Rise vs. Run for Landscaping Steps

Calculating Run

• Hammer a stake into the ground at the topmost point your stairs will land. Tie a string to the stake and push it down to the ground. Keep the string level while extending it until the end reaches the lowermost point where the steps will land. Tie the string off to a longer stake, and hammer that into the ground. The length of level string from one post to the next is the run for your set of landscape stairs. The run can eventually be divided per step, which gives the depth or tread dimension for each individual step.

Calculating Rise

• Take a measurement from the point where the level string ties onto the long stake, to the point where the post enters the ground. This measurement represents the rise for your set of steps. The rise may also be thought of as the number of feet and inches the ground slopes over the course of the run. Once you know the total rise, you can decide how many steps are needed based on an individual rise per step.

Spanning the Distance

• The measurements for the rise and run determine how many steps you need to reach from the bottom of the slope to the top. Each step must safely allow a comfortable climb. A general rule for landscape steps, as presented by The Family Handyman, is a rise of 6 to 8 inches per step, and a tread depth of at least 12 inches. Not all slopes rise at the same rate throughout the run, so you may need to break the hill into sections with different step sizes for each. Use short step risers with long treads for shallow slopes, and switch to taller risers with shorter treads for steep slopes. For example, for shallower slopes, divide the total rise by the lower step riser measurement -- 6 inches. Use the higher measurement -- 8 inches -- for steeper slopes.

Getting Creative

• Decide what material you want to use for steps, and whether you will connect it all together in a staircase. Wood or concrete steps are less forgiving with respect to measurements, but allow you a better opportunity to cover the entire run with equal step measurements rather than dividing up the slopes. Stone looks more rustic and you have a little more play with individual riser and tread measurements, since the dimensions of the material itself varies. Use plants and mulch or gravel to help soften the edges of the steps. No matter what material choice you make, play with the design a little. Experiment with different steps and layouts before cutting into the slope to construct your project.