Garden Steps: design guidelines. Should I put in a wheelchair ramp.?

[ToughButterCup]

I'm just about ready to put some garden steps in. I'm following the published guidelines for Accessible Garden Design. 

 

Context: Old - replaced hips -  reasonably fit -  tow ramp access to other house doors

Spec: 

• 1200 wide ( minimum) 
• handrails
• risers 150 ish.
• tread (going) 700 or maybe a bit less but not much
• fall of (max) 1:50 on each tread
• step lights ( in the risers )

So far so good.

 

But do I need to put in a ramp to one side? 

What have you done about that ?

[saveasteading]

You should. You'll find you always use it in preference and it allows for future proofing.

It doesn't need to be a compliant wheelchair ramp, but that's up to you.

A handrail too.

[Russell griffiths]

If you can build the ramp, then why build steps. 

[ToughButterCup]

20 minutes ago, Russell griffiths said:

If you can build the ramp, then why build steps. 

 

Oh Fer FooksSake.... 😑

 

I'm a Bear With A Very Small Brain. Thanks @Russell griffiths

Edited 17 hours ago by ToughButterCup

[saveasteading]

38 minutes ago, Russell griffiths said:

If you can build the ramp, then why build steps

Maybe it will be neat. It's an option. They could be stepping stones in the flower bed.

[joe90]

I guess it depends on how steep the ramp will be as slipping might be a  proboem 🤷‍♂️

[Conor]

we went for 1200mm wide steps, 150mm rise, 350mm going. split with a 1200mm landing every third step. three sets in total then transitioning to a ramp / path. forms part of exit from house via balcony so has to be BC compliant. Feels fine to walk. 

[ProDave]

Personally I don't like steps with a very long going, it is not natural and I end up making a very long step, or 2 little steps to ascend them.  We are all used to internal stairs and their rise and going, so I like to stick to similar.  Or at the most stretch them out to the longer going of commercial stairs, i.e. what we are all used to in a shopping centre.

[Iceverge]

A vote from a ramp here. 

 

You can continue to enjoy your garden indefinitely then. 

[ToughButterCup]

Thanks everyone.

Ian