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Porches & Decks Design Dilemma

Step up patio creation?

5 years ago

Finally it came to reality

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Comments (6)

Yvonne Martin
5 years ago
I would say that it needs handrails if you have any senior citizens who might use it. Does it even meet code in your municipality?
xxnonamexx
Original Author
5 years ago
It meets code and handrails needed if over 3
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PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
5 years ago
IMO the code is not the issue but the safety is .
xxnonamexx
Original Author
4 years ago
yea but its not a big drop I don't want to lose the aesthetics. I might add some planters.
nester44
4 years ago
You should put handrails on both sets of stairs. The stairs are made from stones with irregular surfaces and someone could catch a toe or shoe edge on one of the uneven edges or surfaces. Also, the stairs going up toward the left in the picture were not constructed properly and are a real hazard: the riser of the first step is much lower (shorter) than the risers of the other steps. In most (all?) places in the U.S., this is a code violation. Risers must be the same height on all stairs in a run. Also, the third stair is a couple of inches lower than the upper patio surface and that presents another tripping hazard. That should have been a contiguous surface. Thirdly, the black plastic edging that is corralling the pebbles around the screened porch is a serious tripping hazard because it sticks up above the level of the walking surface. There is a very narrow walk area between the corner of the house and the corner of the lower step and at both sides of that narrow walkway there are tripping hazards. These are issues that are of concern not just for older people but for everyone.
xxnonamexx
Original Author
4 years ago
That Boulder is now gone near the steps. I have been here 10 years and no one ever tripped on the uneven steps. They might not be perfect but came like this. One day I will get them redone. If I put a railing id have to put fencing that I don't want to put. Trying to keep natural look.

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