Stone

• Using stone to create exterior steps take a lot of labor but can result in beautiful steps that look like they grew out of the landscape. If you own a large piece of rocky property, you can save money on materials by gathering the stones yourself. You can also buy stones by the truckload from landscaping companies. Stone steps can be built with mortar in between the stones to create a finished look, or with dry-stacked stones for a more natural appearance. Large, flat stones are best for making steps. Some types of stone, such as sandstone, can be easily split with a hammer and chisel to create thin, flat pieces.
  
  

Wood

• Building steps out of wood allows you more flexibility than working with stone. Wooden steps should be built so their treads and rails are raised off the ground to prevent rot. This can be done by resting the structure of the steps on concrete posts that are sunk into the ground, or by building the parts of the steps that are in contact with the ground out of pressure treated wood. Some types of wood, such as cedar, tamarack and hickory, are more resistant to rot than other species. These are the best to use for exterior steps.
  
  

Brick

• Exterior steps made of brick provide a finished and formal appearance that can be an effective element in a formal landscaping scheme. The process of building with brick is very similar to building with stone, but bricks are easier to stack and arrange because they are a standard size and shape. Set the tops of the steps at a very slight incline, not enough to notice but enough so that rainwater will run off the steps rather than pooling. Exterior brick construction can be done with conventional mortared brick, or with interlocking landscaping bricks that don't require the use of mortar.
  
  

Metal

• For exterior steps that will go up the side of a building or into the air, metal is a durable and lightweight choice of material. Metal steps can be welded, bolted together or professionally installed. Aluminum is the most lightweight and rust resistant metal, but is more expensive and not as strong as steel. Steel steps that are painted with rustproofing paint are durable, and will last for many years when repainted periodically. Metal steps can be decorated with fancy wrought iron railings to beautify them and provide a safety barrier.