max. & min. front to back dimension for steps for shallow rise

by Don
(Newark, DE USA)

Question about landscape steps for slopes.

Shallow hill about 5 foot high slight grade, what would be the min dimension and the max dimension for the front to back of the steps using large pavers for instance.

ANSWER

Hi Don,
Are you looking for the number fo steps or are you looking for the height of the risers....or both. Either way, along with the 5 foot change in elevation, I would need the horizontal distance (or angled) from the bottom of the slope to the top of the slope. Then I can advise.

Thanks,
Susan

Outside Steps | Door Step

by Celia
(Ontario, Canada)

This is a question about outside steps and the beginning height as you step out the door.

Hi,
My question is regarding the very top step where the thresh hold of the french doors are. Can the thresh hold be extended outward to form sort of a small landing, approx. 2 1/2 feet? Any pictures that I've seen of a patio, the stairs always start from under that thresh hold. When you build a deck, the deck goes right to the thresh hold of the french doors so I'm wondering if the same applies when constructing a patio.

Thank you.

ANSWER

Hi Celia,
The first step down outside any door entry should be at least four inches. You can design that first step to be a landing as you described, but it should be a minimum of four feet deep (although you can get away with three feet) for comfort.

The reason for this is so that no water problems are created at the door where water might enter the house. In addition, if you do create a landing, it should pitch away from the house at 1/4 inch per foot.

The reason you often see decks at just about the same level as the door (actually they are a bit below) is because water does not collect on a deck. There are opening between the deck boards which allow the water to seep through.

I'm not sure if you are asking this question due to the fact that you just like that look or if there is an issue. If so, let me know what it is. There are various ways to solve problems such as these. Sometimes you have do re-grade an area so that a patio works right regarding drainage.

Outdoor Steps

(Cheshire)

We have about 20 outdoor steps leading down to our modern apartment. The steps are made from terracotta tiles with step edge ribbed for grip. They are set onto cement with 2 brick risers.

The tiles are breaking and are not made anymore, so we are looking to replace them. We would like a more contemporary look and want them to be non slippery/weather resistant. Can you suggest any materials for a reasonable diy man?