Jason Lee Design Studio, Inc. I designed something like this for a project last year and the cost ended up being the same as using integral colored concrete. So we went with colored concrete step/ walkway, because the homeowner wanted low maintenance. I love this look. Maybe for my next project :)

Huettl Landscape Architecture The timbers (6x8) and gravel are much lower in cost than concrete steps. They do have limited lifespan though and my preference now is to have cast concrete beams instead of the wood, but it is more expensive.