4 Steps to Making Good Steps
Most people take steps for granted—until they stumble on poorly built ones. Whether it’s in your front yard, garden, or multi-level deck, properly designed landscape steps are essential for comfort, safety, and style. Here are four key practices EarthWorm Landscape Design Co. follows to ensure your outdoor steps are both functional and flawless.
1. Avoid Common “Danger Shapes”
Poorly shaped steps cause countless falls. Here’s what to watch out for:
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The Single Step: Common on front sidewalks or multi-level decks, a lone step often disappears in daylight or shadows. It becomes a hidden hazard during Hallowe’en and other events. If you must have one, add extra lighting, a handrail, or our go-to solution: a gritty, light-colored strip of paint across the top riser.
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The Stage Step: Found on porches or decks, this step ends abruptly and lacks a handrail—making it invisible from above. Always ensure steps are full-width and well-lit.
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The Wedge Step: Stylish but risky. If the narrow end of a step is too sharp, there’s no room to land your foot safely. Ensure the inside tread is at least 12 inches wide to avoid slips.
2. Use the Ergonomic Formula
Proper step sizing isn’t just about looks—it’s about comfort. Use the ergonomic formula to guide your design:
(2 × Riser Height) + Tread Depth = 28 inches
This formula ensures that your garden stairs or patio steps feel natural underfoot, regardless of age or mobility level.
3. Keep Every Step Consistent
One of the most common trip hazards? A step that’s just slightly off in height—especially where stairs meet the ground.
Do the math and make all risers equal. If the ground has settled and caused a taller bottom step, regrade or reset it. Even half an inch of difference can throw off a person’s stride.
4. Know Your Building Codes
Before building stairs, check local regulations for:
Codes exist for a reason—they protect you and your guests from preventable accidents. And remember: in cold climates, steps are often safer than ramps, which can become slippery from frost.
At EarthWorm Landscape Design Co., we specialize in step design that blends safety, ergonomics, and visual appeal. The best outdoor stairs are the ones you never notice—because they feel so natural to use. Book your perfect landscape solution today!
This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com