In this guide, you’ll learn how to measure total rise, size safe and comfortable treads, prep a stable, well‑drained base, and set each step course so the whole staircase stays tight for decades.  

Why Choose Natural Stone Steps? 

Natural stone offers durability, weight‑based stability on slopes, and timeless curb appeal that blends with Ontario’s native limestone, sandstone and granite landscapes. Properly sourced natural step units are milled or hand‑dressed for consistent heights yet retain authentic texture that wears in (rather than wears out) over decades.  

Overall, it will last longer than timber or poured concrete and look stunning in any landscape design. 

Plan Your Staircase (Rise, Run, Layout & Drainage) 

Measure the total vertical change (rise) where your steps will go. Divide by a comfortable riser height, such as 6 to 8 inches, and round so each course is consistent. Pair that with a tread (the front‑to‑back depth you step on) of 12 to 16 inches; this range is commonly used in landscape construction across Canada and conforms to local building codes.  

Stake or paint the stair alignment so you can visualize width, landings and transitions to adjacent walks or patios and share the layout with your contractor. 

Also, good drainage matters! Choose a line that already sheds water or can be graded so meltwater and rain move off and around the steps and not behind them.  

Tools & Materials 

You’ll need:  

• Tape measure 

• Stakes & string or landscape marking paint 

• Flat shovel 

• Square shovel/spade 

• Digging/pry bar 

• Wheelbarrow 

• Hand tamper (plate compactor if available) 

• Long level or laser level 

• Safety gear: gloves, steel‑toe boots, eye protection 

For the foundation, use a well‑compacted granular base such as ¾” crusher‑run (Granular A) or, in drainage‑sensitive sites, an open‑graded clear stone base over a permeable landscape fabric.  

Skip polymeric sand as solid natural step blocks do not require joint fill and skip adhesives unless you are marrying stone to concrete or coping details that call for it.  

Step‑by‑Step Installation 

1. Excavate & Shape the Slope 

Strip sod and loose topsoil down to firm subgrade along the full stair path. Start at the bottom so you can build upward on stable ground.  

2. Establish the First Base Pad 

Excavate a trench for the first step that’s wider and deeper than the stone thickness. Install geotextile if the soils are silty or you’re building an open‑graded base. Place 4 to 6 inches of compacted aggregate (crusher‑run or clear stone, depending on drainage) and level. Adequate compaction now prevents settlement later. 

3. Set the First Stone Riser 

 Place your lowest step stone on the prepared base. Level side‑to‑side; pitch very slightly (about 1/8 inch per foot) back or forward as site drainage dictates, so water doesn’t sit on the tread. Shim with stone chips if needed.  

4. Backfill & Build Upward 

After confirming the first stone is solid, backfill behind it with compacted aggregate to support the next riser.  

Repeat. 

Excavate the seat for the next stone, install compacted base, set stone, check level and pitch. Consistent riser heights reduce trip risk, so use your pre‑calculated rise to guide each course. 

5. Blend Into Grade 

When the top course is in, backfill and feather surrounding soil into the stone edges, reseed disturbed lawn, or tie into adjoining walkways or landings. Allow the installation to settle naturally; re‑tamp disturbed side fills after heavy rain if needed.  

Drainage & Frost‑Heave Protection 

Ontario’s seasons demand drainage. Extend your compacted base at least several inches behind and beneath each stone so water can move through the aggregate rather than trapping against the back of a riser.  

In wetter slopes, consider a perforated drain wrapped in fabric behind the step run to carry water away. Adequate drainage dramatically reduces winter heave and uneven settling.  

Finishing Touches  

Brush off debris, confirm each tread surface offers secure footing, and consider adding low‑voltage step lighting or path lights along the approach for nighttime safety. Integrate planting pockets or boulders to soften edges and tie the stairs into the surrounding landscape.  

Seasonal Care (No Sealing Required) 

Natural stone steps generally do not need film‑forming sealers; many installers leave them unsealed so the stone can breathe and maintain natural traction. Instead, focus on basic maintenance: sweep grit, rinse mud, and remove organics that hold moisture; re‑grade washed‑out side soils; and reset any stones that shift after freezing cycles or heavy use. Use non‑acidic, stone‑safe cleaners only when needed.  

When to Call a Pro 

Some stone stair projects cross the line from weekend DIY to jobs best left to the experts. Here’s when a contractor should be involved: 

• Heavy lifting: Individual step stones over ~300 lb (many full‑depth natural units are) require proper rigging, machinery, and experience to place safely. 

• Complex builds: Curved runs, integrated retaining walls, terraced slopes, drainage tie‑ins, or code‑required railings call for professional layout and equipment. 

Get help fast! Grand River Natural Stone can connect you with trusted Landscape Ontario‑certified contractors who work with natural stone every day. Let us know what you’re planning. 

Ready to Build Stunning Natural Stone Steps? 

Bring your measurements to Grand River Natural Stone. Our team can help you choose the right Ontario‑sourced stone materials, calculate quantities, arrange delivery, and connect you with experienced installers if the stones are too heavy to handle solo. Build steps that look great, feel safe and last for decades with Grand River Natural Stone. 

Contact us today with any questions. 

The post How to Install Stone Steps: A DIY Guide for Ontario Homeowners  appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.

It’s an easy natural stone material to work with for do-it-yourself-ers, whether in traditional roles (like a patio) or more modern designs (as raised garden edging). If you want to try your hand at stone landscaping this summer, whether you’re a beginner or seasoned home landscaper, one of these flagstone projects will challenge you and elevate your landscape fast.

1. A flagstone patio

Flagstone makes beautiful patio ground cover, and can be used to incorporate built-in stone features like:

• A fireplace.
• A BBQ.
• A pizza oven
• All-season seating.

You can also use it to create garden rooms around your property, with small flagstone seating areas surrounded by tall shrubs and flowers.

Don’t shy away from laying your flagstone in an irregular pattern. Sometimes a little less order is just what your garden needs.

2. A new flagstone walkway

The stone walkway your house was built with back in the 70s, 80s or 90s hasn’t aged well. We don’t even have to see it to know the style doesn’t live up to the aesthetic you want your home to radiate.

A quick and comparatively easy upgrade is to replace that old ugly stone with new flagstone.

Choose flagstones with very smooth, flat surfaces and lay out your new path in a smooth curve (hard corners look fine with flagstone, but smooth natural curves look far better).

3. Raised garden edging

Stacked flagstones make stunning raised garden edges.

If your property slopes in any direction, terraced garden beds make the best use of your space. And those terraces can be edged in a handful of ways.

• Flagstone.
• Railway ties.
• Timber.
• Brick.

Our favourite (and yours too, once you see it) is flagstone. The texture flagstone brings to the face of each terraced garden bed is unmatched by any other material. Plus, it’s easy to lay.

Always remember to mortar your joints so the stone stays firm and in place.

4. Your suburban flagstone fire pit

A backyard flagstone fire pit is a fun and rewarding weekend project.

Firepits are great for gathering around with friends and family and provide a real focal point for all ages entertaining.

A flagstone surround provides an attractive and safe staging ground for two kinds of firepit:

• A sunken firepit that sits below the surface.
• A raised firepit with stone ledge surrounds.

If you like the idea of a sunken firepit, your job is to build a flagstone patio with a sunken space in the middle where your fire can burn.

If you like a raised firepit, your job is to build a raised stone firepit only (of course, if you want to build your raised firepit in the middle of a beautiful flagstone patio, you can.

5. Swimming pool surrounds

Flagstone is a natural choice for a pool deck, although traditionally it hasn’t been the choice for builders.

What makes it so good?

• A naturally non slip surface.
• Moisture resistance to inhibit moss growth.
• Heat resistance to stand up to hot Ontario summers.
• Durability (flagstone will never crack).

Flagstone in slate or other monochromatic shades (like Bruce Grey, Pennsylvania Blue or Vermont Slate) is especially striking in contemporary in-ground pool designs.

Shop Flagstone with Us

Our stock of flagstone changes regularly, so the colour and style you want could be in our stockyard right now.

Stop by your nearest location and find the stone to start your flagstone projects this weekend. Your family will love the new landscape, and you’ll have all the bragging rights.

The post 5 Ideas for Flagstone Projects You May Want to Replicate appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.

From large buildings and bridges to backyard stone pathways and retaining walls, natural stone has been used for its versatility and reliability.

Plus, natural stone outperforms other materials time and again.

Why? Well, natural stone has a low environmental impact, it’s extremely durable with little maintenance, and it has a timeless beauty and grandeur.

1. Low Environmental Impact

Natural stone is made from nature, by nature. This means it requires no chemicals, pollutants, and releases no hazardous gases like other building materials do.

Plus, no energy is needed to manufacture stone—only quarrying and processing.

Natural stone is as “green” as it gets.

2. Easy Maintenance

Stone requires very little maintenance and care to keep it beautiful.

While other building materials need to be regularly painted, stained or sealed, natural stone doesn’t. It creates its own natural patina, which naturally enhances its beauty over time.

You, like your clients, want to spend time enjoying your home’s landscaping. Not maintaining it. That’s why natural stone is so great.

Typically, regular sweeping is all that’s needed to keep your natural stone beautiful for years to come.

3. Strong and Durable

Natural stone is one of the most popular building materials for its durability and resistance to damage. Plus, it’s a long-lasting material that you most likely will never have to replace.

What else makes stone the strongest and most durable choice?

• It doesn’t rot
• It is resistant to pests
• Fireproof
• Less susceptible to frost damage
• Small chips and damage are difficult to spot

4. Timeless and Versitile

Natural stone retains its natural beauty and has a much longer lifespan than its building counterparts (concrete, brick, etc).

Stone never goes out of style and can look just as stunning after 100 years, as the day it was installed.

Plus, since it’s a natural material, it blends seamlessly with outdoor surroundings and its colours and textures vary naturally. Stone can be resurfaced in many ways to match any style and ambiance, and it can be cut into any shape or size for any application.

5. Great in All Seasons

Unlike other landscaping materials, natural stone is consistent through temperature changes.

Common building materials, such as wood and cement, expand and contract throughout the changing seasons. This can cause major damage and warping. Meanwhile, natural stone remains consistent through even the harshest Canadian climates.

How can you make sure your stone is safe throughout the Canadian winter?

• Remove snow from stone and interlocking pavers before it melts—Once snow melts and water seeps into the cracks in your stone, it will freeze in the cracks causing your stone to expand and warp.
• Seal your natural stone in the fall—Prevent damages before they happen by having your hardscaping sealed in the fall months.
• Be cautious with snow shoveling—Metal show snovels can scratch your natural stone or pavers, and it can even scrape off sealant. Try using a snow blower or plastic snow shovel instead.

Let Us Help With Your Stonework

Grand River Natural Stone has the tools to make your home beautiful throughout the year, so trust us with all of your landscaping needs.

For more information about our services, give us a call or visit us!

The post 5 Reasons Why Stone Outperforms Other Materials appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.

Flagstone is a popular choice among Canadians because of its endless benefits:

• Large variety of designs, styles, and colours
• Safe and sturdy, especially in Canadian climates
• Long-lasting
• Increases home value (by up to 15%)

The best part about flagstone? It can be used indoors OR outdoors, and still look like it belongs!

What Can Flagstone Be Used For?

Flagstone is an elegant and unique design element that brings a touch of personality and functionality to your property.

It can be used inside or outside for:

• Walkways
• Tile floors
• Backsplashes
• Fireplace surrounds
• Fire pits
• Stepping stones
• Retaining walls
• And much more!

Save Money on Your Next Landscaping Project

What’s In It For Me?

Our experts put this handy guide together to showcase how great flagstone is, and all the things it can be used for.

When you get your FREE guide, you’ll get…

• Insider tips and tricks to installing and designing with flagstone for interiors and exteriors
• Everything you need to know about how to properly care for and maintain your flagstone so it lasts as long as you need it to
• Specific landscaping tips based on your location and personal preferences
• Design inspiration for you to DIY or show to your installer

Take A Peak Inside!

Here’s a preview of what awaits in this FREE guide:

Don’t Wait, Get It Now!

A wealth of (FREE) knowledge is at your fingertips.

If you’re looking for design inspiration for using flagstone inside and outside the home, this guide was made especially for you.

The post FREE GUIDE: How to Use Flagstone For Your Home appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.

The term patio stones is a broad catch all for many types of outdoor building materials. The phrase can include flagstone and natural rock, brick and concrete pavers. The pros, cons and best location for each will be laid out at so you may judge which is best for your patio, walkway, or driveway project.

Flagstone and other natural stone

Pros and cons: Local stone will cost less and be more friendly to the environment due to lower emissions used during shipping. Once you have a good installation of natural stone set up it has excellent durability and requires little to no maintenance. The main drawback is the cost of shipping it to your house from the store, and the installation is highly demanding labour wise.

Best Location: Around pools, accents along a driveway, walkways up to your door, porches

Brick

Pros and cons: There is no other look that is as old-world charming as a well set up brick patio or walkway. The porous nature of bricks makes it ideal for walking as it is low slip. A potential drawback is the shifting of bricks over time.

This can lead to trip hazards and difficulty shoveling snow off of it.

Best location: Patios, paths in and around a garden, deck or fountain surrounds, driveways, the deck of your pool

Concrete Pavers

Pros and cons: Their interlocking design is an improvement on bricks, it leads them to be less likely to shift up and down. Concrete pavers are easy to repair, simply pull up broken ones and replace them with spares. They are not prone to cracking like a solid concrete slab will do. They can be a lot of work to get down, but are well worth the effort.

Best Location: Patios, around a pool, paths in and around a garden, driveways, the area around your pool

This has been a basic look at the building materials available. The options for patio stones to build your deck or walkway with are nearly endless.

The post A Buyers Guide for Patio Stones appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.