French Antique 18th Century Limestone Stair Treads

A set of three French antique stone stair treads from the 18th century, cut from solid limestone and unusually deep at 18 inches, so each reads as a block rather than a slab. The stone is a warm, muted taupe shading into gray, with natural fossil inclusions and faint surface markings; the nosings are heavily rounded and the top faces softened by two centuries of feet. They came out of a building in the French countryside.

The three treads measure 50, 53 1/2 and 54 1/2 inches wide, each 18 inches deep and 8 inches high. Blocks of this mass are set by machine and sit on a prepared base; they can be relaid as a short flight or used singly.

As limestone stair treads they belong at a garden door or a terrace change of level, where the deep profile gives a generous step. One tread alone makes a fireplace hearth; the three together make pool coping, the top of a low garden wall or the edge of a raised bed. Plaster, raw oak and dark steel sit well with the taupe. These stone stair treads have sold. We usually have similar antique treads and limestone slabs in the yard or on the water; ask and we will send what is current.