Yorkstone has been quarried and used across this part of the country for centuries, and stone garden steps remain one of the most characterful ways to manage a change in level in a York garden, whether that's a straightforward run of steps or a more decorative curved or half-round design.
RW Builders builds Yorkstone and Yorkstone-style steps for gardens across York and North Yorkshire, as standalone features and as part of wider landscaping projects.
Genuine Yorkstone – a natural sandstone with a distinctive texture and colour variation, weathering beautifully over time but coming at a higher cost than manufactured alternatives, particularly for reclaimed or older stone
Indian sandstone – a lower-cost natural stone alternative with a broadly similar appearance, widely used where the Yorkstone look is wanted at a more accessible price point
Reconstituted stone – manufactured to mimic the appearance of natural Yorkstone, offering more consistency in colour and size at a lower cost than genuine quarried stone
Where a significant level change is being managed, steps are often built alongside a retaining wall holding back the higher ground to one or both sides. Getting the relationship between the two right, so the steps and retaining structure work together rather than as separate afterthoughts, matters both for appearance and for how well water is managed around the finished feature. We coordinate this as part of a single design rather than building the two elements in isolation.
Garden steps need more careful construction than they might appear to need, since poorly built steps are both a trip hazard and prone to movement over time. Proper construction involves:
Comfortable outdoor steps generally need a lower rise and deeper going than indoor stairs, since the wider, shallower profile feels more natural walking outdoors and is safer in wet or icy conditions. A common outdoor guideline is a rise of around 150mm with a going of around 350 to 400mm, though this can be adjusted depending on the overall height change being managed and the space available.
Beyond straightforward straight-run steps, curved and half-round Yorkstone step designs add a more decorative, characterful feature to a garden, often used as a focal point leading from a patio down to a lawn, or framing an entrance. These designs need more precise stone cutting and setting out than a standard straight run, and cost more accordingly, but give a genuinely distinctive result.
We're a family-run team based in York, and stonework rooted in the local Yorkstone tradition is something we take real care over, building steps with a proper foundation and consistent, safe proportions rather than just something that looks right on the day it's finished. We work across the city and surrounding villages including Haxby, Strensall, Poppleton and Tollerton, and every quote is clear and written with no hidden extras.
Excellent job from Phil and his team. Both external and internal works finished to an excellent quality. Happy to deal with changes and kept us informed on a day-to-day basis. Definitely recommend.
RW Builders directly on 01904 530941, or send your details through our contact form, and we'll arrange a visit to discuss your garden. Quotes are free and come with no obligation.