I bought a property that has a permitted bathroom addition. There is a step down into it which is a total of 8.5”, however the builders added a 1.5” little “step” out of floor tile. This creates a 7” step down but the little step is impossible to see so often people step on the edge of it and twist their ankle or fall. The depth of the step is probably about 8”. Does anyone have any solutions for this? Should I create a 4” step, eliminate it completely or make a wider platform to land on (this makes me nervous that people will trip on it the other way). Thanks!
Help with Steps
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The ideal step is 7 3/8", so building up the floor to a total width of the doorway, plus at least 10" deep would cover that measurement. Now you have a 1 1/2" trip factor when leaving the bathroom, so that's not good. You'll need approximately 18 united inches in rise and run on your steps for comfort and safety.
Post pictures when you can so we can see what you see.
Post pictures when you can so we can see what you see.
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My vote would be a single 4-1/4" high x 10" wide tread. Brightly colored, if possible. And a "Caution- Step Down" sign on the door.
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The original poster said that the total step down through the doorway was 8.5" (Rise).
The original tread was 7" wide.
My suggestion is to demo the existing step, split the total rise in half and install one standard 10" wide tread with a rise of 4-1/4". That is 2 risers and 1 tread.
In Ontario, allowed stair rise is 125mm-200mm (4.88 to 7.88"). I have a bunch of interior stairs that are at 7.75" and one step to my deck that is 7.88". I am not a tall person, and I find neither of those sizes at all uncomfortable. In your situation, I would just leave it as an 8.5" step.
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And with out knowing more details I want the OP to consider all options. :wink2:
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The Subway Restaurant I frequent had a 7.5" unmarked step down immediately beyond the threshold as you pass through the door heading outside. For years, I watched countless people trip on their way out that door. The same people who had to step up to enter the store just minutes ago, forgot to step down as they exited. (I'm sure the step down violated building code, which allows no more than a 1" change in elevation between inside floor level and outside landing.) I even complained to management about it.
Long story short, people just don't expect a large step down immediately beyond the threshold of a door.
Anything the original poster can do to lessen the step down is a "step" in the right direction.
Long story short, people just don't expect a large step down immediately beyond the threshold of a door.
Anything the original poster can do to lessen the step down is a "step" in the right direction.
It's a bath and has a door. There should not be any step where a door is. People usually push open a door and will not expect a step. Best is to raise the floor 8" or whatever to make the finished floors even. Lowered ceiling is fine, just fudge it for the permit so it is "about" 7.5'. Or raise the ceiling joists.
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