Proof of just how important an element of architectural design they are can be seen in the many examples of famous staircases that have become tourist attractions in their own right. Everyone has heard of the famous Spanish Steps leading from the Piazza di Spagna to the church of Trinità dei Monti in Rome, or the Potemkin Stairs in Odessa. In both cases, the use of a staircase design has served to emphasise the significance of these locations within the public space.
This feature of stairs, albeit on a smaller scale, can be successfully utilised in the home environment: in the entrance area to the house or in front of the entrance to the terrace from the garden side. This will visually elevate the terrace above the rest of the garden, emphasising its status as the main gathering place in this space. When choosing such a design concept, it is worth giving careful thought to the choice of material for the stairs. In the past, they were mainly built from natural stone, but nowadays a much more economical, yet equally durable and aesthetic solution is the use of prefabricated, large-format concrete steps. Especially as they perfectly capture the beauty and texture of natural stone.
Great functional possibilities
Stairs made from concrete blocks have many advantages. Among their strictly practical features, the first to mention is that they are easy to install and convenient to use. This is due to their size and weight. Polbruk stair treads Grando, which are an excellent example of such a solution, measure 46x100 or 40x100 cm (depending on the texture) and are 15 cm high. As a result, they do not require a substructure at the junction of the terrace and garden (although this is necessary when a greater height difference needs to be bridged). Nor is there any need to wait for them to set, as is the case with concrete steps, or to finish them with tiles, for example. The stairs are built from cohesive, monolithic blocks that are not prone to damage, and maintenance is limited to washing and waterproofing once every few years. Stairs with concrete block steps are not only convenient to install but also to use. The steps Grando are 15 cm high, which is extremely user-friendly. Walking up such stairs is a pleasure that does not strain the legs, as there is no need to lift them high.
Natural stone design
Another huge advantage of concrete blocks is their appearance, as they perfectly imitate natural stone. Grando are available in two textures: split and smooth. The former resembles traditional split stone in its appearance, whilst the latter is suitable for prestigious projects, as it looks just like a slab of granite. The texture and colour scheme of the steps should always be chosen to match the style of the surroundings. Both versions Grando are available in four shades – two cool tones (nerino, graphite) and two warm tones (latte and hawaii). If the area around the house and the garden is decorated in a modern or Scandinavian style, it is worth choosing stair treads in neutral greys, such as nerino or the slightly darker graphite. For a Mediterranean or rustic style, the design of the entrance area or terrace will be perfectly complemented by stair treads in the colours latte or hawaii, ideally with a textured finish imitating split stone. Stair treads should always form a cohesive whole with the paving.
Choose the right paving
Modern and Scandinavian styles in interior design are primarily associated with minimalism and elegance, and the paving elements in front of the house and on the terrace should reflect this character. Large-format slabs Polbruk Magna with a smooth texture and dimensions of 50x75 and 75x100 cm are ideal for this purpose. Due to their thickness of 8 and 10 cm, these slabs can be used on both terraces and driveways. The colour nerino is a perfect match for Scandinavian and modern styles.
For designs requiring a surface made of smaller, more elongated elements, an interesting option that blends perfectly with stair treads in shades of grey are smooth-textured pavers such as Metrik or Oland. They have a rectangular shape and are available in white, steel, nerino and basalt colours, which fit perfectly with modern designs.
For Grando stair treads in colours such as hawaii or latte, which fit perfectly with Mediterranean and rustic styles, you can also choose a surface in a matching colour scheme. If you’re looking for a surface in this style but made from large slabs, Magna in the colour latte would be ideal. Other products that will fit into this type of design include the Multicomplex pavers in the same colour.
Stairs made from large-format concrete steps are a practical solution and a way to create an impressive entrance area, distinguish the terrace from the garden space, and enhance its status. When designing such schemes, however, one should always remember to select the right elements to create a cohesive composition.
