Building stone steps on a slope can be a rewarding and visually appealing project that enhances the beauty and functionality of your landscape. Whether you want to create a pathway through a hilly garden or improve accessibility on your property, stone steps can add charm and character to your outdoor space. In this guide, we'll take you through the process of how to build stone steps on a slope, from preparation to completion.
Prepping to Build Stone Steps on a Slope
When you’re planning your stone step project, you’ll need to consider two main factors—building permits and taking proper measurements. Depending on your local regulations, you may need to obtain permits for constructing stone steps. Check with your local building department to ensure compliance with any necessary codes or permits.
Before you apply for any building permits, it’s helpful to start by measuring the slope's dimensions and assessing the desired length and width of your steps. Consider the height of each step and how many steps you'll need to build to achieve a comfortable and safe ascent. When installing stone steps on a slope, you need to understand the slope's gradient to achieve a comfortable and safe ascent. The slope's angle will impact the design and construction of the steps.
These measurements will give you a better idea of the project scope when you apply for a permit and will make it easier to plan the project in general.
You will also want to think critically about your project budget, the cost of stone steps will be one of your biggest expenses, but hopefully, you already have some of the other tools and supplies on hand. Do some research on different types of stone steps, like bluestone, travertine, flagstone, or sintered stone.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Building stone steps on a slope can be a moderately challenging project, and the decision to DIY or hire a professional brick paver near you will depend on your experience and comfort with such tasks. Here are some considerations:
DIY:
Pros: Cost-effective, hands-on experience, personal satisfaction.
Cons: Physical labor, time-consuming, potential mistakes.
Hiring a Pro:
Pros: Expertise, efficient completion, knowledge of local regulations.
Cons: Higher cost, less personal involvement. Professional installation of stone steps can cost as much as $2,200.
If you decide to hire a professional, look for a reputable landscaper or stonemason experienced in building stone steps.
Questions to Ask a Landscaper
Finding the right pro to build your stone steps can be challenging when there are so many local landscapers. But with the right questions at the ready, you can narrow down your options and choose the best landscaper for the job. Here are a few questions to ask a masonry contractor to get you started.
What experience do you have building stone steps—especially steps on a slope? Verify that your pro knows how to navigate not just any stone steps but ones on a slope. Ask for photos of previous work to see what past projects looked like.
How much do you charge to build stone steps on a slope? Obtaining quotes from multiple landscapers can help you see what’s available in your area and give you a good idea of how much you might pay to build stone steps on a slope.
Do you have insurance and licensing? If so, which types? Your pro should have workers’ compensation insurance and general liability insurance so that you’re not stuck paying for damages or injuries on your property.
What services do you include or offer? Some landscaping companies may offer additional services that can be bundled for a lower price.
How do you handle disputes? Once the work is said and done, you’ll want to ensure that your pro won’t dip if you need dispute resolution. Make sure everything is outlined and on paper so that you know the fine print of your project’s scope in the off-chance things don’t go according to plan or hold up over time.
Do you hire contractors? Not every landscaping company is a full-service one. If subcontracting occurs, it’s important to know who those contractors are, their experience levels, their reputation, and which services they’ll fulfill.
