--- title: Design Basics for Your Backyard Steps description: Johns Landscaping of Boston Design Basics for Your Backyard Steps, landscaping, backyard landscaping image: https://www.johnslandscape.com/hs-fs/file-15707389-jpg/images/back_steps_boston-resized-600.jpg --- [![John's Landscape](https://www.johnslandscape.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Johns_Landscape_Images/JLSLogo283x129.png?width=330&height=126&name=JLSLogo283x129.png "John's Landscape")](https://www.johnslandscape.com/) 781-646-5555 ' 30 GARDEN STREET - ARLINGTON, MA 02474 DESIGN ' INSTALL ' MAINTAIN # See Our Blog Posts Below: # Design Basics for Your Backyard Steps Posted by [John Tighe](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/author/john-tighe) on Wed, Aug 29, 2012 @ 10:12 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Many yards come with a noticeable grade, and backyard steps help to create a safe, convenient path across that grade. Moving from an upper level patio to a lower grassy area or from a walkout deck to the grass, backyard steps come in a range of designs and materials. ![back steps boston resized 600](https://www.johnslandscape.com/hs-fs/file-15707389-jpg/images/back_steps_boston-resized-600.jpg) **Typical Stair Materials** Wood and stone are the two most common materials used. Wood stairs work best with wooden decks and to cover long stretches. Use this type of material when you want affordable, safe access to a door or raised living space. Readily available dimensional lumber comes together to create a set of solid steps in almost any length, with a railing attached where necessary. Stone is a great choice for in-ground stairs, such as those built into a steep grade or used to access your patio. Contractors may install large, one-piece stone stairs or build a set using compacted soil and strategically placed stones and pavers. **Design Basics** Always design your steps for comfortable traffic flow, with the minimal rise (height of each stair) and run (depth of each tread) required by building code. You want to create a path that is safe and easy to travel, keeping in mind the needs of your own family now and in the future. Install a landing to break up long flights of stairs, and to redirect a set of steps. Landings should be wide enough to accommodate the stairs, and large enough to allow people to make the turn, often at least 4-foot square. Be sure the tread has some texture to avoid creating a slippery surface, and install railings for stairs taller than 3 rise. Very gradual steps with a wide tread may be safe without a railing, but be sure to check with local building code to ensure compliance. With the right design and professional construction, backyard steps help to make your outdoor space useable. Take the time to design your steps well and these outdoor elements will add value to your property. Tags: [landscaping](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/landscaping), [backyard](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/backyard), [stone](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/stone), [stone steps](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/stone-steps) ### Subscribe by Email ### Most Popular Posts ### Social Media [![twitter icon](https://www.johnslandscape.com/hs-fs/file-574820854-png/images/twitter_icon.png?width=47&height=46&name=twitter_icon.png)](https://twitter.com/johns_landscape) [![facebook icon](https://www.johnslandscape.com/hs-fs/file-15710427-jpg/images/facebook.jpg?width=45&height=45&name=facebook.jpg)](http://facebook.com/JLSINC1) [![google plus icon](https://www.johnslandscape.com/hs-fs/file-583171967-png/images/google_plus_icon.png?width=48&height=48&name=google_plus_icon.png)](https://plus.google.com/+JohnsLandscapeServicesArlington/posts) ### Browse by Tag - [backyard (6)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/backyard) - [bluestone (2)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/bluestone) - [Boston (6)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/boston) - [calcium chloride (3)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/calcium-chloride) - [cool season grass (2)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/cool-season-grass) - [damage (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/damage) - [Deciduous (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/deciduous) - [dethatching (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/dethatching) - [Edible Gardens (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/edible-gardens) - [evergreen (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/evergreen) - [Evergreen Trees (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/evergreen-trees) - [fire pit (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/fire-pit) - [flower beds (2)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/flower-beds) - [garden (2)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/garden) - [garden accents (2)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/garden-accents) - [gardening (5)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/gardening) - [grass (2)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/grass) - [grilling (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/grilling) - [hardscape design (2)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/hardscape-design) - [ice melt (2)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/ice-melt) - [ice melt safety (2)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/ice-melt-safety) - [landscape care (9)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/landscape-care) - [landscape design (17)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/landscape-design) - [landscape edging (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/landscape-edging) - [landscape installation (3)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/landscape-installation) - [landscape irrigation (2)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/landscape-irrigation) - [Landscape Lighting (5)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/landscape-lighting) - [landscape on a budget (2)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/landscape-on-a-budget) - [landscaping (15)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/landscaping) - [lawn (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/lawn) - [lawn irrigation (6)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/lawn-irrigation) - [leaves (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/leaves) - [LED (2)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/led) - [lime (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/lime) - [low voltage fixtures (2)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/low-voltage-fixtures) - [mulch (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/mulch) - [mulching (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/mulching) - [native plants (4)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/native-plants) - [new hampshire (2)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/new-hampshire) - [outdoor grills (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/outdoor-grills) - [outdoor lighting (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/outdoor-lighting) - [patio installation (2)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/patio-installation) - [patios (5)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/patios) - [planters (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/planters) - [planting (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/planting) - [plants (3)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/plants) - [potassium chloride (2)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/potassium-chloride) - [pruning (2)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/pruning) - [racking (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/racking) - [retaining walls (2)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/retaining-walls) - [rock salt (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/rock-salt) - [safety (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/safety) - [shrub (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/shrub) - [small yard (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/small-yard) - [snow blowers (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/snow-blowers) - [spring (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/spring) - [stone (3)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/stone) - [stone steps (3)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/stone-steps) - [stone walls (2)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/stone-walls) - [thatching (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/thatching) - [tree transplant (2)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/tree-transplant) - [walkway (2)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/walkway) - [walkways (4)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/walkways) - [warm season grass (2)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/warm-season-grass) - [water features (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/water-features) - [weeding (2)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/weeding) - [winter hardscapes (3)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/topic/winter-hardscapes) ### Posts by Month - [October 2014 (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/archive/2014/10) - [September 2014 (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/archive/2014/09) - [May 2014 (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/archive/2014/05) - [April 2014 (2)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/archive/2014/04) - [March 2014 (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/archive/2014/03) - [September 2013 (3)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/archive/2013/09) - [August 2013 (4)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/archive/2013/08) - [July 2013 (5)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/archive/2013/07) - [June 2013 (3)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/archive/2013/06) - [May 2013 (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/archive/2013/05) - [November 2012 (4)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/archive/2012/11) - [October 2012 (5)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/archive/2012/10) - [September 2012 (3)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/archive/2012/09) - [August 2012 (4)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/archive/2012/08) - [July 2012 (5)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/archive/2012/07) - [June 2012 (3)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/archive/2012/06) - [May 2012 (3)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/archive/2012/05) - [April 2012 (6)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/archive/2012/04) - [March 2012 (4)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/archive/2012/03) - [February 2012 (3)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/archive/2012/02) - [January 2012 (1)](https://www.johnslandscape.com/jls-blog/archive/2012/01) © 2015 John's Landscape    ![](https://www.johnslandscape.com/hubfs/Johns_Landscape_Images/footer_dot.png)    781-646-5555    ![](https://www.johnslandscape.com/hubfs/Johns_Landscape_Images/footer_dot.png)    [info@johnslandscape.com](mailto:johnslandscape@hotmail.com)