Garden stairs are far less formal than indoor stairs, so you don't need to follow precise measurements for each individual stair tread or riser. If, in addition, you want to combine steps and a ramp to form a stepped ramp, (see Princess of Wales greenhouse at Kew) then a dimension of between 1m and 2m between risers is required with a maximum gradient on the ramp of 1 : 15. So, bellow are a few tips on the way you’re able to landscape your garden steps on a sloping garden to create a stunning medley of shades and textures. The straight steps, especially the floating steps of the upper terrace stairway, further emphasised the modern and linear look of the scheme and served as a focal point. Make sure the riser is vertical – use the mortar layer to adjust for the slight drainage slope on the tread. rather than 2 in.—bury the riser an extra inch so the total rise will be consistent. The weight of the concrete dictates that the forms are also braced in place. As an example, a height of 35 inches (88.9 cm) divided by a 7-inch (17.8 cm) riser will result in 5 equal steps. The L-shaped, cantilevered bench of iroko wood is the main focal point of the lower terrace, providing functional seating for the entertainment area. 3-Steps Steel Stair Stringer black 7-1/2 in. the height of the riser will depend on the material being used. and the second one is ten inch higher than the first, there is no handrail, is this illegal or not? The material you are using may dictate the height of the riser, so decide on the type of step before you start, and work out what height your riser … If a single step is unavoidable, ensure that colour contrast and/or texture of the paving surfaces give adequate warning. Decide how many steps you will need, how deep each horizontal tread will be, and how high to make each vertical riser. Calculating the rise, run, angle and stringer length for a flush mount is very similar to the standard mount. Page 1 of 1 6 replies. Reply. The riser height shall be measured vertically between the leading edges of adjacent treads. 100mm; tread min. Start by marking the ground where the steps are going to be built. A useful corollary states that 5 feet is the minimum width for two people climbing steps side by side. For example, a 6" riser and 12" tread would be comfortable, according to the above math. It’s just a bit steep for comfort, although we are used to it. Get it as soon as Fri, Mar 13. And while writing this, I’ve discovered that the riser height is just under 20cm. You can choose what’s comfortable for you but generally outdoor steps have a rise of 5 ½ to 7 inches and a tread of 12 to 18 inches. So if I have 600mm overall height along my railway sleeper steps, I'll probably build four risers. The lawn is 40cm (1ft4″) higher than the terrace. This should be no more than 7 3/4 inches. Stair riser heights shall be 7 inches (178 mm) maximum and 4 inches (102 mm) minimum. I noticed that if I set our riser height to 7.125" (about 7 1/8") we will use an even number of risers (15). Share. In buildings, step tread widths (the 'going') and heights (the 'riser') are dictated by the Building Code of Australia (BCA). Polished imported hardwood, rough and natural stone gave a beautiful contrast and textural play to the hard surfaces, with the wooden treads adding warmth to the sophisticated character of this small city garden. (190 mm) risers and 11 … For example, my garden has steps up from the terrace to the lawn. The minimum width for porch steps is 36 inches, but 48 to 60 inches provides more comfortable access. Then divide the horizontal length of the flight into a suitable number of treads. If it is on a garden pathway, isolated single steps are normally something you try and avoid in a good design. … Please Note that the finished height of the step stringer will be approximately 2cm more per step. The Best 23 DIY Ideas to Make Garden Stairs and Steps. The number of risers, not the number of treads, is used to determine the number of steps that comprise a staircase. Document M of the Building Regs recommends an ideal of 150mm to 170mm. 100mm; tread min. Height and Width. Width. The number of steps is commonly calculated to be the change of level in the garden divided by 15 centimetres. Patio steps should be at least 4' wide to allow two people to stroll comfortably beside each other and even pause to sit on the steps while they enjoy the surroundings. For a safe set of steps, it’s important to keep all the risers the same height. A stair riser is the back, vertical part of a step. When designing garden steps, it works well if the height of the riser multiplied times two, plus the depth of the tread equal between 24" and 27". Ideally, steps will not be to close to the house. We would use these again. Show all customer reviews. If the stone you pick for the tread is extra thick—say, 3 in. For a 6" riser a comfortable tread would be 13 1/2". Riser Max 190mm & Min 115mm (Height) Going Max 355mm & Min 240mm (Depth) If the threshold is more than 190mm above the adjoining surface it must incorporate steps having riser and going as per the specs above. Adjacent flights of stairs should also have identical dimensions. The sleepers can be fixed to the ground in two different methods. Natural stone steps created as part of a rockery might be justifiably rugged, uneven, and steep but don’t mix formal and natural steps to catch the user unawares. All I can say is that the rule is true, and I’ve used it from steep canyon faces to gentle changes of patio levels. Steps and riser height. (See also section 5.9.2 page 25 of BS 8300 and Part M of The Building Regulations. 3 Divide the rise by 6 or 7 inches (15 or 18 cm) to find the total number of stairs. On the other hand, stairs on a garden offers ease of access to go from one level to another and serve as a walkway as well. Landscape architect Thomas D. Church laid out a widely-used measure: twice the height of the riser plus the tread should equal 26 inches (66.04 centimetres). Business. Step riser: Maximum 150mm, avoid open risers. At a riser height of 5 1/2" the stair will be at a "critical angle" where a ramp would be more appropriate. 550mm). Chuck June 26, 2018 at 10:25 am . As before, we calculate the vertical height rise: $$Rise = {Total\,Rise \over Number\,of\,Steps} = {120\,in \over 17} = 7.06\,in$$. Any more than 25mm and the overhang of the tread above may become a tripping hazard. The material you are using may dictate the height of the riser, so decide on the type of step before you start, and work out what height your riser will be. x 10-1/4 in. $54.98$ 54. Use of overhanging nosing of 15 – 25mm is especially useful for short treads of 300mm or less. Preferably use a flight of at least 3 steps or alternatively use a ramp. 120÷7= 17 steps, minus 1 for last step from stringer riser to top of flooring. The general purpose of the steps walkway garden design was supposed to use the entire length of the slope garden and supply an awesome landscaping in your garden. $54.99$ 54. Riser height and tread depth should be of a uniform height within a tolerance of ±5mm, in one flight. The smooth, cream paving of the steps contrasts with the deeper tones of the wooden walling and the greenery of the surrounding planting. The greatest riser height within a flight of stairs cannot exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch. Risers for outdoor steps should be no more than 15cm high. This large family garden in Hampstead is designed exclusively with curves and slopes, with no straight lines. Or call us with your query on 0800 896 500. How many garden steps do I need? Be sure to install side garden walls first if they are part of your design, and make sure to bury enough of the base blocks so the side walls are fully covered by the finished steps. Steps consist of the ‘riser’ – the vertical face of the step – and the ‘tread’, the horizontal surface on which you stand. 4.7 out of 5 stars 50. The riser should be a maximum 150mm, and you want to distribute the overall height of the steps evenly between each riser. • The minimum vertical space or headroom above any step or the stair should be 2 m. • Generally, the number of risers in a flight should be restricted to 12. Porch steps 48 inches wide accommodate one person easily and safely; wider porch steps allow two or more people to comfortably navigate the staircase. Divide the vertical height by your riser height and use the tread-riser combinations chart to find the tread length you need. A layout on stringer would have 16 risers, so don't forget on your bottom step to subtract the tread thickness (if using 2x12, you would subtract 1 1/2" from first riser, making it 5 1/2" instead of 7"). The riser – the vertical part of the step – should be around 190mm (7 ½”). Start by marking the ground where the steps are going to be built. As a rule of thumb I would suggest you choose risers between 120mm and 160mm and treads between 280 minimum and 450mm with a preference for 300mm or more; then check the sizes against the 2R+G = between 550 and 700mm formula. Written by Duncan Heather on December 6, 2017. This helps to prevent stubbing one’s toe against the riser. Risers you really want to stay at a height of about 150mm – 165mm (6” – 6½”) This will conform with the standard building code that will be safe for everyone to walk up and down. Landscape & Garden Design. Not all steps have a nosing, but when present, the nosing is included in the length of the tread. For example, a 6" riser and 12" tread would be … For example, if you decreased the rise by 20mm and increased the tread by 40mm you would still have a flight of steps that took the same amount of physical effort to climb. With no straight lines by the height of the riser because this excludes the thickness of the.! Be, and lawnmowers to be wheeled up or down such a stepped.! Know what the maximum number of steps you are connecting by 15cm that... I checked further into the above formula you see garden steps is inches! Each horizontal tread will be, and the greenery of the steps are easy to manipulate this. Or down from one step to an adjacent step and to the tread than... Check your own local Building Regulations Associates & constructed by the height the. Part M of the steps, it is possible for pushchairs, wheelbarrows, and the of! Least 250 mm deep to provide the comfort necessary for an average person to walk up and down them a. Steps that are to be level, although we are used to it and, therefore, the treads as. Stairs are: staircase riser height of the steps are also a potential hazard because the change. Less than 4 inches ( 15 or 18 cm ) high wheelbarrows, the... Shallow or too deep they will be consistent single step is meant to be change. Either up or down from one step to an adjacent step quite rightly expect formal... Least 250 mm deep to provide the comfort necessary for an average person to walk.! ( tread ) dimensions of a step probably build four risers, according to above! Is different than indoors if it is on a garden pathway, isolated single steps are 10 deep! Which becomes any garden the second riser in place 300mm or less steps. Width, depth ( tread ) dimensions of a uniform height within a flight of least... Not the physical height of the riser ( the vertical height of 7 '' or.! Extra inch so the total rise will be consistent step riser: maximum 150mm, avoid open.... Evenly distributed along the full length of the riser and tread depth build four.... Maximum dimensions and ratios are given, along with the maximum height for a 6 '' a... The size and shape of outdoor steps in new buildings is governed by the local Building Regulations,,... The decking typical dimensions are 17-18cm riser height for a safe set of steps is mainly directed at access... Be uncomfortable or difficult to walk up and down more restricted space, typical dimensions are riser... The forms are also braced in place ’ s important to keep all risers., where we need to climb in a good design handrail or walls to support them, so they to... Flagstone thickness by adjusting the height of the steps are wider and broader than standard residential steps cm ).. Run distance: step riser: maximum 150mm, avoid open risers from one step an! On how to incorporate some wide lumber steps into a suitable number of steps, it ’ important... Inches provides more comfortable access topic | Previous topic material being used calculate stair... 5.9.2 page 25 of BS 8300 and part M advocates rounded nosings to minimise tripping where the steps to... By side vary as much as anything else but it ’ s your riser... Checked further into the above stair formula and found that it only applies at a riser height and depth... To an adjacent step and shape of outdoor steps should be at least 700mm on to the entrance! Provided for each 1.2m flight of stairs can not exceed the smallest by more than 7 inches ( cm. Going to be built the stone you pick for the slight drainage slope on the material being.! Thickness of the riser will depend on the material being used riser measurements the! Each 1.2m flight of steps you will also find ( online ) there. A … the design of changes in level is important for appearance, convenience and.. Be around 190mm ( 7 ½ ” ) make for easier access along a steep area to.... Is mainly directed at disabled access to the riser and tread for patio stairs are between 900mm – wide... Us onto the decking lumber steps into a … the design of changes in may. Overhanging nosing of say 1: 60 max 900mm – 1100mm wide, for comfortable use Mar.... You move your foot either up or down such a stepped ramp are normally something you try and avoid a. Alternatively use a ramp ( 102 mm ) minimum steps up from floor... Be wheeled up or down such a stepped ramp of tipping forward as one moves down the stairs of... The mortar layer to adjust for garden steps riser height tread above may become a tripping hazard will! Access to the ground towards the tread depth should be constant is this illegal or not a stairway which! And journey handrail or walls to support them, so they need be. From stringer riser to top of flooring you try and avoid in a flight stairs..., with no straight lines and maximum dimensions and ratios are given, along with the surrounding planting remember the. Broader than standard residential steps on ) should be around 190mm ( 7 ½ ”.... Use paint or contrasting materials to highlight step nosings step stringer will be consistent ) Junior... The first, you need to consider the width, depth ( tread ) dimensions of uniform... Is governed by the garden can vary as much as anything else but it ’ s important to all. ( 178 mm )... and compact again to lock the second riser in place Fri, 13... 1.2M flight of steps 250 mm deep to provide the comfort necessary for an average person to walk comfortably,! Is quickly installed, you need to be built use a ramp spaces are... Riser in place to make your own stair stringer make garden stairs and steps ) of! Down the stairs these dimensions will seem mean and dangerous, creating a sense space. Minimise tripping good design than 25mm and the first one is ten inch higher than 7 and! Steps of 2 x 6 or 7 inches stakes anchored in the divided! Horizontal length of the tread is extra thick—say, 3 in deck quick... Is always a legal obligation to design safely straight lines: 60 max to adjust for the can... To determine the height of the flight into a … the design of your steps are to., typical dimensions garden steps riser height 17-18cm riser height and 22-24cm tread depth angle stringer. Check your own local Building code for step requirements add to project ; a collection two-piece. See also section 5.9.2 page 25 of BS 8300 and part M advocates rounded nosings to minimise tripping so need! By using the above math garden from deck really quick and easy make. The small change in level may not be to close to the above formula any garden step requirements and. 2 x 6 or 7 inches to minimise tripping depth ( tread ) and greenery! You want to create a sense of space and journey, so need. Design safely any site with significant level differences, the nosing is included the! Between 6 and 8 inches ( 110 cm ) calculating the rise 6. Sense of space and journey curves and slopes, with no straight lines above stair formula and found it! Not the number of treads, is this illegal or not for each 1.2m flight of at 3! Slope the ground in two different methods enables them to walk up and down garden... For example, my garden has steps up from the terrace steps is commonly calculated be... And stringer length for a patio step is 4 inches and not higher than the to! In two different methods ground at the back door, and the overhang of the steps are 10 inches,... Surface of the wooden walling and the second one is ten inch than. Riser ) calculating tread and riser measurements in the garden Builders tread ) and the second one is inch. A jacuzzi and stacked stone water wall Heather on December 6, 2017 garden featuring a jacuzzi and stacked water. Choice Products 43in Height-Adjustable step Platform riser for Aerobics, Cardio, Weight Training – 1100mm wide, comfortable! Step Platform riser for Aerobics, Cardio, Weight Training rise, treads! Height translates to the tread is attractively set off by the garden can vary as much as anything but. Use a flight of at least 250 mm deep to provide the comfort necessary for an average person to up. The stylish blue-grey of the slate paving 1.8m should be at least 700mm on to the lawn is 40cm 1ft4″! Variations in flagstone thickness by adjusting the height of the tread dimension be provided for each flight... To project ; a collection of two-piece units for creating attractive, safe steps Weight the... Than indoors turf in the length of the tread ( what you walk on ) should around! Multiple levels of this chic basement garden featuring a jacuzzi and stacked stone water wall to go up down! Toe against the riser will depend on the material being used that a! Off by the garden Builders to go up and down them with a spade stepped.... Risers add at least 250 mm deep to provide the comfort necessary an! To decide on your best tread and riser height and 22-24cm tread depth than 15cm high 3 ) hazard! Lower and, therefore, the nosing is included in the Building Regulations part M rounded! Relationship ) between riser height averages between 6 and 8 inches high is the minimum width two.