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Project spotlight Mahtomedi, MN Natural stone steps with landing · 2023 |
Natural stone steps with landing — Mahtomedi, MN
← Back to all projectsA hill turned into a statement
Michael wanted a better way to move between his front yard and backyard. The grade change meant you were either taking the long way around or navigating an uneven slope — neither of which is a great option when you're carrying things or just trying to get from one side of the house to the other.
Since this was primarily a summertime route, natural stone was the right call. It's the kind of material that turns a functional improvement into a design feature — each slab unique, the whole run looking like it belongs to the landscape rather than sitting on top of it. Michael's property already had strong natural character from the mature trees and existing boulder work, so Cafe/Wildhorse was an easy choice.
We used Cafe/Wildhorse stone from Rock Hard Landscape Supply — warm buff and tan tones with a natural split face that catches the light and ages beautifully. The steps include a mid-run landing to work with the natural break in the slope, keeping the rise consistent and the finished piece worth stopping to look at when it was done.
Also on this property: Boulder Wall & Paver Circle Firepit → — part of a larger backyard transformation for Michael.
Cafe/Wildhorse stone climbing the hillside
Mahtomedi, MN — Cafe/Wildhorse natural stone steps with mid-run landing · 2023 · Heritage Outdoors LLC
Get the first step right. The rest follows.
Natural stone steps are one of our favorite installations. There's a satisfaction to them that block or poured concrete can't match — each slab has weight, character, and presence. When it's done well, the finished run looks inevitable. Like the steps were always meant to be there.
But getting there requires patience. The first step height is everything. Set it wrong and every step after compounds the error — your rise gets inconsistent, the steps fight the slope instead of following it, and the finished product looks off even if you can't immediately identify why.
The landing is the other critical decision. When the slope changes grade mid-run, you need to recognize it early — before you've committed to a layout that won't work. A well-placed landing keeps the rise consistent above and below the grade break, makes the steps safe and comfortable to use, and allows the whole run to follow the natural terrain rather than forcing it.
When you take the time to get those things right, the finished piece is worth stepping back to admire. Every time.
Mahtomedi, MN · 2023
Three things that make the difference
Why we reach for natural stone first
Natural stone steps are particularly well-suited to wooded and acreage properties in the East Metro — Mahtomedi, Stillwater, Grant, West Lakeland — where the landscape already has strong natural character and a manufactured material would look out of place.
Michael's property in Mahtomedi is a perfect example. Between the mature oak canopy, the existing boulder wall, and the river rock surround on the paver circle patio, the whole backyard speaks a natural stone language. Bringing in concrete steps would have been jarring. Cafe/Wildhorse fits right in.
When the setting calls for it, there's no better material. And in the East Metro, the setting usually calls for it.
Natural stone step questions we hear often
How much do natural stone steps cost in Minnesota?
Natural stone steps in Minnesota typically cost $300–$550 per step installed depending on stone size, site access, and base preparation required. A full run of 8–12 steps with a landing runs approximately $3,500–$8,000. Heritage Outdoors provides free on-site estimates — call 651-219-3668.
What is Cafe/Wildhorse natural stone?
Cafe/Wildhorse is a natural stone product sourced through Rock Hard Landscape Supply in Minnesota. It features warm tan, buff, and gold tones with a natural split-face texture — ideal for steps, walkways, and landscape applications where you want a material that looks like it belongs in the natural setting.
Why do natural stone steps need a landing?
A landing is needed when the slope changes grade mid-run — without one, you'd either have inconsistent rise heights or steps that fight the natural contour of the hillside. A well-placed landing keeps the rise consistent, makes the steps safe and comfortable to use, and allows the run to follow the natural terrain rather than forcing it.
Do you install natural stone steps in Mahtomedi MN?
Yes — Heritage Outdoors serves Mahtomedi, White Bear Lake, Stillwater, and the entire East Metro and Twin Cities area. Call or text 651-219-3668 for a free estimate.
Got a slope that needs steps?
We'll come out, read the grade, and design a run that works with your hillside — not against it. Natural stone, block, or something in between.