Content Writer, Former Landscaping Project Coordinator
Published: February 26, 2026
The cost of outdoor stone steps in Ontario ranges from $300 to $1,200 per step installed, depending on the material, step size, and site conditions. A typical front porch staircase with 4 to 6 natural stone steps runs $2,500 to $7,000 in the Greater Toronto Area. Concrete and precast alternatives start lower, at $100 to $500 per step.
These prices cover both front entrance steps and backyard patio stairs. Backyard projects sometimes cost more because of limited equipment access through side yards and gates. Front porch steps tend to be wider (4 to 6 feet) and more visible, so homeowners often choose premium stone.
A full project with excavation, base preparation, and installation typically lands between $2,000 and $12,000 across Ontario. High-end granite or large-scale projects with 10+ steps can push past $15,000.
How Much Do Outdoor Stone Steps Cost in Ontario?
Project Size
Interlock/Paver Steps
Natural Stone
Precast Concrete Block
3–4 steps (small porch)
$1,000–$2,400
$1,500–$4,000
$800–$1,800
5–6 steps (standard entry)
$1,800–$4,000
$3,000–$7,000
$1,200–$3,000
8–10 steps (elevated entry or slope)
$2,800–$6,500
$5,500–$10,000
$2,000–$4,500
12+ steps (multi-level with landings)
$4,500–$9,000
$8,000–$15,000+
$3,500–$7,000
Material costs alone account for roughly half the total. Labour makes up the other half — sometimes more in the GTA where landscaping crews charge a premium.
For a front porch, most homeowners spend $3,000 to $6,000 on natural stone steps. That covers 4 to 6 steps at 4 to 5 feet wide with a proper compacted gravel base. Backyard patio steps connected to an interlock or flagstone patio often run higher because of the additional integration work.
Excavation costs add $200 to $350 per cubic yard, depending on soil type and accessibility. Most step projects need 1 to 3 cubic yards of excavation. Base materials (crushed gravel, limestone screenings) add another $300 to $800 for a typical project.
Key Factors That Affect the Cost
Material type.
Natural stone (flagstone, granite, limestone) costs significantly more than precast blocks. The gap can be 2x to 3x per step.
Number of steps.
More steps means more material, more labour, and a longer timeline. But per-step costs often drop slightly on larger jobs because setup and mobilization costs are spread out.
Step width and depth.
A standard step is about 4 feet wide and 12 inches deep. Going wider (5 to 6 feet for a grand entrance) increases stone and labour costs proportionally. Deeper treads (14 to 16 inches) use more material per step.
Height and elevation change.
A 3-foot elevation change needs roughly 4 to 5 steps. A full storey (8 to 9 feet) needs 12 to 14 steps plus a landing. More height means more excavation, more base material, and potentially a building permit.
Site conditions.
Rocky soil, steep slopes, poor drainage, or limited access for equipment all add cost. If a mini excavator can’t reach the site, more hand labour is needed. Soft or clay-heavy soil may require deeper gravel bases.
Labour rates by region.
GTA contractors typically charge 15% to 25% more than crews in smaller Ontario cities. Toronto, Vaughan, Oakville, and Richmond Hill tend to sit at the higher end. Towns like Whitby, Ajax, and Newmarket are slightly lower.
Demolition of existing steps.
Removing old concrete or stone steps adds $500 to $1,500 depending on size. If there’s rebar in old concrete, expect the higher end. Disposal fees for construction waste in Ontario run $150 to $400 per load.
Base preparation.
Every stone step project needs a compacted gravel base to prevent shifting and settling. A proper base is 6 to 12 inches of crushed stone, compacted in layers. This adds $300 to $800 to the project. Skipping this step is the most common reason outdoor stairs fail in Ontario’s climate.
Mortar vs. dry-set installation.
Dry-set steps (stone placed on compacted gravel without mortar) are less expensive but can shift over time. Mortared steps cost more in labour but provide a more permanent, rigid structure. In Ontario, mortared installations are preferred for front entrances, while dry-set works well for informal garden steps.
Natural Stone Steps
Flagstone is the most popular natural stone for outdoor stairs in Ontario. Material costs run $6 to $15 per square foot for the stone alone. Installed, flagstone steps cost $300 to $700 per step for standard 4-foot-wide treads.
Flagstone comes in irregular, natural shapes. Each piece is unique. Common colours in Ontario include grey, brown, rust, and blue-grey. It’s naturally slip-resistant because of its textured surface.
Flagstone holds up well in Ontario’s freeze-thaw cycles. It resists staining and fading. With a proper gravel base and good drainage, flagstone steps last 25 to 50+ years. Minimal maintenance is needed — occasional sweeping and rinsing.
Most Ontario stone yards carry flagstone sourced from local quarries in the Muskoka and Bancroft regions. Local stone keeps delivery costs down compared to imported options. Thicker slabs (2 to 3 inches) are better for steps than the thinner pieces used for patios.
Granite is the hardest and most durable natural stone option. Materials cost $10 to $15 per square foot, but the real expense is in cutting and installation. Granite steps run $500 to $1,200 per step installed.
The slabs are heavy and require precision cutting, which drives up labour. A full granite staircase with 5 to 6 steps can cost $4,000 to $9,000 in the GTA.
Granite is nearly maintenance-free. It doesn’t absorb water, so it handles Ontario winters extremely well. It resists scratching, chipping, and staining. Colours range from dark charcoal to light grey, pink, and black. Lifespan is 50 to 100+ years.
Granite treads are typically cut to precise dimensions — usually 6 to 8 inches thick, 12 to 14 inches deep, and up to 6 feet wide. The weight of each tread (often 200+ pounds) means equipment is needed for placement. This isn’t a material you can manoeuvre by hand.
Limestone is widely available in Ontario and offers a clean, classic look. Material costs are $7 to $15 per square foot. Installed, limestone steps cost $300 to $800 per step.
The stone has a smooth, uniform texture with a light grey or cream colour. It complements most Ontario home styles, from traditional to contemporary.
Limestone is softer than granite, so it can show wear over time in high-traffic areas. It’s also more porous, which means it benefits from sealing every 2 to 3 years. Without sealing, it can stain from leaves, dirt, or de-icing salt. Lifespan is 20 to 40 years depending on maintenance.
Ontario has significant limestone deposits, particularly in the Niagara Escarpment and eastern Ontario regions. This local availability helps keep material costs lower than granite. Many GTA landscapers stock Indiana limestone and local Owen Sound limestone as standard options.
Concrete and Precast Steps
Interlock paver steps use manufactured concrete pavers laid on a compacted gravel base. In Ontario, interlock installation runs $18 to $22 per square foot. For steps, expect $250 to $600 per step installed, depending on width and paver style.
Paver steps work well for gradual elevation changes and wide, shallow staircases in backyard patio designs. They pair naturally with interlock patios and walkways.
The pavers are individually replaceable, which makes repairs easy. Lifespan is 25 to 30 years with periodic re-sanding of the joints and occasional relevelling.
Popular paver brands used in Ontario include Unilock, Permacon, and Techo-Bloc. Premium paver lines with textured or tumbled finishes cost more per square foot but provide a more natural stone appearance. Standard pavers work fine for most residential step projects.
Precast steps are manufactured off-site and delivered ready to install. They cost $100 to $350 per step, or $500 to $3,500 total for a typical project. Installation is faster since there’s no curing time.
A common approach in Ontario is to stack precast concrete blocks and then top them with natural stone copings. The blocks handle the structural work while the stone provides the finished surface. This combines the lower cost of concrete with the look of natural stone. Add $150 to $350 per step for stone copings on top.
Precast blocks last 15 to 25 years. They’re hollow, which makes them lighter but somewhat less durable than solid poured concrete. Replacement is straightforward since individual blocks can be swapped out.
Material Comparison
Material
Installed Cost/Step
Maintenance
Lifespan
Best For
Interlock Pavers
$250–$600
Moderate — re-sand joints
25–30 years
Patio integration, wide steps
Flagstone
$300–$700
Low — sweep and rinse
25–50+ years
Natural look, patios, garden paths
Granite
$500–$1,200
Very low — nearly maintenance-free
50–100+ years
High-end entrances, heavy traffic
Limestone
$300–$800
Moderate — seal every 2–3 years
20–40 years
Classic look, uniform appearance
Precast Blocks
$100–$350
Low–moderate
15–25 years
Fast install, stone coping top
Additional Features and Their Costs
LED step lighting. Under-step LED lights add safety and curb appeal. Each fixture costs $100 to $200 installed, including wiring and a low-voltage transformer. A set of 6 to 8 step lights with transformer and wiring runs $1,200 to $2,500. Hardwired systems last longer than solar options, which struggle in Ontario’s shorter winter days.
Handrails. Metal handrails are the most common addition to outdoor stone steps.
Aluminum handrails: $20 to $70 per linear foot (materials)
Wrought iron handrails: $65 to $135 per linear foot (installed)
Stainless steel handrails: $40 to $70 per linear foot (materials)
Stone pillar handrails: $800 to $2,500 per pillar (installed)
A typical 8-foot handrail for one side of a staircase costs $500 to $1,500 installed. Both sides doubles that.
Heated steps. Electric snow-melting systems embedded under the step surface cost $12 to $25 per square foot for the heating elements. Installation adds another $5 to $15 per square foot for wiring and controls. A heated staircase with 6 steps runs roughly $1,500 to $4,000. Operating costs are modest — about $0.50 to $1.50 per hour when running.
Retaining walls alongside steps. When steps are built into a slope, retaining walls on one or both sides are often needed. Small decorative walls (under 3 feet) cost $35 to $65 per square foot of wall face. A 15-foot-long, 3-foot-high retaining wall beside a staircase runs $2,000 to $5,000.
Landing areas and platforms. The Ontario Building Code requires a landing for any flight of stairs with a rise over 3.7 metres. Even where not required, landings between flights improve safety and appearance. A 4×4-foot stone landing adds $800 to $2,000 depending on the material. Larger landings (5×5 or 6×6 feet) that serve as a transition between stair flights run $1,500 to $3,500.
Non-slip treatments. Ontario’s ice and snow make traction important. Flame-finished or bush-hammered stone surfaces provide natural grip. For smooth stone, applying a non-slip coating costs $3 to $6 per square foot. Some contractors embed non-slip strips into the tread edge during installation for an extra $20 to $40 per step.
How Long Does the Project Take?
Small projects (3 to 5 steps). Most crews complete these in 2 to 3 days. Day one is excavation and base preparation. Day two is stone setting and finishing. A third day may be needed for mortar curing or adjustments.
Medium projects (6 to 8 steps). Allow 3 to 5 days. These often include more excavation and a larger gravel base. If the steps connect to a walkway or patio, add time for that integration.
Large projects (8 to 12+ steps). These take 5 to 10 working days or more. Multi-level designs with landings, retaining walls, or custom-cut stone extend the timeline. If heavy machinery is needed for large stone slabs, scheduling the equipment adds a day or two.
Factors that extend the timeline:
Rain delays — concrete can’t be poured in rain, and wet soil is harder to compact
Custom stone orders — sourcing specific granite or limestone can take 2 to 4 weeks
Permits — if required, approval can add 2 to 6 weeks before work starts
Winter — most stone step projects in Ontario happen between April and November
Front porch vs. backyard. Front porch steps are usually faster because access is better and the scope is smaller. Backyard patio steps that are part of a larger landscaping project take longer because of the extra coordination and site preparation.
Project Type
Typical Timeline
3–5 front porch steps
2–3 days
6–8 steps with walkway
3–5 days
8–12+ steps with landings
5–10 days
Full backyard patio + steps
7–14 days
Custom granite staircase
5–10 days (plus 2–4 weeks for stone sourcing)
Permits and Building Code Requirements
General Ontario Requirements
The Ontario Building Code (OBC) sets the rules for exterior stairs across the province.
Rise and run requirements:
Maximum riser height: 200 mm (7⅞ inches)
Minimum tread run: 280 mm (11 inches)
All risers in a flight must be the same height (within 5 mm tolerance)
Handrails:
Required on exterior stairs with more than 3 risers (4+ steps)
Height between 865 mm and 1,070 mm (34 to 42 inches)
Must be graspable — a round profile between 30 mm and 43 mm diameter
Required on at least one side; both sides for stairs wider than 1,100 mm
Guards:
Required at landings, decks, and platforms more than 600 mm (24 inches) above the adjacent ground level
Minimum height of 900 mm (35 inches) at landings
Openings in guards must not allow passage of a 100 mm (4-inch) sphere
Permit requirements. Whether you need a building permit depends on the municipality and the scope of work. Most Ontario municipalities require a permit when:
The stairs are attached to the house structure
The stairs serve as the primary entrance
The elevation change exceeds 600 mm (24 inches)
The project includes a deck or landing over 600 mm high
Small, freestanding landscape steps (2 to 3 risers, not attached to the house) usually don’t need a permit. Always check with your local building department.
Construction hours. Most Ontario municipalities allow residential construction work between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on weekdays. Saturday and Sunday hours vary by municipality. Work on statutory holidays is generally prohibited.
Municipal-Specific Requirements
Building permit fees increased 4% effective January 1, 2026
Residential permit fees are calculated based on project value; minimum fee applies
Small residential projects may not require a permit — confirm with Toronto Building at 416-397-5330
Construction noise is permitted Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday construction is permitted 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
No construction noise allowed on Sundays or statutory holidays
Noise exemption permits available through the City for work outside these hours
Construction equipment noise is permitted Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday construction is permitted 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (more restrictive than most GTA municipalities)
No construction noise allowed on Sundays or statutory holidays
Properties near Shouldice or Markham-Stouffville hospitals may be in a quiet zone with additional restrictions
Noise exemption permits available through By-law Enforcement at 905-479-7782
Noise By-law 43-20 regulates construction noise
Construction noise is permitted Monday to Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
No construction noise allowed on Sundays or statutory holidays
Contact bylaw@richmondhill.ca or 905-771-0198 for permit inquiries
Construction noise is permitted Monday to Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
No construction noise allowed on Sundays or statutory holidays
Noise exemption permits available for work outside permitted hours
By-law 121-2021 governs noise control
Construction noise is permitted 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., excluding Sundays and statutory holidays
Residential renovation noise (fences, decks, steps) follows the same 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. window
Noise exemption permits can be obtained from Municipal Enforcement Services
Construction noise is permitted Monday to Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
No construction noise on Sundays or statutory holidays
Commercial and residential construction noise is permitted Monday to Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
No construction noise on Sundays or statutory holidays
Minimum residential building permit fee is approximately $125 to $175
Building permit costs and timelines vary by project scope
Large-scale construction noise is prohibited between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Small-scale domestic construction (building steps, decks, fences) is prohibited between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Whitby distinguishes between large-scale and small-scale construction — outdoor stone steps typically fall under small-scale domestic work
No large-scale construction noise on Sundays or public holidays
Noise exemption application fee is $300; must be submitted 30 days in advance
Construction noise is regulated under the City’s Noise By-law
Noise that disturbs quiet and peace of residents is prohibited
Noise exemption application fee is $300; must be submitted 30 days in advance
Contact Service Oshawa at 905-436-3311 for specific construction hour inquiries
Noise By-law 44-2025 (updated in 2025) regulates construction noise
Construction noise is permitted during daytime hours on weekdays
Contact bylawservices@ajax.ca or 905-619-2529 ext. 3370 for specific construction hour details
Construction noise is prohibited between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., Monday to Friday
Saturday construction is prohibited before 9:00 a.m. and after 7:00 p.m.
No construction noise from 6:00 p.m. Saturday through 7:00 a.m. Monday (effectively all day Sunday is prohibited)
Pickering recently updated its Noise Control By-law — noise exemption applications are handled by staff
Noise By-law 2024-08 regulates noise including construction activity
Construction noise restrictions apply on specific days and times
Contact the Town of Newmarket for current permitted construction hours
Updated noise bylaw approved by Town Council includes specific construction and residential renovation noise restrictions
Construction noise is prohibited on designated days and times, with restrictions on Sundays and statutory holidays
The updated bylaw requires noise to be persistent and audible from a point of reception to trigger enforcement
Contact the Town of Aurora’s By-law Services for current permitted construction hours and exemption applications
The cost of outdoor stone steps in Ontario ranges from $300 to $1,200 per step installed, depending on the material, step size, and site conditions. A typical front porch staircase with 4 to 6 natural stone steps runs $2,500 to $7,000 in the Greater Toronto Area. Concrete and precast alternatives start lower, at $100 to $500 per step.
These prices cover both front entrance steps and backyard patio stairs. Backyard projects sometimes cost more because of limited equipment access through side yards and gates. Front porch steps tend to be wider (4 to 6 feet) and more visible, so homeowners often choose premium stone.
A full project with excavation, base preparation, and installation typically lands between $2,000 and $12,000 across Ontario. High-end granite or large-scale projects with 10+ steps can push past $15,000.
How Much Do Outdoor Stone Steps Cost in Ontario?
Material costs alone account for roughly half the total. Labour makes up the other half — sometimes more in the GTA where landscaping crews charge a premium.
For a front porch, most homeowners spend $3,000 to $6,000 on natural stone steps. That covers 4 to 6 steps at 4 to 5 feet wide with a proper compacted gravel base. Backyard patio steps connected to an interlock or flagstone patio often run higher because of the additional integration work.
Excavation costs add $200 to $350 per cubic yard, depending on soil type and accessibility. Most step projects need 1 to 3 cubic yards of excavation. Base materials (crushed gravel, limestone screenings) add another $300 to $800 for a typical project.
Key Factors That Affect the Cost
Material type.
Natural stone (flagstone, granite, limestone) costs significantly more than precast blocks. The gap can be 2x to 3x per step.
Number of steps.
More steps means more material, more labour, and a longer timeline. But per-step costs often drop slightly on larger jobs because setup and mobilization costs are spread out.
Step width and depth.
A standard step is about 4 feet wide and 12 inches deep. Going wider (5 to 6 feet for a grand entrance) increases stone and labour costs proportionally. Deeper treads (14 to 16 inches) use more material per step.
Height and elevation change.
A 3-foot elevation change needs roughly 4 to 5 steps. A full storey (8 to 9 feet) needs 12 to 14 steps plus a landing. More height means more excavation, more base material, and potentially a building permit.
Site conditions.
Rocky soil, steep slopes, poor drainage, or limited access for equipment all add cost. If a mini excavator can’t reach the site, more hand labour is needed. Soft or clay-heavy soil may require deeper gravel bases.
Labour rates by region.
GTA contractors typically charge 15% to 25% more than crews in smaller Ontario cities. Toronto, Vaughan, Oakville, and Richmond Hill tend to sit at the higher end. Towns like Whitby, Ajax, and Newmarket are slightly lower.
Demolition of existing steps.
Removing old concrete or stone steps adds $500 to $1,500 depending on size. If there’s rebar in old concrete, expect the higher end. Disposal fees for construction waste in Ontario run $150 to $400 per load.
Base preparation.
Every stone step project needs a compacted gravel base to prevent shifting and settling. A proper base is 6 to 12 inches of crushed stone, compacted in layers. This adds $300 to $800 to the project. Skipping this step is the most common reason outdoor stairs fail in Ontario’s climate.
Mortar vs. dry-set installation.
Dry-set steps (stone placed on compacted gravel without mortar) are less expensive but can shift over time. Mortared steps cost more in labour but provide a more permanent, rigid structure. In Ontario, mortared installations are preferred for front entrances, while dry-set works well for informal garden steps.
Natural Stone Steps
Flagstone is the most popular natural stone for outdoor stairs in Ontario. Material costs run $6 to $15 per square foot for the stone alone. Installed, flagstone steps cost $300 to $700 per step for standard 4-foot-wide treads.
Flagstone comes in irregular, natural shapes. Each piece is unique. Common colours in Ontario include grey, brown, rust, and blue-grey. It’s naturally slip-resistant because of its textured surface.
Flagstone holds up well in Ontario’s freeze-thaw cycles. It resists staining and fading. With a proper gravel base and good drainage, flagstone steps last 25 to 50+ years. Minimal maintenance is needed — occasional sweeping and rinsing.
Most Ontario stone yards carry flagstone sourced from local quarries in the Muskoka and Bancroft regions. Local stone keeps delivery costs down compared to imported options. Thicker slabs (2 to 3 inches) are better for steps than the thinner pieces used for patios.
Granite is the hardest and most durable natural stone option. Materials cost $10 to $15 per square foot, but the real expense is in cutting and installation. Granite steps run $500 to $1,200 per step installed.
The slabs are heavy and require precision cutting, which drives up labour. A full granite staircase with 5 to 6 steps can cost $4,000 to $9,000 in the GTA.
Granite is nearly maintenance-free. It doesn’t absorb water, so it handles Ontario winters extremely well. It resists scratching, chipping, and staining. Colours range from dark charcoal to light grey, pink, and black. Lifespan is 50 to 100+ years.
Granite treads are typically cut to precise dimensions — usually 6 to 8 inches thick, 12 to 14 inches deep, and up to 6 feet wide. The weight of each tread (often 200+ pounds) means equipment is needed for placement. This isn’t a material you can manoeuvre by hand.
Limestone is widely available in Ontario and offers a clean, classic look. Material costs are $7 to $15 per square foot. Installed, limestone steps cost $300 to $800 per step.
The stone has a smooth, uniform texture with a light grey or cream colour. It complements most Ontario home styles, from traditional to contemporary.
Limestone is softer than granite, so it can show wear over time in high-traffic areas. It’s also more porous, which means it benefits from sealing every 2 to 3 years. Without sealing, it can stain from leaves, dirt, or de-icing salt. Lifespan is 20 to 40 years depending on maintenance.
Ontario has significant limestone deposits, particularly in the Niagara Escarpment and eastern Ontario regions. This local availability helps keep material costs lower than granite. Many GTA landscapers stock Indiana limestone and local Owen Sound limestone as standard options.
Concrete and Precast Steps
Interlock paver steps use manufactured concrete pavers laid on a compacted gravel base. In Ontario, interlock installation runs $18 to $22 per square foot. For steps, expect $250 to $600 per step installed, depending on width and paver style.
Paver steps work well for gradual elevation changes and wide, shallow staircases in backyard patio designs. They pair naturally with interlock patios and walkways.
The pavers are individually replaceable, which makes repairs easy. Lifespan is 25 to 30 years with periodic re-sanding of the joints and occasional relevelling.
Popular paver brands used in Ontario include Unilock, Permacon, and Techo-Bloc. Premium paver lines with textured or tumbled finishes cost more per square foot but provide a more natural stone appearance. Standard pavers work fine for most residential step projects.
Precast steps are manufactured off-site and delivered ready to install. They cost $100 to $350 per step, or $500 to $3,500 total for a typical project. Installation is faster since there’s no curing time.
A common approach in Ontario is to stack precast concrete blocks and then top them with natural stone copings. The blocks handle the structural work while the stone provides the finished surface. This combines the lower cost of concrete with the look of natural stone. Add $150 to $350 per step for stone copings on top.
Precast blocks last 15 to 25 years. They’re hollow, which makes them lighter but somewhat less durable than solid poured concrete. Replacement is straightforward since individual blocks can be swapped out.
Material Comparison
Additional Features and Their Costs
LED step lighting. Under-step LED lights add safety and curb appeal. Each fixture costs $100 to $200 installed, including wiring and a low-voltage transformer. A set of 6 to 8 step lights with transformer and wiring runs $1,200 to $2,500. Hardwired systems last longer than solar options, which struggle in Ontario’s shorter winter days.
Handrails. Metal handrails are the most common addition to outdoor stone steps.
A typical 8-foot handrail for one side of a staircase costs $500 to $1,500 installed. Both sides doubles that.
Heated steps. Electric snow-melting systems embedded under the step surface cost $12 to $25 per square foot for the heating elements. Installation adds another $5 to $15 per square foot for wiring and controls. A heated staircase with 6 steps runs roughly $1,500 to $4,000. Operating costs are modest — about $0.50 to $1.50 per hour when running.
Retaining walls alongside steps. When steps are built into a slope, retaining walls on one or both sides are often needed. Small decorative walls (under 3 feet) cost $35 to $65 per square foot of wall face. A 15-foot-long, 3-foot-high retaining wall beside a staircase runs $2,000 to $5,000.
Landing areas and platforms. The Ontario Building Code requires a landing for any flight of stairs with a rise over 3.7 metres. Even where not required, landings between flights improve safety and appearance. A 4×4-foot stone landing adds $800 to $2,000 depending on the material. Larger landings (5×5 or 6×6 feet) that serve as a transition between stair flights run $1,500 to $3,500.
Non-slip treatments. Ontario’s ice and snow make traction important. Flame-finished or bush-hammered stone surfaces provide natural grip. For smooth stone, applying a non-slip coating costs $3 to $6 per square foot. Some contractors embed non-slip strips into the tread edge during installation for an extra $20 to $40 per step.
How Long Does the Project Take?
Small projects (3 to 5 steps). Most crews complete these in 2 to 3 days. Day one is excavation and base preparation. Day two is stone setting and finishing. A third day may be needed for mortar curing or adjustments.
Medium projects (6 to 8 steps). Allow 3 to 5 days. These often include more excavation and a larger gravel base. If the steps connect to a walkway or patio, add time for that integration.
Large projects (8 to 12+ steps). These take 5 to 10 working days or more. Multi-level designs with landings, retaining walls, or custom-cut stone extend the timeline. If heavy machinery is needed for large stone slabs, scheduling the equipment adds a day or two.
Factors that extend the timeline:
Front porch vs. backyard. Front porch steps are usually faster because access is better and the scope is smaller. Backyard patio steps that are part of a larger landscaping project take longer because of the extra coordination and site preparation.
Permits and Building Code Requirements
General Ontario Requirements
The Ontario Building Code (OBC) sets the rules for exterior stairs across the province.
Rise and run requirements:
Handrails:
Guards:
Permit requirements. Whether you need a building permit depends on the municipality and the scope of work. Most Ontario municipalities require a permit when:
Small, freestanding landscape steps (2 to 3 risers, not attached to the house) usually don’t need a permit. Always check with your local building department.
Construction hours. Most Ontario municipalities allow residential construction work between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on weekdays. Saturday and Sunday hours vary by municipality. Work on statutory holidays is generally prohibited.
Municipal-Specific Requirements