definition
strict definition
hewn stone
A staircase cut into natural rock already present at the site, whether exposed or covered by a floor finish.
A hewn stone staircase is a set of steps built by cutting into natural rock which was already at the site ("in-situ"). These are often but not always outdoors. They can be finished with any kind of flooring material, but in most cases the natural rock is left exposed as a climbing surface.
The rock is carved in place at its original location. Stacked blocks brought from elsewhere belong to a masonry stair construction.
The staircase can be indoors or outdoors. A later floor covering does not change the in-place rock that supports the steps.
