Gradino™ Step Block: The Simple Step Paver

Are you planning to install stone steps on your property, but feeling daunted by the process of it? How do you even start building stone steps? Where is the best place to buy them? How do you know if the blocks you get are the best ones for what you need? Building stone steps can be difficult no matter what, but they can be especially hard if you’re using pavers that aren’t designed for steps.

Meet Gradino™ Step Block

Our Gradino™ Step Blocks are specifically designed to make step building as quick and easy as possible. They are the perfect height for a step (5.98”); when they are paired with our Versa Cap (3.14”) they are 9.12”—safely under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s standard riser height of 9.5”.

Not only do the Gradino™ Step Blocks come in the ideal step size, they are also aesthetically pleasing. 

Gradino™ Step Blocks come with a rough-hewn split face that feels like natural stone, and are available in stunning earth tones including charcoal, desert tan, and pewter. The Gradino™ style fits in seamlessly with a variety of architecture types.

Why Gradino™ Step Block?

The word Gradino™, in Italian, means “foothold.” It was often used in the context of a mountaineer grasping a strong place to step, or in the context of moving up the social ladder. The name is intended to give you a picture of what these blocks can do for you—give you a solid place to step, move you forward, and allow a strong and sturdy place for making memories with your family.

How to use Gradino™ Step Blocks

Gradino™ Step Blocks are made for front porches, patios, or anywhere else you need an attractive set of steps. They also work well for retaining walls, if you need an alternative to standard retaining wall block and our replacement doesn’t quite fit your style. 

Patio

Gradino™ Step Blocks are specifically designed to fit in patios or other outdoor gathering places. If you are looking for steps up to your front porch or down from your back patio, the Gradino™ Step Blocks make a perfect fit.

Retaining walls

These paver blocks may also be used to build retaining walls around your yard or garden. Implement them as a cap to another stone, or as your base for a wall that is clean and looks uniquely hand-hewn.

Walkway

You might also consider implementing Gradino™ Step Blocks as steps on a walkway. Whether you install a paver path that curves through your trees or borders the edge of your property, these blocks make a beautiful and usable transition for the different heights in our rolling PNW neighborhoods.

Gradino™ is easily paired with other pavers

Another advantage of Gradino™ Step Blocks is how easily you can pair them with other pavers. 

Versa-Cap

Versa-Cap is the ideal cap for steps, and you can choose from four complementing colors of Versa-Cap to make sure the final, combined look is completely to your satisfaction.

Jumbo Nursery Stone

You can also pair Gradino™Step Blocks with our Jumbo Nursery Stone. Jumbo Nursery Stone is our standard retaining wall block—with the advantage of having angled corners and a rectangle shape. Gradino™ Step Blocks make the ideal cap paver to finish off a retaining wall made with Jumbo Nursery Stone.

Chateau Divisio Blocks

If you want to use Gradino™ Step Blocks to top off your retaining wall, but are looking for a style of wall that is a bit more unique to you, Chateau Diviso Blocks are the ideal alternative. Their rough-hewn style complements the more modern look of the Gradino™ Step Blocks and can result in a finished wall that is a perfect blend of styles.

Get help planning your project

Are you ready to dive in and start planning?

We created a guide so you can be confident in all the steps required for installing your hardscape.

Click here to access our Project Planning Guide and get started.