeing its colours in person, you can better envision how it will complement your project.
Considerations for Colour Choices
Please note that lighter shades may need regular cleaning, or consider sealing the stone, especially in high-traffic areas. Conversely, darker colours are adept at concealing dirt in such locations, offering practicality alongside visual appeal.
Colour Matching Joints
We provide colour-matched pointing mix at no additional cost for joint integration, ensuring a seamless and uniform colour finish post-installation. This service enhances the overall look and cohesiveness of your project, delivering a professional and polished result that aligns with your design needs.
Conclusion
In summary, cast stone steps offer a practical and versatile solution for improving outdoor spaces in a way that is both functional and visually appealing.
The durability, range of colour options, and consistency in quality make cast stone steps a reliable choice for creating durable and visually pleasing staircases that can withstand the test of time. With the support and visual appeal provided by balustrades, as well as the customisable options available for treads and risers, cast stone steps are a valuable investment for those looking to boost the aesthetics and functionality of their outdoor spaces.
Why Choose Acanthus
“At Acanthus, we offer high-quality cast stone steps and treads designed for both beauty and practicality. With our versatile range of treads and risers, including options like T1, T2, and T3, we provide durable and customisable solutions to add a wow factor to your outdoor spaces.”
Gavin, Project Manager at Acanthus
All our products are available in a range of natural stone shades with the same texture and feel as carved stone. The items we supply are frost-proof and exceed the performance requirements of BS1217, the UKCSA Specification for Cast Stone, and NBS clause F22.
If you require any further information about our cast stone steps or would like to get a quote on our range of cast stone products, contact one of our friendly Acanthus team or call us on 01773 306757.
