Ripping out a window and installing a patio sliding door that will lead to about a 10′ x 10′ patio constructed of pavers. It is a 14″ drop from the inside floor to the ground. What is the preferred method of constructing a wooden step for that application? Can the first step be 7″ below the threshold of the slider, or do I need some type of a landing at the threshold level before providing a step? Is pouring a small slab the preferred means of supporting the step or is there an easier way that will hold up?
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I can't imagine a wood step being preferred at all. Step would look better if it was made of pavers itself.
Surface of step should be same pavers, while the riser can be landscape blocks.
If total rise from patio to door sill doesn't equally divide into an even increment of height of landscape block + height of paver, cement pad can come into play. Or remove pavers beneath step if that offer's another option to arrive at even steps.
In my opinion, larger steps are functionally and aesthetically better. I'll send a picture this even of a patio and step to doorwall that I did this evening (at work now).
I agree. I'd go retaining wall blocks for the risers, with the corresponding retaining wall caps as the treads. If you go to a website like Unilock's (http://www.unilock.com), you'll see examples of what I'm talking about.
Thanks for the link, it took a little digging but I think I see what you are talking about. I am trying to match an area that currently exists which uses the red 12x16 pavers, not sure that the locking type blocks would fit in well with those.
Sounds like a good idea, but how do you tie together all the pavers - just grout them together or use something like thinset to get a little more adhesion? I look forward to the pics.
Landscape Block Adhesive. Comes in a tube and applied with a caulking gun. Didn't get to pics last night and back at work now.
If you go with 2 steps, then each is a 7" drop. I think a 7" drop to the first step from the house is a little too much. On the other hand, 3 steps creates a rise of about 4 1/2" per step which is a little too little.
If I had to choose, I would base my decision on which I DISLIKE more. I dislike the 7" drop more.
-Don
My feeling is that a landing at a level similar to the inside level is preferred. I have been in houses where the step down was immediate, and they were challenging to negotiate.