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Oak Bay | Stone Staircase
This Oak Bay project involved building a new stone staircase designed to complement the character, proportions, and materials of an established heritage home. Rather than introducing a modern feature that would compete with the architecture, Lennox Masonry created a staircase with a sense of permanence and craftsmanship that feels naturally connected to the property.
The staircase was built using locally sourced Vancouver Island materials, including 2-inch San Juan flagstone and rounded river rock. The combination of layered flagstone and textured river rock creates a visually distinctive finish while reflecting the natural colours and stonework traditions found throughout the region.
This Oak Bay staircase is one example of the custom stonework Lennox Masonry creates for homes and landscapes throughout Vancouver Island. Explore our stone walls, retaining walls, pillars, veneers, and other custom masonry features.
Vision
The goal was to create a durable and welcoming entry staircase that would suit the home’s existing character. The design needed to work with the building’s stucco exterior, traditional windows, shutters, rooflines, and mature garden setting.
San Juan flagstone was selected for the stair treads because of its natural variation, strength, and understated appearance. The 2-inch-thick pieces provide a substantial finish while allowing each tread to retain the irregular edges and surface texture that make natural stone so appealing.
River rock was incorporated into the stair risers and side wall, adding contrast and a strong connection to the landscape. The rounded stones create a handcrafted, almost sculptural quality, while the varied sizes and colours prevent the masonry from looking overly uniform or manufactured.
Every successful stonework project begins with the relationship between the masonry, the home, and the surrounding landscape. Learn how Lennox Masonry approaches the design and planning of custom stone features:
Local Vancouver Island Stone
Using local materials was an important part of the project. Both the San Juan flagstone and river rock are sourced from Vancouver Island, giving the staircase a strong regional identity and helping it feel at home within the surrounding landscape.
The natural colour variation in the stone works well with the warm stucco walls, muted green shutters, clay-toned roof, and established planting around the entrance. These subtle relationships between the masonry and the home’s existing features are what allow the new staircase to feel integrated rather than added on.
Natural stone can be used for much more than staircases. From flagstone walkways and patios to stone veneer, garden walls, and outdoor features, the right material can add texture and lasting character to almost any property.
Craftsmanship and Character
Building a staircase from irregular natural stone requires careful planning and detailed placement. Each flagstone tread must be selected and set to create comfortable, consistent steps, while the supporting masonry needs to provide long-term stability and proper transitions between the home, garden, and walkway.
The curved side wall adds another layer of character to the design. Its gently sweeping profile follows the approach to the entrance and softens the transition between the staircase and the surrounding garden. The river-rock finish also gives the wall a strong tactile quality, allowing the craftsmanship to be appreciated up close.
The result is a functional entrance feature that does more than provide access to the home. It adds texture, depth, and a sense of permanence while respecting the architectural character of this Oak Bay property.
Building new stonework beside an older home requires sensitivity to scale, proportion, texture, and character. Lennox Masonry also specializes in heritage masonry restoration, using traditional materials and techniques to repair and preserve historic stone and brickwork.
Completion
This Oak Bay stone staircase demonstrates how locally sourced natural stone can be used to create a feature that feels both timeless and distinctly connected to its surroundings. The combination of San Juan flagstone, Vancouver Island river rock, and traditional masonry craftsmanship gives the entrance a durable finish that complements the home for years to come.
If you are considering a custom stone staircase, flagstone entry, retaining wall, or other natural stone feature in Oak Bay, Victoria, or elsewhere on Vancouver Island, contact Lennox Masonry to discuss your project: Consultations
Contact Information
Contact Information:
Sean Lennox:
778-968-6574
sean@lennoxmasonry.com
Lennox Masonry Ltd.
127 Howe St #3, Victoria, BC, V8V 4K5
Business Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sundays & Holidays: Closed
We typically respond to emails and voice messages within 24 - 48 hours and can schedule site visits within a few days depending on your location.