Landscapes

Walls and Steps

Walls and steps are most often used to accommodate elevation change, but they can also serve other functions such as informal seating or support for planting beds.

Walls and steps can be constructed from many different types of materials. Choosing local options not only conserves energy but also enhances a sense of regional identity.

Walls and Steps: Natural stairway consists of salvaged logs, stones and gravel
Mortared ledgestone wall with iron mountain flagstone cap and treads - close-up
Poured colored concrete stairs with concrete block retaining wall-cropped
Wood retaining wall with recycled compostie lumber stairway-cropped
Steps and low retaining wall made from logs salvaged on-site - cropped
Mortared iron mountain risers with flagstone treads - cropped
Recycled concrete and salvaged log steps - cropped
Low stone wall with basalt column bird bath - close-up
Dry-stacked retaining wall and steps - cropped
select a thumbnail to view

Project Themes and Elements

Choose a thumbnail below to see examples of that type of project, including Arbors and Trellises, Fences and Gates, Walls and Steps, Patios and Walkways, Porches and Decks, Green Roofs, Native Plant Gardens, Low-maintenenace and Drought Tolerant Gardens, Rainwater Gardens and Stormwater Management, Water Features:
Arbors and Trellises: Wooden trellis on boulder supportFences and Gates: Custom cedar gate for deer fenceNative Plant Gardens: Long-tubed Iris (Iris chrysophylla)Patios and Walkways: Cut flagstone patioPlanting Designs: Low-maintenance drought-tolerant lavender gardenPorches and DecksStormwater ManagementVegetated Roofs: Green roof with view of houseWalls and Steps: Natural stairway consists of salvaged logs, stones and gravelWaterfall