Patio problem

7 years ago

We have just moved into our new house and are loving the bi fold doors and patio however the 5 foot drop with a 5 year old is not so great. I originally wanted to move the steps to one side (still considering) and have a glass rail going across. However the quote was over £2.5k and not something right now we can afford. I really want to keep the square-ness and not obscure the view too much from the lounge over the patio down the garden. The patio is about 8m across. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
Ps the preset wooden rail construction was left by the last owners and very wobbly.

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Jane Wright

5 years ago

We decided to wait as the patio itself was poorly laid including slabs upside down. Thanks to the amazing team at SG Landscapes we now have this fantastic outdoor room.

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Comments (20)

PRO
User
7 years ago
That sounds a lot:- It pays to shop around as there's always a lot of competition online. How about this system at £98 per linear metre, plus if your handy at the DIY, fitting would be free. Or, get a handyman in that charges per day or by the hour. Franeless glass ballustrades
Jane Caborn
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you very much. That looks good just need to check if 5 year old daughter safe.
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it's not a massive amount of work, but needs to be done properly. I haven't seen the site so it's hard to say if £3.5k is a lot. You can check the below and maybe it will help to find a solution. https://developers.thameswater.co.uk/Domestic-and-small-commercial/Building-near-pipes/Building-over-or-near-a-sewer/Do-you-need-approval
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Thank you all. Things have been hectic & the old patio has been demolished so no really good pictures. This one is similar but I have decided to go with an inset flower bed along the front (south) edge & steps across the two corners. However the sides are causing difficulty as near the house the floor level is at the threshold but as the ground drops way towards the south & it is about 90cm off the grass at the front...Sides therefore need ‘something’ to stop someone falling off! Railings would look odd I think so perhaps I will have to resort to pots?
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Thank you all so much for your feedback, ideas and photos/examples - its been a great help! Vicky - I love your composite decking, and the storage idea is brilliant. Do you find it slippery in wet weather? Sonia - I agree, I think wooden decking is probably the cheapest option as it's only a shorter term solution. Good point about getting some more quotes, I'll certainly do that. The pictures you sent are great; I especially love the last one with the glass panel. Jane - thank you for sharing your photos, it's so helpful (and hopeful!) When you see others that have had the same issues. You did a fantastic job and it looks great! Sarah - brilliant idea, I can't believe I never thought of that already! It would make sense given that we would at least be investing some money in the long term goal, rather than paying for something we'll just be ripping down again. Lots to think about and investigate. Thanks again everyone, much appreciated:-)
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Thanks Sarah. Funnily enough I bought a sample of this exact tile, but when they arrived, they are totally slippy and not suitable for outside use (even though the pic implies they are 😡). This is what is totally frustrating when trying to find something appropriate. They showcase them in a location that makes it look like what you want to use them for, but on closer inspection, it doesn’t seem to be the case. Another of those, it looks great on instagram but isn’t practical when it comes to actual usage. I really don’t want a plain grey/beige porcelain tile but I’m starting to wonder if I’m trying to find something that isn’t actually available in this country. 🤷🏼‍♀️
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PRO
User
7 years ago
I'm sure she will be, they are a registered company and the glass conforms to British Standards, but i'm sure they won't mind at all if you ask questions.........why would they? There are many such adverts on Ebay and lots of other Online Ballustrades Companies. Good luck, can't wait to see the finished pictures. By the way, it is possible to get gates for glass ballustrading, so do ask , it'll negate the need to demolish and move the steps.
Jane Caborn
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you so much for your time. The stairs need to go as quite awkward and steep. For some reason I have taken a dislike much to the despair of my husband who has visions of me with a lump hammer.
PRO
User
7 years ago
No problem, I know exactly what you mean. ( Nicky here, Hugh's wife - I do most of the advice on the posts! ). Poor old Hugh is in one of our bathrooms as I came home earlier this morning and started hacking the tiles off the wall - I'd just had to look at them for too long - and they were coming off no matter what. I personally love a bit of demolition. I guessed if i started while he wasn't in, then he'd have to finish it !! Tomorrw i get to go tile shopping - Poor Hugh! - Have a good weekend x
Jane Caborn
Original Author
7 years ago
Do you think john would notice if I started on the garden steps? Lol
PRO
User
7 years ago
It never ceases to amaze me what they don't notice, so maybe not !!
Carolina
7 years ago
I like the glass idea, but you could also go for simple metal railing in a dark colour. That won't obscure the view, is easy to install and you can incorporate a gate to prevent a certain tiny person from tumbling down the steps.
Byrne Road, London · More Info
Jane Caborn
Original Author
7 years ago
I hadn't thought of that. Love that too! Thank you
verdigrisjane
7 years ago
The steps look as if the risers are different heights - which is potentially dangerous. You could make steps going down to the lower level the whole length of the patio. This would give little ones a place to sit and play. Then on the top level you could put oblong planters along the edge, fixing them so they can't be pushed, so that people don't fall off when pushing a chair back from a table, leaving a space for exit for the steps. The planters don't have to be tall and if you plant something like ferns (if shady) or shorter grasses (if sunny) they shouldn't obscure the view when sitting.

Think before you use glass panels. There are clean glass panels and glass panels that a five year old and the elements have streaked and smeared!
Jane Caborn
Original Author
7 years ago
That is a really good point. I had considered wooden planters either the side of steps at the bottom but your idea is brilliant. You are right the steps are different heights and quite dangerous. Many thanks. I think I need to spend tomorrow pulling out weeds and having a good think.
PRO
Ultimate Landscapes
7 years ago
hi, my idea would be to bolt a handrail to the wall to prevent anyone falling off the edge and possibly reforming the steps to make them even in height and level.
Jenny Waples
7 years ago
could you put a little slide from the patio to the grass might be fun , get rid of the steps they look quite ugly - move to the side, I like the metal railings idea would be easier to keep clean than the glass esp. with little hands around.
Carolina
5 years ago
Looks great! Thanks for the update.
E D
5 years ago
Good things come to those who wait! :)

Quite a transformation. Well done!
PRO
User
5 years ago
Stunning, so nice to see it finished.
GJ Dee
5 years ago
Thank you for showing us the final pictures- it looks amazing! Enjoy!
PRO
Garden Design Guru
5 years ago
The budget option is to fix some posts (or 2 by 4's) to the wall firmly and use them to hold a screen or horizontal timber.
Julie C
4 years ago
Wow! Love this!

Patio problem

Jane Wright

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Patio problem

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