Hi, we’re redoing our deck and need an idea for a transition from deck to grass. Our deck will now be a bi-level and will end with two steps (29ft in length) straight onto the grass. I worry that leaving it just riser to grass will eventually start to damage the riser. We’re looking for a clean, functional finish, some type of landing. The length of thAny ideas?
Transition from deck steps to grass
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Yes, it is a good idea to have a landing at the bottom of steps.
I can think of a couple of choices:
(1) - Pavers. Relatively inexpensive. Can do a couple different colors. Maybe a bit of a pattern.
(2) Concrete. More expensive, but not if you do it yourself. Could get fancy and do a stamped pattern with pigment. No maintenance (unless you want to put sealer on your colored concrete), and you don't have to deal with weeds coming up at the paver joints.
I can think of a couple of choices:
(1) - Pavers. Relatively inexpensive. Can do a couple different colors. Maybe a bit of a pattern.
(2) Concrete. More expensive, but not if you do it yourself. Could get fancy and do a stamped pattern with pigment. No maintenance (unless you want to put sealer on your colored concrete), and you don't have to deal with weeds coming up at the paver joints.
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If the deck is following code, and unless your local AHJ has not said otherwise, stringers for your stairs require a footing either the deeper your frost or 12". So this could also be utilized as a transition along the entire bottom riser if desired.
If your step is actually 29 feet wide, then you wouldn't want a "grade beam" like just described. It boils down to how much of a solid landing you want to see, if you extend pavers, gravel, or something else beyond the last step or just put a thin strip just under the riser bottom so it is not sitting on the grass.
If your step is actually 29 feet wide, then you wouldn't want a "grade beam" like just described. It boils down to how much of a solid landing you want to see, if you extend pavers, gravel, or something else beyond the last step or just put a thin strip just under the riser bottom so it is not sitting on the grass.
There seems to be some confusion regarding the size of the stairs. Is it 2 steps, with a 29 inch total length, or 2 runs of stairs with a total horizontal run of 29 feet? Makes a big difference in the answer.
If it's the 2 steps, I'd be tempted to add some extra support structure and cantilever the steps from the deck, so they don't even touch the ground. Although typical treated lumber is ok for ground contact. Really, if you had to replace the riser in 5 or 10 years, would it be that big of a deal? That said, the bigger issue most people run into is the grass right in front of the steps doesn't hold up to the heavier and more damaging foot traffic from people stepping on and off the stairs, and they end up with a muddy spot at the bottom of the steps.
There's also the issue of trying to mow or trim around/under that last step, if you don't put something down to keep the grass from growing there.
If it's the 2 steps, I'd be tempted to add some extra support structure and cantilever the steps from the deck, so they don't even touch the ground. Although typical treated lumber is ok for ground contact. Really, if you had to replace the riser in 5 or 10 years, would it be that big of a deal? That said, the bigger issue most people run into is the grass right in front of the steps doesn't hold up to the heavier and more damaging foot traffic from people stepping on and off the stairs, and they end up with a muddy spot at the bottom of the steps.
There's also the issue of trying to mow or trim around/under that last step, if you don't put something down to keep the grass from growing there.
Thank you for all your suggestions. We had similar thoughts. The two steps run 29 feet wide and yes the grass abutting the riser is pretty much the issue. We think we’re going to go with 12 inches on concrete as a landing with the riser sitting the middle - so 6 inches are hidden and 6 inches visible in front of the riser.
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Make it 18" the solid landing should be the size of a tread
I think it'll be better to put the concrete under the stairs and no landing at all, if 6" in and 6" out is the plan. Concrete will never be on an even plane with grass. Although treads are min 10", I think a "landing" that narrow will be a trip hazard. If a landing is wanted, 36" deep so people walking up or down will have that room to adjust to the terrain.
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