Replies

1. 
   WayneL5 | Aug 27, 2003 04:36pm | #1

   Here are some dimensions that work out well.  If there is no lip or overhang then 12" wide, or a touch more, is good for the tread width.  If there is a lip, come out 12" beyond the face of the lip.  Don't go any narrower than these for outdoor steps.

   For height, around 7" is good, could squeeze it to 8 but it won't be as comfortable.  You should have exactly (within 1/4 to 3/8") the same rise on every step, from the walk to the first step and every step to the top.  It's better to add an extra step than to have steps too high.

   I just installed a brick walkway at my home that's exactly 4' wide.  It's a very comfortable width.  Two people can walk abreast.  If it's narrower, people have to walk single file.  Four feet may look a little wide depending on the proportions of your area, though.  Looks vs. function is somewhat of a tradeoff in a small area.

   You could mock up the width by laying out the walkway with garden hoses or something like it.  Take a stroll down your prototype "walk" and look at it from the direction of a guest approaching and departing.  Also remember it does not have to be straight and level.  Even a gentle meander and some gradual undulation in elevation can turn an institutional feel into more of a garden feel.  Also think about how you might landscape around it so you have an integrated plan.

2. 
   MrPita2 | Aug 27, 2003 05:04pm | #2

   Is this to be the main entrance?  And how high above ground level is the threshold?

   Reasons I ask - My current front door has threshold ~5' above sidewalk, top step is 3' deep.  When opening the screen door, we have to walk back down the steps to get out of the way.  So, size it to avoid this potential problem.  If you only have one or two steps to the threshold, it's not as big an issue; most adults can stand on ground and still reach can the door handle.

   If everything seems to be going well, you've obviously overlooked something.

1. 
   candiedfabrics | Aug 27, 2003 06:22pm | #3

   Yes, this will be our main entrance. We're trying to make the entry as comfortable as possible, and we're thinking about having a big landing (~40" deep)  a few inches down from the door so you step to the side when opening the screen without stepping down. We're trying to balance everything so the walk ends up level with the sidewalk - we've got a little over 16 feet to come down 22" from the door threshold. I see that the maximum grade for a ramp for wheelchairs is 8% (although we don't need to be accessible, I thought this would be a good guide) - does that seem too steep? Should we have 2 or three steps instead.

   Thanks for all the input! - Candy

1. 
   WayneL5 | Aug 27, 2003 08:51pm | #5

   I agree with what the others have said, too.  I think either one or two steps would work for you.  If you had one 7" step (two risers) then you'd have about 8" of drop (22" - 14") remaining over about 10'.  You'll probably have about 5" drop at the threshhold, so the remaining 3" over 10' of walk is nothing.  You could have two short steps as well.

   The 1:12 maximum slope is the recommendation for wheelchair ramps (with 1:20 being stated as preferred).  In your case, though, it doesn't apply because, since you have steps, you wouldn't be using it for wheelchair access anyway.

   Draw out a little sketch and write down the heights and work the numbers.  I think you'll be happy with either one or two steps if I understand you correctly.

   As for the top of the stoop, make sure you have sufficient space to the side of the door, so you won't fall off backwards off the side of the stoop if you step back to allow the door to swing open.

   You should also make sure the base (i.e. crushed stone) is compacted before the concrete is placed.  Otherwise it will settle and you won't match the sidewalk height a few years from now.

   Have fun!

3. 
   fredsmart48 | Aug 27, 2003 07:56pm | #4

   It would depend on which state you are in and what the building code you have.  One that I have exterior stair needs to be 4.5 feet wide.  no riser more the 8" tall no more then 1/4 variation in height  and treads can not be narrower then 9"  or very more then 3/8 in width.  Plus hand rails also. 

    A ramp can have a max pitch is a 1/12 so if you have 22" height to get to you need 22' of ramp.  

   
   

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   Edited 8/27/2003 1:27:13 PM ET by fredsmart

   
   

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   Edited 8/27/2003 1:30:16 PM ET by fredsmart