Outdoor Steps Advice

dickibobboy

Hi All, 
The garden needs a whole overhaul but one thing that’s bugging me is how i’ll manage the look of the steps that are in the garden. 

https://ibb.co/yn0c9G6 

To give a bit of context, the image is the view from the rear extension doors, the garden is quite a bit higher than the level outside the doors. I can deal with the randomness in heights etc but the look of them is pretty bad. 

I can’t really think of a way to cover them to still be safe but also look good. 

Anyone have any ideas? 

Thanks

DOH_a

You could look to paint them, which will be the cheaper way of improving their appearance. Your other options, which will be a little more expensive but better in the long term can include to clad them in timber, similar to timber (non-slip) decking.

FreeBear

Clad in stone would be another option. But something needs to be done with the right hand side. Either a wall or railing at the edge & top. If you don't it won't be long before someone takes a wrong step and gets seriously hurt.

Owain_Moneysaver

Steps really need to be the same rising and going throughout a flight or someone will fall.
You can get screw-on (maybe even expoxy resin on) tread repairs. 
https://www.safetread.co.uk/anti-slip-stair/stair-tread-covers

Mutton_Geoff

It looks like something is blocking the natural access to the right side so they shouldn't be dangerous. You could put pots on them or build stacked timber planters. Would need to see a wider angle view of that area to get some perspective.

[Deleted User]

For the risers of the stairs and the walls of the retaining wall I would think about tiling them.  Do an internet image search for 'Talavera Outdoor Tile Steps' to get an idea.  You can go as bright, or muted as you wanted to.  A cheaper option would be to paint them.

Then using a complementary stone in large slabs I would cover the floor of the patio area and then all the flat surfaces of the steps and the large flat area of the section in front of the retaining wall part.  You can then add outdoor cushions to the stepped retaining wall area for seating.

Because everything in that section of the garden is straight lines I would not add any square planters, or tubs.  Go for round ones.  I would add a large round planter in front of the stained area in the crook of the step -  large enough to come higher than the second step (you can get some great looking plastic ones).  Then add plants that drape, or are round in shape to soften the edges.  Something like the plants and tubs in this image here.

You will need to fix the holes and level the surfaces and make the fall of each step the same.  I also would add a sturdy handrail to the left hand wall and do something to stop people falling down from the top too.

dickibobboy

Some great ideas thank you all! 

The natural path is towards the ‘normal’ part of the steps, there’s a stone built planter area at the top side that covers most of it width wise. I plan to change this out and make more of a feature so i’ll be looking to extend it towards the top of the steps so there’s no chance of heading towards it.
 
I love the idea of tiling the steps and carrying on the theme to the floor area in front of the door, i kind of hate the concrete look i have directly outside so if i can get something to cover it up and make it a nice clean area i think it could look well.

Also great idea of using the larger steps as a cushioned seating area, a good use to just nip outside and sit for 5 minutes of fresh air without going up into the main part. 

DOH_a

There are many different examples and combinations you can have.