Ideas for Outdoor Concrete Stair Designs

Outdoor Stair Design

• Stairs contribute to curb appeal, and when they're situated prominently, they serve as an integral part of the architectural composition. The architecture of the house and the surrounding landscape need to be considered for the stair layout for harmonious effect. Also important is the function; stairs should be safe and as easy to climb as possible. Whether the outdoor stairs are showpieces or utilitarian, they need to comply with building standards: check regulations for requirements such as handrails.

Outdoor Stair Layout

• Stairs can encourage people to move quickly or to take a more leisurely pace to enjoy the surroundings. Interrupt long flights of steps with landings and graceful winders to ease the climb and enhance the sense of entrance. A generously scaled landing at or near the door serves as an elegant transition into the house. In the back yard, integrating a patio within a series of steps expands the social and recreational space.

Design Guidelines

• The dimensions of risers and treads are critical to how comfortable the stairs are to use. For outdoor steps, risers should be a minimum of 4 inches tall and a maximum of 6 1/2 inches--going below the minimum creates a tripping hazard, and steeper steps are more difficult for those with mobility issues. Treads should be at least 12 inches deep and sloped slightly to shed water. A textured finish on the treads provides traction.

Concrete Stairs

• Concrete can withstand different kinds of weather and lasts for decades when constructed properly. Concrete is also a pliable design choice; it can be finished in different ways to complement the particular style of your house. Furthermore, formwork carpentry is no more complicated than carpentry for wood stairs. To soften the visual effect of concrete, use contrasting materials such as a brick walkway or a wood handrail, and integrate plantings with stairs in areas of importance, such as the front yard.