Looking for some front door step ideas (pic included)

valmiki

Like the title says:



Wife and I are going round in circles but it's coming to a head now as ageing parents are finding it a bit tricky to navigate! We're thinking 2/3 steps down made up of grey brick and slab across but just can't picture it. If anyone can post pics of what they have or recommend I'd appreciate it. Thank you.

p00hsticks

Personally I'd go for a slope / ramp with a handrail rather than steps. 
Is this your parents home or just yours that they visit occasionally ? 
If it's only needed from time to time you can get portable metal ramps that will go over steps, otherwise lots of ideas on the web
e.g
62 Build A Wheelchair Ramp ideas | wheelchair ramp, ramp, wheelchair (pinterest.com)

FreeBear

I'd go for a flat area some 800mm deep, and extending ~300mm either side of the door (put a guard rail up on both sides). Then either a gentle slope or a couple of wide steps. Brick & concrete construct for durability.

valmiki

p00hsticks said:

Personally I'd go for a slope / ramp with a handrail rather than steps. 
Is this your parents home or just yours that they visit occasionally ? 
If it's only needed from time to time you can get portable metal ramps that will go over steps, otherwise lots of ideas on the web
e.g
62 Build A Wheelchair Ramp ideas | wheelchair ramp, ramp, wheelchair (pinterest.com)

It's our house, not really looking for rails or anything like that, just need proper steps rather than the narrow timber!

stuart45

As FreeBear said, you should have a landing area. I used a mix of concrete and brick for our steps at the back. A bit of concrete with a broom finish gives a bit more grip.

Rosa_Damascena

valmiki said:

Like the title says:



Wife and I are going round in circles but it's coming to a head now as ageing parents are finding it a bit tricky to navigate! We're thinking 2/3 steps down made up of grey brick and slab across but just can't picture it. If anyone can post pics of what they have or recommend I'd appreciate it. Thank you.

I had originally thought I would go with a ramp but my (not so) elderly parents are happy with this compromise:


I can always get a portable ramp across the steps if a wheelchair is needed.

twopenny

A neighbour builder type made a wide step of grey slate slabs and cut a square hole in one each side for seasonal plants.

I've always envied that because it looked so sharp and classey.

You could plant your bushes in and less watering ;-)

valmiki

twopenny said:

A neighbour builder type made a wide step of grey slate slabs and cut a square hole in one each side for seasonal plants.

I've always envied that because it looked so sharp and classey.

You could plant your bushes in and less watering ;-)

Hi, that sounds good! I don’t suppose you have any photos by any chance? 

markin

It must be a struggle to get the key in the door with out a good landing, a metal temporary ramp may be fine with help opening the door and pushing you up and in, but difficult on your own and if you have shopping or poor grip with your hands one day

twopenny

Valmi k i, I'll try and get one when it stops raining.

valmiki

Thank you