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scott3495

Stairs or Ramp for Deck

9 years ago
Replacing deck. New deck will be 16 x 20 similar to picture. Deck will be 4 ft off ground. Now deciding where to place stairs. 1 set vs 2? Ramp instead of stairs! 1 of each? Fenced yard with a gate on each side of déck. Back door to garage on right of deck. Suggestions please!!

Comments (19)

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Unless your or a frequent visitor is in a wheelchair I would not do a ramp, I would not do the open part on the left to allow for some seating in the space

  • 9 years ago

    How would the mobility challenged guest get to the ramp on the deck? Unless you are going to pave a walkway through the backyard to the deck, then it's not useful.

  • 9 years ago
    No issues with mobility as of yet, just thought it would be a great option for guests and there will be a walkway to deck (12x12 or 16 x16 pavers)
  • PRO
    9 years ago

    For ADA compliance, which is good rule-of-thumb anyway, a 4' rise would require 48 feet of ramp at ADA's 1 in 12 standard. Of course you can't just run 48 feet straight even if you have the room. The switchbacks and/or landings have requirements too.

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    My one thought aside from the ramp is that the grill looks a little close to the wood railing.

  • 9 years ago

    You may like the look of the pictured stairs but, I would advise against that design. Just have a normal 42 inch wide stair with handrails. The rest of the deck requires fencing. As is, four beers and a slight misstep will open you to an epic lawsuit.

  • 9 years ago
    Great feedback! Thanks!!
  • 9 years ago

    Since it's your house (presumably), you wouldn't have to abide by strict ADA standards - although the ramp incline should probably not exceed a small percentage over the ADA incline standard (lots of resources for this online). Do you need a building permit for this deck?

  • 9 years ago

    No, but it would be extremely difficult for a person in a wheelchair to use. I have a family member who is paralyzed from the waist down and uses a wheelchair. You can't just slap a ramp down and say, "well, I didn't follow guidelines, but it's close enough".

  • 9 years ago

    Poor design. Not gonna be able to be permitted as shown. No ramp at 48" H. If you need an assist, do a stair lift. They work outside as well.

  • 9 years ago

    Even the IRC would require 32' of ramp plus turns and landings.

  • 9 years ago

    I would advise against the 2 levels on the deck itself. Tripping hazard, especially after dark.

  • 9 years ago

    You only have 3 risers on your stairs plus one in the middle of the deck. At a 7¾" max riser height, your deck is only 31" off the ground unless your yard slopes a lot from left to right.

  • 9 years ago

    Totally agree the 2 levels of deck limits the use. Go with same level across deck.

  • 9 years ago
    The picture is not my design but close to our ideal deck. yes it will have fencing all around and it will be level, no step down on deck. The grill won't be on the deck. separate grilling area.
  • 9 years ago

    You're certainly getting a lot of input, Scott – good luck with what you decide to do!

  • 9 years ago

    If your design had more railing and fewer stairs, it would be much easier to place furniture.

    I suggest that you draw out where your furniture (current or new) will go on the deck, including a wide traffic path between your outdoor dining room and outdoor living room, and a traffic path off the deck. Only then will you know whether you have a workable plan. Your railing areas are your walls, and your steps are your doorways out of the rooms. I don't think you have enough walls.

    Your deck design seems to have a lot of wasted space in awkward small corners. Also too much step area.

  • 9 years ago
    partim, excellent suggestions!!! I will get right on it.