Solid & Sawn Treads

Sandstone Steps & Stair Treads Sydney

Sandstone steps are cut to suit the way you want to climb: solid one-piece block steps for garden stairs and entries, sawn treads laid over a concrete or block stair for a crisp finish, and split log steps for informal bush-garden paths. Stone Front supplies all of them from the Glenorie quarry in Sydney’s Hills District, sawn to your rise and going.

Because the steps are cut where the stone is quarried, treads can be any length up to about 2m in one piece, with a bullnose, pencil-round or square front edge and a sawn, honed or sandblasted top for slip resistance. The same stone is available as pavers, capping and cladding so the whole entry matches.

Solid Sandstone Block Steps

A solid block step is a single piece of sandstone sawn to the full tread depth and riser height — typically 300–350mm going and 150–175mm rise — and set directly on a compacted base or concrete footing. Each step carries its own weight and needs no separate riser, which is why solid steps are the choice for garden stairs, path steps and front entries that have to last.

Standard block steps are sawn all round at 1000–1200mm long; longer treads and rockfaced (pitched) fronts are cut to order. Rough squared blocks at 300x300mm section make a rustic dry-laid stair for sloping gardens, and 2m split logs set into a bank form wide, low bush steps.

Sawn Stair Treads and Risers

Where the stair structure already exists in concrete, brick or block, sawn sandstone treads at 30–50mm thick are laid over each step with a matching riser tile. Treads are cut to the exact width of the stair with a bullnose or pencil-round nosing and, for outdoor stairs, a sandblasted or sawn top for grip. This is the usual detail for front porches, verandah steps, pool steps and commercial entries.

Treads are sold per piece cut to size. Send the number of steps, the stair width, the tread depth and the riser height, and the quarry will cut a matched set from one colour batch, including landing slabs and end returns.

Slip Resistance, Sealing and Drainage

Outdoor sandstone steps should have a sawn or sandblasted finish rather than a honed one, and a slight fall to the front edge so water runs off the tread. Sealing with a penetrating sealer keeps the surface clean without making it slippery; avoid topical gloss sealers on steps. Where steps sit in shade, an occasional wash keeps moss and algae from building up.

For garden stairs, set solid steps on a compacted crushed sandstone base with each step overlapping the one below by 25–40mm, and pack crushed sandstone behind the risers so the bank drains. Free-draining backfill from the same quarry is available by the tonne.

Current Stock

Sandstone Step & Tread Options

Step TypeTypical SizeFinishPrice Guide
Solid Sawn Block Steps1000–1200 x 300–350 x 150–175mmSawn all round, square or bullnoseQuote per step
Rockfaced Block Steps1000–2000mm long, pitched frontRockfaced front, sawn topQuote per step
Sawn Stair Treads30–50mm thick, cut to stair widthBullnose or pencil-round nosingQuote per tread
Riser Tiles20–30mm thick, 150–175mm highSawn or honedQuote
Rough Squared Block Steps300x300mm section, 600–1000mm longRough squaredFrom $120/m² (as blocks)
Split Log Steps~300x300mm x 1–2mSplit, sawn top & bottomQuote
Stepping Stones400–600mm irregular or sawn roundsSawn or splitQuote

All steps are cut to your rise, going and width at the quarry. Send stair dimensions and a photo of the site for a free quote including delivery.

Applications

Where This Stone Works

Front entry & porch steps
Garden & terrace stairs
Pool & spa steps
Verandah & deck steps
Bush & path steps
Commercial entries

Free Quotes, Sydney-Wide Delivery

Send us your measurements and we'll calculate quantities, confirm current stock and quote delivery to your suburb — usually the same business day. Or visit the quarry to see the stone in person before you order.

Get a Free Quote

Delivery Areas

Sandstone Steps & Stair Treads Delivered Across Sydney

Every pallet leaves the quarry at Glenorie in the Hills District and is delivered by flatbed or crane truck to sites across greater Sydney, the Central Coast and the Blue Mountains. Tell us your suburb when you request a quote and delivery is priced with the stone. Quarry collection is free.

Hills District

Castle Hill, Kellyville, Dural, Glenorie (quarry)

North Shore

Chatswood, Mosman, St Ives, Hornsby

Northern Beaches

Manly, Dee Why, Mona Vale, Avalon

Eastern Suburbs

Bondi, Randwick, Vaucluse, Maroubra

Inner West

Marrickville, Leichhardt, Strathfield, Balmain

Sydney CBD & Inner City

Surry Hills, Paddington, Glebe, Pyrmont

Sutherland Shire & Southern Sydney

Cronulla, Miranda, Engadine, Hurstville

Western Sydney

Parramatta, Blacktown, Penrith, Rouse Hill

South West Sydney

Liverpool, Camden, Campbelltown, Narellan

Central Coast & Blue Mountains

Gosford, Wyong, Springwood, Katoomba

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do sandstone steps cost in Sydney?

Solid sawn block steps and cut treads are quoted per piece because every stair is a different size. As a guide, the stone works out similar to sawn blocks at $120–$190/m² of face, plus cutting for nosings. Send your stair dimensions for a same-day quote.

What size should sandstone steps be?

For comfortable outdoor stairs use a going (tread depth) of 300–350mm and a rise of 150–175mm. Solid block steps are usually sawn at 1000–1200mm wide; wider treads and landings are cut to order in one piece up to about 2m.

Are sandstone steps slippery?

A sawn or sandblasted top gives good grip outdoors. Avoid honed finishes and gloss sealers on external steps, keep a small fall to the front edge, and wash off moss in shaded spots.

Can you cut sandstone treads to fit my existing stairs?

Yes — treads and risers are cut at the quarry to your stair width, tread depth and riser height, with bullnose or pencil-round nosings and matching landing slabs, all from the one colour batch.

Do solid sandstone steps need a concrete footing?

Garden steps can sit on a compacted crushed sandstone base with each step keyed into the one below. Entry steps and stairs carrying heavy foot traffic are best set on a concrete footing or strip; your landscaper or builder can advise for the site.