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Hillside Steps and Stairs for East Bay Slope Yards

Most East Bay lots are not flat, and the quickest place to see workmanship fail is a set of stairs built on loose fill. We cut steps into the slope, build side walls or terraces where the grade demands it, and set each tread on compacted base so the run stays put for decades.

Licensed #1118886 · Bonded and insured · English and Spanish

Cut-stone steps rising between block retaining walls toward an upper paver patio on a Walnut Creek hillside

Projects we take on

  • Paver and stone stairs up hillside yards
  • Entry steps and landings at doors and garages
  • Steps between patio levels and raised decks
  • Terraced runs with side retaining walls
  • Gravel and stepping-stone paths across slopes

Materials and finishes

  • Cut stone and concrete step treads
  • Paver treads matched to the patio or walkway
  • Block and timber side walls
  • Gravel and stepping-stone path surfaces

How the work goes

  1. 01Walk the slopeWe check grade change, soil and how people actually move through the yard, then pick the line the stairs should follow.
  2. 02Cut into the hillThe run is cut into native soil, not built on fill, so treads sit on ground that does not settle.
  3. 03Base and treadsEach tread gets compacted base and a level, correctly spaced rise and run.
  4. 04Side walls and edgingWhere the grade is steep, retaining walls or edging hold the slope off the walking surface.
  5. 05Drainage and cleanupWater is directed off the run, and the hillside around the stairs is replanted or mulched.

Preparation, drainage and durability

Steps fail when treads are set on uncompacted fill or when water runs under them. We cut into native soil, compact every tread base, and drain the run so the stairway does not creep or wash out.

Why hire Golden Hills

Reputation

Customer feedback

My wife and I recently hired Golden Hills Landscaping for a fence and retaining wall repair project that ultimately evolved into a complete backyard makeover. We could not be happier with the results. Alonso, the owner, was a pleasure to work with from start to finish. He took our general ideas and turned them into a cohesive, functional outdoor design that beautifully complements our property while staying within our budget. The craftsmanship and attention to detail throughout the project were outstanding. Alonso and his team were consistently prompt and professional. Whenever unexpected issues arose, Alonso was transparent and communicated clearly about the situation, available options, and any associated costs.
Saara C., Walnut Creek, CA · Yelp
Had a great experience with Golden Hills Landscape. They installed pavers, irrigation, rocks, and sod in my backyard and did a fantastic job. Super professional, great prep work, and everything was done in a timely manner. Pricing was very fair. The yard looks amazing--would definitely use them again and highly recommend.
Antwinette T., Vallejo, CA · Yelp
Viktor listened to my concerns about my cracked driveway and came up with a creative, cost-effective solution that worked perfectly. The team worked tirelessly from morning until night and never skipped a day, staying on schedule and completing the job within the proposed time period. The quality of the work was outstanding--my driveway looks beautiful now, and the entire process was seamless.
Hana C., Milpitas, CA · Yelp

Google reviews above are pulled live from our Google Business Profile and shown unedited. Every quote links to the original review.

Steps & Stairs on Slopes questions we get

Our backyard is very steep — can you still add stairs?
That is exactly the kind of lot we build on. Steep runs usually need a change in direction or side walls, which we plan at the estimate.
Paver or stone treads?
Pavers match a patio visually; large stone or concrete treads suit longer, straighter runs. We show you both at the site visit.
Do stairs need a permit?
Some cities require one for stairways or when handrails are involved. We tell you at the estimate what your city asks for.
Can you add a handrail?
We build the run ready for a handrail and can coordinate the metal or wood rail itself.

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Where we work

Ready to Improve Your Outdoor Space?

Whether you’re planning a new driveway, patio, walkway, retaining wall, drainage system or complete outdoor renovation, Golden Hills can help you understand the right next step.

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