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Installing door steps

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  • 02-04-2022 1:09pm
    #1
    funkey_monkey
    Registered Users Posts: 8,053 ✭✭✭


    Hello

    I'm trying to help a parent complete their retirement bungalow and it is at the stage now of surfacing the yard and driveway.

    There is a set of steps to go in for one of the doors. What is the process for doing this? Are the steps done before the surfacing or after the surfacing and how do they space the risers so that they are of equal height given that they might not be manufactured at the required height?

    Thanks.



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    #2
    C. Eastwood
    Registered Users Posts: 757 ✭✭✭C. Eastwood


    It is a requirement of TGD K of the Building Regulations- that all risers and goings are equal.



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    #3
    funkey_monkey
    Registered Users Posts: 8,053 ✭✭✭funkey_monkey


    Yes, I don't think even without regs you'd want risers and goings of different sizes. My question is what is the method of installing them? How do you get your levels to work from and is it the steps that go in first?



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    #4
    C. Eastwood
    Registered Users Posts: 757 ✭✭✭C. Eastwood


    Assume cast in-situ concrete steps

    It could also depend on the type of surfacing it is proposed to use.

    It the surfacing is tarmacadam - the steps should be finished first to prevent concrete damage to the black surface

    If the surfacing is to be concrete- then it could be finished before or after the steps are constructed.

    you need to establish a proposed lever that the surfacing is to be finished up to - by driving metal bars in to the ground.

    the rise/ height of the steps can then be measured from the existing floor level of the house to top of this metal bar.

    This OVERALL HEIGHT measurement could be divided by 150 mm (excellent rise for retired persons) - this will give the NUMBER of risers.

    divide this NUMBER in to the OVERALL HEIGHT and it will give you the exact rise of every step.

    300 mm is a perfect Going for each step.



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    #5
    chooseusername
    Registered Users Posts: 3,588 ✭✭✭chooseusername


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058239928/installing-door-steps

    Depending on the height difference between threshold and finished outside surface

    consider a ramp with handrails and future proof it.



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    #6
    muffler
    Registered Users Posts: 45,820 ✭✭✭✭muffler


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118873693#Comment_118873693

    Agreed.

    The OP should consider a dedicated ramp at the main entrance to the house or ramp the new driveway right up to the door of there isn't too much difference between levels.



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    #7
    funkey_monkey
    Registered Users Posts: 8,053 ✭✭✭funkey_monkey


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118873693#Comment_118873693
    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118873852#Comment_118873852


    The main entrance will be a ramped access as required by building control. We have decided that this entrance should be done with steps.



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    #8
    chooseusername
    Registered Users Posts: 3,588 ✭✭✭chooseusername


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118873937#Comment_118873937

    In that case it’s best done after resurfacing as you can give the manufacturer the final height, otherwise your bottom riser may be lower than the others which could be a hazard.

    I would still advise handrails though.



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    #9
    funkey_monkey
    Registered Users Posts: 8,053 ✭✭✭funkey_monkey


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118873215#Comment_118873215

    Surface is intended to be tarmac at this stage.

    The threshold is 400mm above current ground level (compressed stone). Kerbing is also installed as well. So, the steps dictate the surface level. Okay, that makes sense and was what I thought, but wasn't sure.

    We will be installing probably granite or porcelain tile steps. As I'm in NI, the regs are slightly different and shown below. What I'm looking at is two steps up to a landing. So, three risers of ?mm height and going of 350mm.

    Am I correct in stating that the edging or soldiers for the steps don't get cut to suite the rise, but are laid on a bed behind the step tile at level to meet the required going (i.e. I don't have to get the cut to required height - as opposed to getting laid on top of the step?

    I know this is ll detail for the installer, but I just want to know the process so that I can be aware of what is going to happen.

    Thanks.

    Steps.PNG
    http://www.buildingcontrol-ni.com/assets/pdf/TechnicalBookletH2012.pdf


    Post edited by funkey_monkey on


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    #10
    funkey_monkey
    Registered Users Posts: 8,053 ✭✭✭funkey_monkey


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118874005#Comment_118874005

    We may well put one up on the wall yes.

    The steps are to be tiled with tarmac driveway, so not sure what way to go as you say after, but @C. Eastwood says after.



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    #11
    C. Eastwood
    Registered Users Posts: 757 ✭✭✭C. Eastwood


    A good rough surface on the concrete is a safe way of preventing slipping.

    I disagree with most types of tiles, externally because when they are wet, they can be dangerously slippery and cause falls



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    #12
    funkey_monkey
    Registered Users Posts: 8,053 ✭✭✭funkey_monkey


    They will be anti slip or hi grip - or whatever the terminology is.

    I would be of same opinion, which is why we are not putting tiles anywhere else on property.



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    #13
    funkey_monkey
    Registered Users Posts: 8,053 ✭✭✭funkey_monkey


    Getting back to looking at this. Due to site layout, I think that semicircular steps would be the best option.

    I don't like soldiers nor bullnose steps - so what options are there out there? The modern sleek porcelain tiles I don't think would suit. In my mind I have curved granite risers and granite flags - preferably with a rough finish. Is this a thing that can be got easily - I've not seen it anywhere and I'm not looking to spend for anything bespoke.



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