Out with the old steps
The old steps were taken out completely, so the new platform and steps could be built from scratch at the right levels for the doors.
Case study · Herne Hill SE24 · April 2026
Floating mint sandstone steps and patio in Herne Hill
Annie's garden in Herne Hill had old, unattractive steps down from the back doors. We took them out and built a 1m platform with four floating steps, reinforced with mesh and fully clad in mint Indian sandstone with bullnose edges all round. Below, we paved a 20m² mint sandstone patio on a Type 1 base, added flower beds, and laid fresh soil and grass seed for a new lawn. £10,000 including VAT.
- Location
- Herne Hill, SE24
- Client
- Annie
- Price
- £10,000 inc. VAT
- Steps
- 1m platform + 4 floating steps
- Stone
- Mint Indian sandstone, bullnose
- Patio
- 20m² on a Type 1 base
Where we started
The brief
Annie's house in Herne Hill has large glazed doors that open well above the level of the garden. The old steps down from them were unattractive and out of keeping with the house.
Annie wanted them replaced with floating steps and a landing, a natural stone patio below, and planting and a lawn to finish the garden. It is a good example of the garden steps and patios in Herne Hill we build.
Before & after
The same garden, before and after
The tricky parts
What went into it
Step by step
How we built it
Removing the old steps
The old steps were broken out and removed from outside the back doors.
Old steps outside the back doors before removal Building the platform and steps
A 1m platform and four steps were built, reinforced with mesh, ready for cladding.
Platform and steps being built below the glazed doors 
New steps taking shape in the Herne Hill garden Cladding with bullnose mint sandstone
The platform and steps were fully clad in mint Indian sandstone, with bullnose edges all around.
Floating steps clad in sandstone with bullnose edges 
Bullnose sandstone treads on the new steps The 20m² sandstone patio on Type 1
A Type 1 sub-base was laid and compacted, and 20m² of mint Indian sandstone was laid as a patio at the foot of the steps.
Sandstone patio at the bottom of the floating steps 
20m² sandstone patio in Herne Hill Flower beds, soil and grass seed
Flower beds were formed, fresh soil was added, and grass seed was sown for a new lawn.
New patio, flower beds and lawn area in the Herne Hill garden 
Looking down the steps over the patio to the garden
The finished work
The finished steps and patio
Budget
What it cost
This project came to £10,000 including VAT, covering removing the old steps, building the 1m platform and four mesh-reinforced floating steps, cladding them in bullnose mint Indian sandstone, the 20m² sandstone patio on a Type 1 base, the flower beds, and the soil and grass seed. See our garden steps in Herne Hill page for more options.
Get a free quote- Price
- £10,000 inc. VAT
- Steps
- 1m platform + 4 floating steps
- Stone
- Mint Indian sandstone, bullnose
Questions
About floating steps and sandstone patios
Thinking about something similar? These are the questions we hear most.
How much do floating garden steps and a patio cost in Herne Hill?
Annie's project in Herne Hill SE24 came to £10,000 including VAT, covering a 1m platform and four floating steps clad in bullnose mint Indian sandstone, a 20m² sandstone patio on a Type 1 base, flower beds, and soil and grass seed. Steps on their own cost less; the size of the platform and patio make the biggest difference.
What are floating steps?
Floating steps are built so each tread overhangs the one below, with the support set back underneath. From the side they look as if they are hovering, which suits modern houses and large glazed doors.
What does bullnose mean on steps?
A bullnose step has a rounded front edge instead of a sharp corner. It looks more finished, is kinder underfoot and is less likely to chip.
Why use mesh when building steps?
Steel mesh reinforces the concrete structure of the steps, so it stays strong and stable and the stone cladding has a solid base that will not crack or move.
What is mint Indian sandstone?
Mint is one of the most popular Indian sandstone colours, with soft cream, buff and light green-brown tones mixed through each slab. It looks bright and natural next to brick and modern glazing.
Can you match the steps and the patio?
Yes. Annie's platform, steps and patio are all in the same mint Indian sandstone, so the whole area reads as one design from the doors to the lawn.
Do you work near Herne Hill?
Yes, including Dulwich, East Dulwich, Brixton and Tulse Hill. See all our landscaping in Herne Hill.
Free survey
Want steps and a patio like this?
Tell us about your garden and we will arrange a visit and a written quote.
020 3633 5529 info@finelandscape.co.ukFine Landscape Ltd
31 Tylecroft Road, Norbury, London SW16 4BL
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