Case Study: Construction of Flagstone Stairs with Granite Treads by Terraform Landscaping in Kenmore, Brisbane
When a family in Kenmore, Brisbane, approached Terraform Landscaping, they were looking for a functional yet visually striking solution to improve access between their back door and the swimming pool area. Their yard sloped sharply away from the house, making the descent awkward, unsafe, and unattractive. The existing pathway was little more than a worn dirt track, which became slippery after rain and difficult to navigate for both adults and children. Terraform Landscaping was engaged to design and construct a permanent set of outdoor stairs using natural flagstone and premium granite treads that would complement the home’s landscaping and withstand Brisbane’s subtropical climate.
The first stage involved a comprehensive site assessment. The backyard of the Kenmore property featured a natural fall of several metres from the rear patio down to the pool terrace. The homeowners wanted a solution that balanced durability, visual appeal, and safety. They preferred a natural stone finish to blend with the surrounding garden, and they wanted the staircase to feel like an integrated feature rather than an add-on.
Terraform Landscaping recommended a combination of flagstone risers and granite treads: flagstone for a rustic, earthy aesthetic that matched the existing landscaping, and granite for the treads due to its durability, low maintenance requirements, and slip-resistant properties. The homeowners agreed that this combination would provide both elegance and longevity.
Because the slope varied in angle along the descent, the design team first surveyed the exact gradient to determine the optimal placement of each stair. Ensuring a consistent rise and run was essential for safety and comfort. The final design incorporated a gentle, sweeping staircase that followed the natural contour of the landscape rather than fighting against it.
The team selected high-quality flagstone pieces with warm, natural tones and paired them with dark grey granite treads to create contrast and visual definition. Each step was designed to be wide enough for safe footing, and the staircase included subtle curves to create a natural flow from the back door to the pool area. Drainage was also factored into the design, particularly important in Brisbane’s storm-prone climate. The team incorporated small gravel weep lines and set the stairs with a slight fall to ensure water would not pool on or behind the steps.
The construction began with excavation along the planned stairway path. The team removed soil to create level platforms for each step, ensuring the excavated levels aligned with the projected rise and run measurements. They installed compacted road base and crusher dust as the substructure, providing stability and preventing future settling.
Terraform Landscaping then set each flagstone riser by hand, carefully selecting pieces that fit naturally together while maintaining consistent riser height. Natural stone installation requires craftsmanship, and the team spent considerable time shaping and adjusting stones to create a cohesive look.
Once the risers were in place, the granite treads were installed. Each tread was bedded on a mortar base and checked for level and correct fall to aid drainage. Granite’s rigidity requires precise installation, as minor irregularities can create tripping hazards or allow water seepage. The installers double-checked every surface to ensure safety and longevity.
A key challenge on the site was managing the varying slope. In some sections, adjustments were needed to ensure the stairs maintained a comfortable walking gradient without compromising structural stability. The team used retaining edges behind selected risers to reinforce the structure and prevent soil movement during heavy rain.
To complete the project, Terraform Landscaping backfilled the sides of the staircase and installed complementary garden edging. They refreshed nearby planting beds and added low-growing shrubs that softened the stone edges without encroaching on the steps. The homeowners opted for integrated lighting at the base of selected treads, allowing safe nighttime access and adding a contemporary finish.
The combination of flagstone and granite created a stunning visual result, natural yet refined. The staircase appeared as though it had always been part of the property, seamlessly linking the upper patio area with the lower pool terrace.
The homeowners were thrilled with the transformation. What had previously been an awkward, uneven slope was now a safe, durable, and visually impressive access path. The new stairs not only improved daily usability but also added significant aesthetic appeal and value to the home.
With thoughtful design, expert craftsmanship, and high-quality materials, Terraform Landscaping delivered a staircase that will serve the homeowners for decades. The project showcases the company’s ability to turn challenging gradients into functional and beautiful outdoor spaces.
Project Details
Request a Quote
