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Exterior steps bridge height changes and must remain safe when wet or mossy. In New Zealand’s varied terrain, material selection influences durability, maintenance and how the stair blends with architecture.

In‑situ concrete steps are strong, adaptable to any shape and can be finished with broom texture or exposed aggregate for grip.

Reinforcing steel and control joints help resist cracking in earthquake zones.

Timber is warm underfoot and easy to work with on steep sites where lengthy stringers lift the tread set above ground. Choose H5‑treated pine or naturally durable hardwood, and apply an
anti‑slip strip to each tread edge.

Precast concrete units speed up construction, delivering uniform treads that crane into place over a prepared base. They suit tight urban sites where pour‑in‑place formwork would be awkward.

Natural stone such as basalt or schist provides premium aesthetics and excellent longevity. Pieces are heavy and labour costs are higher, yet once laid they shrug off UV and frost with minimal upkeep. Seal joints and apply a yearly moss control to keep the path clear.

Exterior steps bridge height changes and must remain safe when wet or mossy. In New Zealand’s varied terrain, material selection influences durability, maintenance and how the stair blends with architecture.

In‑situ concrete steps are strong, adaptable to any shape and can be finished with broom texture or exposed aggregate for grip.

Reinforcing steel and control joints help resist cracking in earthquake zones.

Timber is warm underfoot and easy to work with on steep sites where lengthy stringers lift the tread set above ground. Choose H5‑treated pine or naturally durable hardwood, and apply an
anti‑slip strip to each tread edge.

Precast concrete units speed up construction, delivering uniform treads that crane into place over a prepared base. They suit tight urban sites where pour‑in‑place formwork would be awkward.

Natural stone such as basalt or schist provides premium aesthetics and excellent longevity. Pieces are heavy and labour costs are higher, yet once laid they shrug off UV and frost with minimal upkeep. Seal joints and apply a yearly moss control to keep the path clear.

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