Stair Question

[Lem Motlow]

Quick question- I am planning a screened in porch to replace our deck. Would like the main level of the porch to be 14" below the floor of the house. The door to the deck/ porch has a 2" tall threshold- do I need to factor in this additional 2" when figuring how high the step should be?

[Sweep]

Ouch, that's a nasty sill detail; it should have been set lower. Some people will step on it; some will step over it; and some will trip over it. You could add a small bevel to the inside edge to minimize tripping and paint it a different color than the floor.

I think all you can do is split the difference using 7 1/2" riser heights unless you feel you can accurately predict how people will react to the high sill. It would be a lot safer if you raised the porch deck 2" for 6 1/2" risers and made the tread 12" or 14". A standard 7 1/2 x 10 1/2 step would be very dangerous. Your family will learn to use it safely but uncle Charlie will take a flying header off it and if it doesn't kill him, he'll make a bad witness against you.

CAUTION: Make sure the tread is not the same color, shade or texture as the deck in order to avoid serious injury.

[Tom R]

Great points, Sweep, - - yeah, - - any transition between about 1" and 4" becomes nothin' but a 'tripper'.

[Lem Motlow]

Ouch, that's a nasty sill detail; it should have been set lower.


Thanks for your reply, I do appreciate it. As I'm not sure what you mean by the above, I'll attach a picture- probably should have done that before. :oops: My description of the situation probably could have been better- hope this helps.

I couldn't decide if this extra 2" should be figured into stair riser calculations.

[Tom R]

Yes, you would include this 2".

Your 'calculation' would be from 'finish' floor to 'finish' floor, - - in your case, - - 14".

A 'rise' of 7", and a run anywhere between about 10" and 11" for each step would work.