Steps & Terraces
Safe, stable level changes with consistent rise heights, proper retaining walls, and drainage that works.
Common Failures
The structural and drainage details that get skipped are the ones that cause failures later.
Inconsistent risers, even a 20 mm difference between steps, are the leading cause of trips on garden steps.
Every rise is measured and set out to a consistent height, typically 150 mm, before any bedding is mixed.
A terrace built without a retaining wall on slopes over 300 mm will creep forward as soil pressure builds behind it.
The retaining wall is built on a compacted base with granular backfill to carry drainage away from the retained soil.
Without drainage specified at the same time as the wall, water pressure in retained soil pushes the structure forward, costly to fix after the fact.
Drainage behind the retaining wall is designed alongside the wall itself, not added as an afterthought once problems appear.
Flat tread surfaces pool water at the riser face, making steps slippery and accelerating mortar deterioration over winter.
Tread surfaces are laid with a drainage fall to the side so water sheds clear of the riser rather than sitting on the step.
Scope of Work
From a single step down to the lawn to a fully terraced slope with a retaining wall and landing area.
Treads and risers set to consistent 150 mm rise and 300 mm minimum tread depth on a mortar bed.
Terraced level area on a slope, with retaining wall, compacted base, granular backfill, and drainage fall.
Brick or stone retaining wall on a compacted base with drainage behind to prevent soil pressure build-up.
Flat landing between flights of steps, paved to match the adjacent surface with correct drainage fall.
Sub-base compaction and level setting before any paving begins.
Porcelain, sandstone, limestone, or brick matched to existing patio.
Tread and terrace falls set to shed water clear of the structure.
Why Choose Us
Structural level changes need the right local knowledge, clear scoping, and accountability from survey to sign-off.
We schedule a site survey, and the job is quoted in person.
Excavation, sub-base, retaining wall, and bedding are quoted as separate lines so you see every cost.
The installer advises on porcelain, sandstone, limestone, or brick to match your existing patio surface.
The survey measures the height difference and drainage fall before agreeing the step count or wall spec.
Surveys regularly cover Cambridge’s mature sloping gardens and new build level transitions.
Pricing Estimates
| Job | Typical cost | Typical size |
|---|---|---|
| Single step or short step run | £350-£900 | 1-2 steps |
| Small raised terrace | £1,500-£4,000 | Small area |
| Larger raised patio or terrace | £4,000-£10,000 | Medium area |
Questions
Steps suit a modest level change between two existing surfaces; a raised terrace suits a larger drop where you want a usable flat area above the lower garden. If your garden slopes significantly or you want a defined seating zone at a higher level, a raised terrace is usually the right answer. A survey will confirm which approach works for your specific ground.
Yes, steps can be added to most existing patios provided the base is sound and there is enough room for a safe tread depth. The existing foundation is checked before committing to a design. If the base needs reinforcing first, that work is scoped at the survey stage.
No, steps are designed to standard rise-and-going ratios that make everyday use comfortable and safe. A typical outdoor step uses a rise of around 150 mm and a tread of at least 300 mm. The installer sets these dimensions at the design stage so the finished steps feel natural to walk on.
Consistent rise height, a generous tread depth, and a slightly textured or riven surface that grips in wet weather are the main factors. Nosing edges that contrast with the tread also help with visibility. Getting all three right from the outset is more reliable than adding grip strips later.
A raised terrace works well for slopes where cutting a flat area into the bank creates a usable outdoor space. The steeper the slope, the more groundwork is involved, but the principle suits most gradients. A survey confirms the exact cut-and-fill needed for your garden.
Groundwork for steps or a raised terrace involves excavation, so there will be soil movement and temporary material storage in the garden. The area directly around the build is out of use during the work. Most projects are contained to a defined zone, leaving the rest of the garden accessible.
If the survey reveals soft ground, buried rubble, or drainage problems, the scope of preparation work increases and the cost rises accordingly. This is why a proper site survey matters before any price is agreed. Skipping that step is the most common reason garden projects run over budget.
Yes. Unexpected soft spots, old hardcore, or poor drainage found during excavation can add preparation costs that were not visible at the quote stage. A thorough survey reduces this risk, but some ground conditions only become clear once digging starts. Any variation should be agreed with you before work continues.
Describe the garden, the height difference, and how it drains. We will schedule a site survey and quote the work with no hidden groundwork costs.