Can you have the AC unit moved? That is a hideous spot for it.

Yeah that a/c unit will be super noisy and annoying there, but you can box it in as long as you leave some air space for it.

I’d build steps as wide as the whole door unit with a substantial landing space right at the door. Railings on both sides.

Littlebug, thank you for your helpful and kind response about the stair choice!

Yes the a/c unit is close by the door (has been since the house was built in ‘56), but I’d rather it be there than right outside the bedroom windows, which on our small house is the only other option. Even if it were moved it wouldn’t affect the stair choice, and let’s just say that is nowhere near the top of our very lengthy to-do list! You’re right I think it can easily be disguised.

Like this, except maybe not completely made of wood. Looks very sturdy and no-nonsense.

As an “older person” who is still agile and balanced 😉 I like steps that are deep enough to my entire foot on and a handrail. I rarely go in or out any door without something in my hands or maybe guiding a toddler. Room for shores is imperative. I have a large wire basket by my garage steps with a sign that says shoes and sandals here. When all eleven people are at my house, that is 22 shoes to trio over 😳

This was my solution to safe transit of people and food/beverage from the house onto our patio. ”Deck” was 4’ wide so that the door would fully open and was floor level. Landing style steps facilitated assisting elderly. Tempered glass opened view from indoors is capped with a resting railing to set items upon.

Can you relocate the A/C compressor? Worth considering.