Steps can be tricky things to get right both design-wise and structurally but there is no reason that they cannot be both practical, strong and attractive – all at the same time.

First and foremost you want to know they are safe and easy to navigate AND THEN you want to know that they fit in nicely with the surroundings and don’t stick out like a sore thumb.

Steps with an internal aspect to them are always more attractive than steps than just protrude off a structure. If there is no internal aspect then create one by adding planters or such like, around them.

Steps can be constructed from many materials and you should always consider the strength and purpose and then embody them in a great design.