Top Connections
We knew the top would be tricky because the steps would need to connect to an existing concrete walkway that is sloped down. Although step design should attempt to keep the rise and tread the same for all steps, or at least in a pattern so as not to surprise the walker, we split the top step into two with shorter treads. This allowed the very top step to act as a leveling "off ramp" from the walkway. Splitting the last step into two steps also allowed us to make a sharper curve in the staircase.
We were very happy that the original calculations worked. Things apparently don't have to be exact for these small steps. If you are off, you can add a step or split one into two. My calculations indicated we would need 4 steps that were 4'X4". It ended up with 3 steps that are 4"X 4" and two steps that are roughly 2'X4" because we wanted more curve and a top step that is roughly even with the walkway. We ended up using the same number of boards in the original plan when we split the last step into two shorter ones. For the curve, we did not do any measurements, compass or radius calculations. We just eyeballed the curve as we went and placed the steps to make it curve to suit our preference.
Because of the heavy runoff, I am still thinking about how to improve the sides of the staircase so we don't get gullies there. Right now, I am thinking of a base of gravel, then dirt and sod for the right-hand side where it gets sun. For the left side, it is very shady. I am thinking of using landscape blocks placed on gravel to create a short side wall, similar to the wall we made for the front of the townhouse shown in the introduction. I welcome any ideas or opinions you may have!
We knew the top would be tricky because the steps would need to connect to an existing concrete walkway that is sloped down. Although step design should attempt to keep the rise and tread the same for all steps, or at least in a pattern so as not to surprise the walker, we split the top step into two with shorter treads. This allowed the very top step to act as a leveling "off ramp" from the walkway. Splitting the last step into two steps also allowed us to make a sharper curve in the staircase.
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| Connecting to a concrete walkway that is sloped |
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| Splitting last step into two shorter steps increases curve |
We were very happy that the original calculations worked. Things apparently don't have to be exact for these small steps. If you are off, you can add a step or split one into two. My calculations indicated we would need 4 steps that were 4'X4". It ended up with 3 steps that are 4"X 4" and two steps that are roughly 2'X4" because we wanted more curve and a top step that is roughly even with the walkway. We ended up using the same number of boards in the original plan when we split the last step into two shorter ones. For the curve, we did not do any measurements, compass or radius calculations. We just eyeballed the curve as we went and placed the steps to make it curve to suit our preference.
Because of the heavy runoff, I am still thinking about how to improve the sides of the staircase so we don't get gullies there. Right now, I am thinking of a base of gravel, then dirt and sod for the right-hand side where it gets sun. For the left side, it is very shady. I am thinking of using landscape blocks placed on gravel to create a short side wall, similar to the wall we made for the front of the townhouse shown in the introduction. I welcome any ideas or opinions you may have!
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