Buying guide
Andesite Paving: 7 Things Importers Check Before They Pay
A checklist for importers buying andesite pavers, from finish and thickness to samples, packing and documents.
Buying guide
Stone Stair Treads: Why Some Steps Wear Out Faster
What to check on grip, thickness and wear before you buy natural stone for steps.
Quick answer
For stone stair treads, choose a stone that is hard enough for foot traffic and a textured finish for grip, then confirm the thickness with your installer. Andesite and black lava are listed with textured finishes; soft limestone suits lighter use.
What Stair Treads Must Do
Steps take more wear than almost any other surface. A tread has to grip underfoot, resist chipping at the edge, and keep its look in sun and rain if it is outdoors.
Because of that, the stone, the finish and the thickness all matter more on steps than on a wall.
Stone Stair Treads: Stones We List for Steps
Our hardest stones are the usual choice for outdoor steps and paving:
| Stone | Type | Colour | Finishes | Standard sizes | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andesite Stone | Andesite (Volcanic) | Grey / Dark Grey (Spotted) | Flamed, Bush Hammered, Honed | 30x30, 30x60, 40x60, 60x60 cm | 3, 4, 5 cm (pavers) |
| Black Lava Stone | Basalt (Lava Stone) | Dark Grey, Black | Honed, Sawn Cut, Bush Hammered | 20x20, 30x30, 30x60, 40x60 cm | 2, 3, 4, 5 cm |
Andesite is a very hard, scratch and weather resistant grey volcanic stone. Black lava stone is a dark basalt that we list for pavers, wall cladding, landscaping and steps.
Choose a Finish for Grip
A smooth, honed surface is easier to slip on when wet. Flamed and bush hammered finishes are textured, so they are often chosen for outdoor steps and wet areas.
Read our guide to natural stone finishes for a short definition of each one.
Limestone Steps and Limestone Stairs
Limestone steps look light and warm, which is why buyers ask for them. Limestone stairs are a different matter in heavy use, because soft limestone wears faster than a hard volcanic stone.
Our Paras stone is a soft cream limestone and our Palimanan stone is a light sandstone or limestone. We list both mainly for walls, facades, carving and ornaments, so tell us how the steps will be used and we confirm what we suggest.
General advice: Indoor or sheltered limestone stairs with light traffic are a different job from a busy outdoor entrance. Ask your installer which suits your project.
Thickness, Size and Samples
Thickness depends on the stone: our andesite pavers are 3, 4 or 5 cm and black lava stone is 2, 3, 4 or 5 cm. Custom sizes are available on request, so send us the tread length and depth you need.
General advice: Ask your installer which thickness and fixing method suit your steps, and approve a sample before a large order.
Ordering From Indonesia
We supply factory-direct from Sukabumi, West Java, with FOB Tanjung Priok as our standard shipping term. See the andesite stone and black lava stone pages, then send us your project details for a quotation.
Frequently asked questions
Which stone is best for outdoor stair treads?
Hard stones such as andesite and black lava are commonly chosen for outdoor steps. Choose a textured finish for grip and approve a sample first.
Can I use limestone steps outdoors?
Soft limestone wears faster than hard volcanic stone. Tell us how the steps will be used and we confirm what we suggest.
Are limestone stairs suitable for heavy traffic?
They suit lighter use better. For heavy traffic, a harder stone such as andesite is the usual choice.
Can you supply custom sizes?
Yes, custom sizes are available on request. Send us the tread length and depth you need.
