Front Steps Options for a Ranch Home

Brick

• The Brick Industry Association states, "brick is one of the world's oldest building materials. It is pest and weather resistant." They add, "brick never needs to be painted and never rots, fades, warps, burns, dents, tears or becomes brittle. It's one of the most enduring building materials known."

Stone

• Stone is the most durable material for steps, according to mineralszone.com. The site suggest two types of stones for making steps, granite and limestone. According to Geo. Schofield Co., Inc., a natural stone fabricator, "natural stone steps and slabs are an excellent transition product to be used with concrete or brick pavers in areas where steps are required."

Concrete

• "Concrete steps or terraced stairways are the most prominent feature at the entryway of many homes," states ConcreteNetwork.com. They add that "concrete steps can be poured right along with your walkways or entryway, so they can be colored and textured to match. Precast concrete steps and precast concrete stairs are also an option. ...you can have the steps built off-site and installed later on your project."

Railroad Ties

• Railroad ties are the wood rails that are reclaimed after a rail line is replaced or abandoned; they are excellent for architectural and landscape use. According to Universal Forest Products, they are a low cost solution that requires little skill to install.