How to Design a Stair & Walkway

Choose the material that will cover the walkways up to the steps. Options include solid concrete, or bricks and green materials such as permeable pavers. If you have more than one walkway, such as from the street and from the driveway, choose the same material for a cohesive look or ones of varying colors for interest.

Design your steps to complement or separate them from the pathways. For example, use gray stones that match the hues of your pavers for a cohesive look that continues right up to your front door or choose red brick steps to define your entryway. Consider the differing knowledge and skill set that various materials will need if you are installing then yourself.

Create custom railings that set you apart from those who choose conventional designs. For example, a black ornately carved wrought iron railing sets off the red tones in bricks, while a boldly painted wood one adds personality to your front stoop.

Make plans for the landscaping that is going around your walkways and steps in the design. For example, use solar lights to line the path for evening visitors or plant your favorite flowers to entice the scent of smell as well as sight. Other options include creating rock gardens and formations along the path to prevent muddy feet if visitors accidentally step off the walkway a little.

Consider the details of the finished look, such as the color and style of your door and accessories that you want placed on your front stairs. For example, potted plants need longer and wider steps to sit on safely, while hanging plants need an material underneath them that will withstand any leakage.