17 Striking Patio Steps Ideas for a Multileveled Yard

Getting ideas to create a functional yet aesthetic quick access to your patio is not that hard.

Basically, you can build your steps in any way you want, but keep in mind that patio steps are meant to be kids and pets-friendly.

Patio steps actually are often the point between the main property and the patio or the landscaping and the patio.

In an architectural design, commonly, there are two types of patio structures: step up and step down patios.

Step-up patios mean the patios are raised, so you need steps to access them from the surrounding landscape. On the other hand, step-down patios are lower than the main ground of the property.

So, the owners need steps to access it right from their back or front door.

Regardless of the type of your patio, it is essential to build steps instead of stepping down on the grass and risking stumbling.

Having accessible steps avoids the dangers because it means safety. Plus, for an aesthetic reason, patio steps complete the transition from your home area to nature.

Still don’t have any idea how to build patio steps properly? Here are some striking patio ideas for a multileveled yard, step up or step down:

1. Concrete Steps to Access the Extended Gravel Patio

If you have an extra spacious yard, building a multilevel patio would be an excellent idea.

This way, you’ll add more character and dimension to your yard, especially if the patios are made of different materials.

The main patio is the one that’s made of concrete. It has two different steps, one from the back door to access it from the main house and another one that leads to the extended patio. Both steps are made of poured concrete to match the main patio.

As you may have concluded, the gravel patio is the extension part. Gravel and concrete have a contrasting texture, so the steps that lead to the extended patio look beautifully odd against the gravel.

There is no decoration whatsoever in these steps, no wonder because this is a contemporary patio, where simplicity is highly appreciated.

But, in order to accentuate the steps, the owner built a planter box that parts the steps to zone two different areas.

2. A Combination of Wood Steps in a Limestone Patio

The geometrical game in this patio is solid. Every piece here looks sharply angled to create a mid-century style.

The patio itself is made of limestone with two different size pavers to make this pattern. Natural stone like limestone will always deliver a natural yet elegant look.

On the other hand, the patio steps are made of wood. Since this is a step-down patio, the wooden steps are supposed to connect the back door to the patio.

Why does it have to be wood? Because it seems that the owners wanted to build a tiny deck in front of the door.

This small deck is actually the top landing of the steps. Since the space is limited, so the owners make the most of it by building a deck out of a landing.

There are two pads in the deck that can be used as seating space and potted plants on both sides of the steps to add more greeneries.

See how the wood and the limestone contrast each other. Even though they have contrasting tones, wood and stone are natural elements. You can combine them both to create a modern look but still has a traditional root.

3. White Stone Capped Steps Idea in a Bright Patio

This is another multileveled patio that takes most of the yard space.

Instead of creating a one leveled seating area, the owners decided to make a lower and upper patio, and both are separated by steps.

The steps are made of stone to match the patios, but they are capped with white stone. The capping white stone can also be seen throughout the patio, on the low wall and around the fire pit.

Actually, there are two accesses to this patio, which means there are two different steps here. The first steps connect the lower patio to the main house, while the second steps bridge the lower and upper patio.

Despite the low wall and a planter box on each side, these steps look bare and minimal. It’s a wise choice to let them bare because the patio itself has already been bright.

The orange cushions and patterned carpet, along with colorful flowers, are enough to liven up the whole space. Adding more decorations to the steps seems counterproductive since they will only make the patio look overwhelmed.

If you want to stay simple in your patio steps, make sure the rest of the patio is well-decorated enough to keep the balance.

4. Stone Wide Steps in a Traditional Patio

A traditional patio is usually made of stone to keep the classic look. And this one is no different.

See how the stone makes up almost the entire space of this patio. The walls around, the fireplace, the pavers, and even the patio steps are made of stone.

The steps in this patio look simple and minimalist. It’s even simpler and humbler than the previous picture because this one doesn’t have any cap. Yet, that’s what makes it stunning.

The rough texture of the stone delivers a rustic charm that any usual traditional patio could never beat.

Moreover, there’s a lower deck on this patio. The steps are used to connect the deck and this step up patio.

Similar to the previous picture, the wood and stone look odd against each other. They have different textures too.

The only element to accentuate these steps is the low stone wall completed with recessed lights to illuminate the whole patio and provide light to the steps to increase safety.

5. Natural Stone Steps to Add a Rustic Touch to a Contemporary Patio

Limestones, bluestones, or paver stones are indeed beautiful for creating a patio and the steps. But, nothing beats natural stone slabs like this to add a mountain-style look to any patio design.

Basically, this is a contemporary patio. But, with such steps, the owners managed to add more character to the entire space.

There is no need to add more decoration to steps like these because they are the decoration itself. To create a rocky landscape, you can add big boulders on each side of the steps along with some plants to accentuate it.

The patio itself is also made of stone slab, so it corresponds well to the steps, similar to the round fire pit in the center.

All in all, using natural stone steps combined with boulders will add a natural look to your patio.

However, be careful. Natural stone slab steps can be very slippery when wet. So, it would be wise if you add an anti-slippery coat in the steps. Make sure you add garden lights around the steps, too.

6. Half Circular Steps to Connect the Doors to the Lower Patio

Unlike the previous pictures, the steps in this patio are not wide. They are small steps separated into three different zones for each door.

This is a step-down patio, so the owners need steps to access it from their main property.

It appears that this classic patio is located in the backyard. And since there are three different doors in the back of this house, and they are not in a straight line, the owners thought it would be better to build three different steps for three different doors.

The steps themselves are considerably small that consist of two treads only. The half-circular shape makes it look stunning because the pictures you’ve seen before are the common rectangular-shaped steps.

There is no decoration to accentuate the steps, which means that the owners never meant to make them a focal point. Obviously, these steps are more functional than aesthetic, but the fact doesn’t make them less striking.

If you want to recreate these minimalist steps with no decoration at all, make sure you build them in a fun and whimsical shape like this, so they won’t look boring even without any ornaments or decorations.

Plus, it won’t hurt either if you add another decorative part around the steps, like a stone edging in this patio. It will compensate for the lack of decoration in the steps.

7. Brick Steps Idea Connecting the Front Porch and the Flagstone Patio

You’ve seen a perfect combination of wood and stone; now it’s time for brick and stone.

Brick and stone are actually not very much different, so you can use them both for your patio and the steps if you want to create a contrast but not dramatically.

The patio itself is made of Pennsylvania Greenstone Flagstone, a kind of natural stone that you should opt for if you want a bright and clean look on your patio.

The steps, on the contrary, are made of bricks, and it seems that the bricks have been finished in a weathered and worn-out look, creating a different look to the clean and smooth flagstone patio.

The brick steps are meant to connect the back door to the step-down patio.

The only decoration of these steps is a huge potted plant at the top. But, there are low walls on both sides of the steps to mark the space where they end. The walls are painted beige with a gray cap.

The texture, color, and material combination in this patio are indeed rich, and somehow they don’t really complement each other.

That’s what you call an eclectic style, a style that you should choose if you prefer more freedom to decorate your patio.

8. Patio Steps are Bracketed by Two Stone Columns

These patio steps are small and narrow because the space is also limited.

Yet, the homeowners managed to make the most of the small space. Instead of building-wide steps that take up most of the space, the homeowners decided to build two elegant stone columns on both sides of the small steps to add a grand effect to this area.

This is an excellent idea worth trying if you have similar small and narrow steps, but you want to make it look grander than they actually are.

Make sure the columns match, or at least complement, the entire patio. This patio, for instance, is made of stone, similar to the steps. The columns are also made of stone, even though the types are different.

Decorating your steps with matching columns will also fit a traditional patio because the column is one of the classic architectural designs, especially if it is completed with a cap like this.

In order to add a splash of color in a neutral color palette, it’s recommended to place a decorative urn on top of each column and fill it with a brightly colored flowered plant.

On the perimeter of the patio, the owners also planted a lot of colorful blossoms to accentuate it.

This way, even though the steps are small, narrow, and bare, the colorful decorations around them will give them a beautiful accent. They will perfectly bracket the steps.

9. Wooden Steps to Separate the Brick Patio and the Deck

Since this step-down patio is way lower than the upper deck, building steps to connect them both is reasonable.

The steps are made of wood to match the upper deck. They deliver a seamless look to the deck because the steps are parts of the deck.

On the contrary, the step-down patio is made of brick. The natural tone of brick looks in contrast to the wooden steps.

Actually, in a traditional design like this, contrasting colors should be avoided to prevent a too bold or dramatic look, which is more suitable for a contemporary style.

However, we all know that wood and brick are the two materials that are often used in a traditional style. So, even though they look contrasted when juxtaposed, they both bring out a classic look.

The steps are completed with recessed LED lights, which are both functional and aesthetic.

Step-lights like these are useful to light up the way, so it would be safe to climb these steps at night. Moreover, the warm yellow glow will also make them look warmer and more inviting.

The owners also added two potted plants on one side of the steps to deliver more natural beauties in them. See how the color of the pots and the plants contrast against the wooden steps.

10. Concrete Block Patio Steps Surrounded by a Walkway

This patio is not really a step up. It’s a raised patio located in the backyard, side by side, with a swimming pool with grass landscaping around.

The raised patio is made of stone paver with steps around. The steps are not really steps, since they are basically two layers of stone area, with wider lower, creating steps.

Around these so-called steps, the owners also placed a stone walkway. The walkway beautifully frames the raised patio as well as the steps, and it is made of a similar stone to the patio.

Surrounding your steps with a walkway is only suitable if you have a very spacious backyard. The walkway is simply not meant to connect the patio and the swimming pool but to separate each different zone.

If you want to create a walkway around your patio steps, make sure you make them as simple and minimalist as possible. It’s because the walkway itself has already been a decoration.

To make the most of it, you’ll just have to add some plants and use grass as a ground cover to beautifully contrast the stone walkway and steps.

11. Norwegian Buff Stone Patio Steps with Planter Boxes on Both Sides

There are two different levels in this backyard. The upper part is for the patio, and the lower part is for the swimming pool.

Yet, in order to create a connection between them both, the homeowners preferred to use a similar material to the patio and the poolside. The patio is made of Norwegian Buff Stone, a beautifully textured stone that delivers a clean and bright look.

The steps are also made of stone but in a different type. They are also completed with beige caps that seem similar to the cap of the walls around.

Unlike the previous picture, these steps are narrow and small. They are bracketed by stone retaining walls/planter boxes.

Since the steps are made of different materials from the patio and the poolside, they blend seamlessly with the retaining walls instead. So, it means that the steps and the walls around are one united part, creating a cohesive look.

Since the steps are more functional than aesthetic, so they look simple and minimalist. The only decorations are the stone surrounding planter boxes with colorful blossoms and greeneries.

12. Multi Steps Idea to Connect the Pool and the Patio

There are three different levels in this traditional backyard, which means there are multi-steps to connect all of them.

The pool is situated in the lowest area; the second level is for the open patio, while the upper level is for a covered porch.

To connect the poolside and the patio, there are strongly angular wide stone steps. The top landing of the steps is used for the patio.

These steps are bracketed by planter boxes on both sides, similar to the previous picture. To add a more natural look, the homeowners also placed potted plants at the base and the top of the steps, accentuating them perfectly.

To access the covered porch from the patio, there are also wider yet shorter steps than the previous steps.

Instead of planter boxes, these steps are completed with stone columns. The columns are wide enough to accommodate two big urns at the same time.

The bright blue urns at the top of the columns are enough to decorate the stone steps.

If you have similarly wide steps and columns, it is recommended to use bold urns like these as decorations to add a splash of color.

13. Small Patio Steps Surrounded by Built-in Benches

This minimalist step-down patio seems to be made of polished white stone, similar to the steps.

The small steps are used to connect the upper-level landscape to the patio. The steps are not meant to be a visual here. That’s why they look minimalist.

What makes them unique is that they are bracketed by the built-in benches. This rectangular-shaped patio is framed by built-in benches, floating on the wall.

The benches are completed with cushions and throw pillows, obviously meant to be a comfortable seating space.

It is quite unusual to use built-in benches as a decoration to accentuate patio steps.

If you want to recreate this look, you can simply use the idea. It doesn’t have to be benched, but make sure the decorations should be functional.

The benches, or any functional decoration you choose, should be on the same level as the steps. It will surely make the patio look lower than it actually is, but at the same time, it delivers a small and intimate ambiance.

14. Stamped Concrete Steps to Match the Patio

This backyard was designed to have multileveled seating areas. There are two patios on a different levels here, and both of them are made of stamped concrete, similar to the steps.

Since the are multi-levels in these patios, so there are multiple steps too. The first steps are meant to connect the landscaping to the lower patio, and the second steps are used to connect the lower to the upper patio.

As you may have known, stamped concrete is a decorative concrete that can imitate any material, from stone to paver. It is decorative enough to make a statement; that’s why the homeowners didn’t feel the need to add any more decoration.

However, the stamped concrete steps are surrounded by Gold-Ore Boulders that are used to retain the lower area.

The combination of stamped concrete and boulders has proved itself to be a great combo, especially if the stamped concrete is in a deep and rich tone like this, and the boulders are in a light color.

Both elements deliver a contrasting effect. Big boulders will never fail to give you a natural look, while the stamped concrete is a man-made element that suits any modern or contemporary style. When combined, they will create a visual balance of texture and color.

No need to add potted plants to your steps anymore because plants will only ruin the dark and light contrast of the patio and the steps.

15. Wide Patio Steps Completed with a Water Feature as a Focal Point

Who said that you can’t make a focal point out of your patio steps?

Indeed, most patio steps are meant to be functional, so they should be simple and humble. But, it’s definitely OK if you want to create otherwise.

In these wide patio steps, the homeowners completed them with a water feature right in the middle of them.

The water falls from the upper pond, and it goes right to the lower pond, creating an elegant waterfall in the center of the steps.

The steps themselves are meant to connect the lower and upper patio, which are made of a similar material to create cohesion.

The riser of the steps is made of stone, though, a beige-colored stone to correspond with the patio.

The homeowners keep the plants minimal. There are only several potted plants that stand humbly on the upper patio, but the rest of the area looks bare. It’s because the homeowners wanted to let the water feature take the spotlight as a centerpiece.

It’s a great tip if you’re going to recreate this look. Don’t overdo the decoration. A water feature is more than enough to accentuate the steps and let them stay that way.

16. Basalite Paver Steps to Match the Circular Patio

Paver steps are great if you want to embrace a contemporary look.

Unlike concrete, pavers deliver a more contemporary style that looks simple yet stylish. That’s why the homeowners used the pavers for both the patio and the steps.

This is a lovely circular patio with a pergola that is completed with a seating space.

Around, there is a landscape that provides a beautiful view. The paver steps are useful to connect them both, and easy access to the patio from the lawn.

However, this patio is also completed with a porch. The covered porch seems to be made of wood, a kind of decking installed right in front of the entrance.

You’ve seen a combination of wood + stone and wood + brick before. Now, it’s time for wood and pavers.

When it comes to the texture, they look contrast because the pavers have a rough surface, while the decking porch is smoother.

The tone is also completely different. The decking porch features a natural tone of the wood, while the pavers are more multicolored with several neutral shades mixed together.

All in all, the paver patio and wooden steps look odd against each other, but it’s useful to distinguish between two different zones.

17. Mediterranean Brick Patio with Concrete Steps to Contrast It

This is a lovely Mediterranean patio that radiates a warm and cozy look. It is made of multicolored brick paver and bordered by the concrete edge. The concrete edge also blends seamlessly with the steps, creating a perfect frame.

The steps are supposed to be accessible from the poolside to the step-up patio. The raised patio itself is in a circular shape, delivering a small and intimate ambiance.

The circular concrete steps are not only meant to frame the brick paver patio but also to contrast it.

There is no decoration or ornament to accentuate the steps. It’s because the owners wanted to highlight the contrast between the steps and the patio.

The contrast has become a great decoration; there is no need to add potted plants, urns, or even water features.

In order to keep your patio looking stunning, let the contrasting materials make a statement.

If you want to add greeneries or colorful blossoms, you can plant them on the patio’s perimeter or in the surrounding landscape, but make sure the patio and the steps are plant free.

18. How to Decorate Patio Steps

Now you know that patio steps can set the mood for the rest of the space because they tie together the patios and the upper or lower level areas around.

In order to create something more attractive, here are some ways to decorate them:

1. Put some plants in containers. We can deny that a bright group of blossoms or greeneries is the best way to decorate steps. It’s because plants soften steps by adding texture and color. To add a small pop of color, put pairs of planters on the outside edges of the steps. If you want to get a grander effect, fill two big urns with greeneries or flowers and put them at the base of the steps or on top of the columns bracketing the steps.
2. Vases. If your patio steps don’t get enough sun, or if you want something low maintenance, always count on vases to give your steps a style. A pair of big vases will frame your steps at the top or bottom nicely, while a set of smaller vases on each side of the steps will also add visual interest. Opt for vases that have a nice color or texture that matches the style of your patio.
3. Seasonal display. Don’t forget to put a seasonal piece on your patio steps for a changing display. For instance, you can use gourds and pumpkins during the fall and stagger them on each step. In the winter, put a group of pine branches tied at the base with the base side up to imitate the look of small pine trees. During spring and summer, place pots of flowers at the base of the steps.
4. Water feature. If you have a large space and you want to create a focal point, it’s definitely possible to create a water feature right in the middle of your patio steps. It means that the waterfall or fountain is bracketed by the steps on both sides, making it a gorgeous centerpiece. This is suitable for you who have wider steps because such a grandeur feature won’t fit any smaller piece.
5. Walkway. It may sound weird, but decorating your patio steps with a walkway is a unique way to make a statement. This is perfect if you have a spacious yard where your patio is located. The walkway is meant to frame the steps, so it means that you have to have a square-shaped patio with angular and cornered steps in an L-shaped. The walkway is supposed to be a border to separate your patio and the surrounding landscaping.