16 Most Popular Outdoor Stairs Designs (With Photos) (2024)

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Are you looking for a visually appealing outdoor stairs design that will enhance your curb appeal or home’s landscape? Check out these incredible exterior stairs ideas!

If your home has a raised foundation, stairs are a must-have element as it is crucial for convenience. Safety is paramount when it comes to installing stairs anywhere.

Depending on the country you reside in, there are often regulations that must be adhered to for both interior and exterior staircases. For instance, when a flight of exterior stairs has more than three risers, it must have a handrail on each side.

The design of outdoor stairs is almost as important as functionality. The proportion of the space should be taken into account when choosing an outside stairs design.

We strongly recommend that you opt for a design that suits both your home’s style and your aesthetic predilections. A stylish and properly installed stairs can add value to your property. The first step is often deciding what staircase material is best suited for the space.

There are a plethora of materials and design options to consider which can make it a bit confusing, but don’t fret! In this article, we’ve curated the 16 most popular outdoor stairs designs that will help steer you in the right direction.

Page Contents

1. Wooden Entrance Outdoor Stairs Design

One of the most common materials used to construct staircases is wood— not just any wood, but ‘hardwood’ which is strong and hard.

It is a highly durable material that can withstand exposure to different outdoor elements and severe weather.

Some of the best wood for the exterior and staircases are IPE, Western Red Cedar, Teak, and African Mahogany.

Outdoor stairs can last an average of 15-30 years when pressure-treated wood is used.

16 Most Popular Outdoor Stairs Designs (With Photos) (1)PHOTO: LDA ARCHITECTURE & INTERIORS

2. Victoria Tiled Outdoor Stairs

Named after Queen Victoria, the Victorian tile is a type of encaustic tile that is favored for its beautiful intricate geometric patterns. The timeless beauty of Victorian tiles is what makes them overwhelmingly popular.

This tile is commonly used as an entrance outdoor stairs design in England. This tiled outdoor stairs design lends an elegant and opulent appearance to a property.

16 Most Popular Outdoor Stairs Designs (With Photos) (2)PHOTO VIA: LONDON FRONT GARDENS

3. Floating Outside Stairs Design

To give your property a touch of modernity and easy elegance, consider floating stairs. Floating stairs, also known as cantilever staircases, are designed to conceal or minimize the supporting structure of the stairs.

These types of stairs do not appear connected to each other. This gives a streamlined, contemporary, and minimalist feel to the property.

16 Most Popular Outdoor Stairs Designs (With Photos) (3)PHOTO VIA: SAKURA GROUP

4. Split Outdoor Stairs Design

Your property style and whether the stairs will be installed at the entrance or backyard will determine the most suited style to choose.

A split staircase is a type of staircase that has double sides leading in different directions. It is often seen on large deckings.

16 Most Popular Outdoor Stairs Designs (With Photos) (4)PHOTO VIA: MONTREAL OUTDOOR LIVING

5. Porcelain Tile Outdoor Stairs

Porcelain tile is a common exterior flooring material made from a mixture of natural clay, sand, and other minerals like feldspar baked at a high temperature (up to 760˚C).

This type of tile is often used for paving slabs and it is low-maintenance and high performance.

Porcelain is also scratch-resistant, waterproof, and more durable than stone. An outside stair design with porcelain tile can give your home exterior a sleek and contemporary edge.

16 Most Popular Outdoor Stairs Designs (With Photos) (5)PHOTO VIA: TECHO BLOC

6. Aged Granite Outside Stairs

Granite is a type of hard igneous rock made from a mixture of feldspar, quartz, and mica.

It is the oldest form of igneous rock in the world and becomes even harder with age. Aged granite is favored for its country-chic and old-world appeal.

It is a great choice for use in exteriors because of its weather-resistance minerals. This type of stairs can give your outdoors a new character and charm.

16 Most Popular Outdoor Stairs Designs (With Photos) (6)PHOTO VIA: ERIC ROTH

7. Gravel and Reclaimed Wood Garden Stairs

The possibilities are endless when it comes to stair design for outdoor gardens. Using material simply makes sense in a space like this.

You can rocks and aged wood to create stairs in sloppy areas or raised areas of ground. These materials are highly durable and will seamlessly blend in with other elements in the garden.

16 Most Popular Outdoor Stairs Designs (With Photos) (7)PHOTO VIA: EXCLUSIVE EDEN LANDSCAPING

8. Checkered Outside Stairs Design

This traditional pattern is making a comeback and we can see why. Checkerboard patterns have been popular in interior design for decades but they look especially striking outdoor.

It gives a tasteful and visually appealing aesthetic to an outdoor staircase.

16 Most Popular Outdoor Stairs Designs (With Photos) (8)PHOTO VIA: WAYFAIR

9. Painted Wooden Outside Stairs Design

The beautiful thing about a wood outdoor stairs design is that it can be painted to fulfill your aesthetic preferences.

Over time, wood may start to show signs of wear, but a fresh coat of paint can instantly bring wooden stairs back to life— making it look as good as new.

Plus, whenever you change your home exterior design, you can alter the color of the stairs to complement it.

16 Most Popular Outdoor Stairs Designs (With Photos) (9)PHOTO: INSPIRED HOME IDEAS

10. Outdoor Staircase Lighting

The outdoor staircase lighting is great for making your property visually interesting. However, it is not purely decorative as it improves staircase safety at night time.

Accidents such as slipping or falling could be caused by shadows and dark areas. With a beautiful design and implementation, staircase lighting will give your property an inviting ambiance.

16 Most Popular Outdoor Stairs Designs (With Photos) (10)PHOTO VIA: DAVEY MCEATHRON ARCHITECTURE & LEONID FURMANSKY PHOTOGRAPHY

11. Brick Stone Outside Stairs Design

Highly durable and functional are just two words to describe brick stone exterior stairs. Compared to wood steps, brick steps can hold up to the weather and frequently used.

Brick steps are excellent for creating rustic or classic aesthetics. This type of outdoor stairs design is an excellent way to add visual interest to a property.

16 Most Popular Outdoor Stairs Designs (With Photos) (11)PHOTO VIA: SHORE SOCIETY/ TIFFANY JONES PHOTOGRAPHY

12. Painted Outdoor Stairs Runner

Give a home’s front yard a dramatic and sophisticated appeal. The painted stairs runner outside packs a big punch and will easily catch the eyes.

This design will make your property inviting and stand out from your neighbors. Semi-gloss paint is the ideal paint for this outdoor stairs design project because it gives a hard, stain-resistant finish.

16 Most Popular Outdoor Stairs Designs (With Photos) (12)PHOTO: NESTING WITH GRACE

13. Outdoor Spiral Stairs

Spiral stairs give a grandeur look to both interior and exterior spaces.

Other than aesthetics and durability, the advantage spiral staircases have over linear ones is that they do not take up a lot of space.

It leads straight to the upper floor. Due to its height, it is often suited for big buildings and the backyard and not typically for front door entrances.

16 Most Popular Outdoor Stairs Designs (With Photos) (13)PHOTO VIA: THE IRON SHOP

14. Red Stone Stairs with Mosaic Riser

Red stone is a very popular outdoor stairs material thanks to its stain-resistant and sophisticated finish.

It is the perfect addition to any outdoor area. When used with a mosaic riser, it creates a beautiful contrast. Natural elements like red stone bring a sense of tranquility and warmth to a space.

16 Most Popular Outdoor Stairs Designs (With Photos) (14)PHOTO: KARYN MILLET

15. Curved Outside Stairs Design

A curved shape staircase brings a dynamic design to an exterior space.

Curved stairs also follow a helical arc, similar to spiral steps. This style of staircase is suited for both the front yard and backyard of a property.

16 Most Popular Outdoor Stairs Designs (With Photos) (15)PHOTO VIA: RENOVATION DESIGN GROUP

16. Matching Exterior Outside Stairs Design

An outdoor stairs design that complements your home’s exterior is often the most eye-catching approach.

This creates a harmonious transition throughout. Think about the design or color of your front door, siding, or roof, and incorporate it into the staircase.

16 Most Popular Outdoor Stairs Designs (With Photos) (16)PHOTO VIA: GLENN LAYTON HOMES

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16 Most Popular Outdoor Stairs Designs (With Photos) (2024)

FAQs

What is the 27 rule for stairs? ›

At and below the handrail height, the required width of the stairway, including treads and landings, is only 27 inches (686 mm) if handrails are installed on each side, and only 31-1/2 inches (800 mm) if there is only one handrail installed.

What is the most photographed staircase? ›

Vatican Museum, Vatican City

The Bramante Staircase is one of the most recognizable and most photographed stairways in the world.

What is the latest staircase trend? ›

Dark and Closed Spaces: Opening Up Design

Dark and closed staircase spaces are being replaced by designs that prioritize openness and light. Homeowners are leaning towards designs that allow natural light to flood the staircase area, creating an inviting and airy atmosphere.

What is the golden rule for stairs? ›

The Golden Ratio is a mathematical equation that has been used by designers for centuries to create aesthetically pleasing proportions. According to the Golden Ratio, the ideal step size for a staircase is 2.618 times the height of the riser.

What is the gentleman rule on stairs? ›

Going up or down stairs, the gentleman always go first. When going down so that, should the woman slip, she will be able to catch at his strong shoulders and, going up, so that his eyes do not linger on her hips and legs.

How wide should outdoor steps be? ›

As a means of egress, outdoor stairs must meet all the requirements set forth in IRC section R311. 7.1 Width. Stairways shall not be less than 36 inches in clear width at all points above the permitted handrail heights and below the required headroom height.

What is the formula for stair design? ›

The following is a rule-of-thumb formula for interior stairs, as specified in the Architectural Graphic Standards. Riser + Tread = 17.5 inches (445mm): 7.5 inches (191mm) for the riser height; 10 inches (254mm) for the tread depth. Riser * Tread = 75 inches (1905mm).

What is the formula for outdoor steps? ›

I'll talk about patios and pathways a little later. You may not know it, but there is a specific formula for designing a staircase, which is 2R + T = 24” – 27”, where R = rise and T = tread.

What is the trend in stairs in 2024? ›

The trend towards organic and curved stair designs is making waves in contemporary interiors. These designs break away from the traditional straight lines, introducing fluidity and movement.

What is the golden staircase? ›

The Scala d'Oro, the Golden Staircase of the Doge's Palace in Venice. Golden Staircase The Scala d'Oro is undoubtedly the richest staircase in the world. The golden staircase owes its name to the magnificence of its classical, Roman-style decoration, with white and gold stucco.

What is the famous staircase in the United States? ›

The Loretto Chapel is a former Roman Catholic church in Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States, that is now used as a museum and a wedding chapel. NMSRCP No. It is known for its unusual helix-shaped spiral staircase (the "Miraculous Stair").

What is the most efficient stair layout? ›

Spiral Staircase: A spiral staircase is a compact and space-saving layout that consists of a central pole and steps that wind around it in a spiral. This layout is ideal for homes that have limited space and want to create a unique and visually interesting design.

How do you make stairs look modern? ›

You can modernize an existing staircase with a new paint job, a colorful stair runner, or a new handrail. Or install a modern staircase that will become a focal point and feature that reflects the aesthetic of a contemporary home with anything from floating steps to transparent glass guardrails for an open feel.

What is the 7 11 rule for stairs? ›

For both the IBC and the ADA, the 7/11 rule applies: riser height is a maximum of 7 inches and minimum of 4 inches and tread depth is a minimum of 11 inches. When you're walking either up or down stairs, you don't want to have to think about each step, you want to walk with a cadence.

What is the 17 18 rule for stairs? ›

The sum of one rise and one tread should be 17-18 inches. If the sum is greater than 18 3/4 inches, there's a mistake. Correct your measurements. After calculating the stair stringers' rise and run, make a sketch of the staircase and label the measurements as a visual aid.

What is the stair 18 rule? ›

Rule one says that rise plus run (r+R) should equal 18 inches. Why? That's what most people find to be a comfortable stride on most stairs. You can cheat a bit up or down, but below 17” and more than 19” will result in steps that require strides either too big or too small for most people.

Should stair stringers be 2x10 or 2x12? ›

Stair stringers are usually cut from a 2x12: a 2-inch by 12-inch piece of lumber.

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