Outdoor Stairs

Outdoor stairs are often viewed as functional elements that join one level to another. However you can combine functionality with an attractive design to come up with great stair plan. Consider outdoor stairs as an extension to your house and remember that it is the stairs that the guests will first notice when they enter your home. Another advantage of having a good outdoor stair design is that it will greatly increase the value of your house, if you ever decide to sell it.

Outdoor Stair Design and Ideas

There are many designs for outdoor stairs that are visually appealing as well as functional. Whether you are using outdoor stirs for landscaping purpose in the garden or for patio, there is a suitable design for every need. These stairs can be constructed from a variety of materials including wood, metal, wrought iron, stones and bricks. Traditionally wood was the number one choice for outdoor stairs but more and more people prefer bricks for its affordability and stone for its rugged and natural look. The choice of material for building outdoor stairs depends on the design of the stairs and your budget.

Before you choose a particular design for outdoor stairs plan, make sure that you meet the safety norms that are required in your area. All the outdoor stairs treads should be of equal depth and the risers should have the same height. Any mistake in calculations while doing stairs construction could make you miss a step and have an accident. The outdoor stair tread are usually 10 inches deep and the risers are generally less than 8 inches in height, a riser that has a height of more than 8 inches will be too steep and might not be comfortable to walk on. Railings for stairs are also important design elements of outdoor stairs and you need them for support and balance while walking.

Outdoor stairs design in front of the house that leads up to the front door should be visually appealing and should be cohesive with the design and architectural style of the house. The appeal of a house is increased with a proper outdoor stairs design. A cottage style house looks absolutely stunning with simple log or wooden stairs with a sturdy wooden outdoor stair railing. The wood should not be polished too much as it gives the house a rugged appeal. A good way to make stairs appear grand and imposing is to construct them in brick and cement and have the lower steps in a greater width. This helps to visually expand the space.

For a landscaped garden, the best outdoor stairs materials would be river stones. These stones can be placed in such a way that tufts of grass can grow in between them. The best thing about stone stairs is that they are not only very easy to maintain, they also blend well with the garden. Unlike wooden stairs, stone stairs are not prone to rotting. You can also have spiral stairs as they help you to utilize a small space. Spiral staircases for outdoors is best constructed in wood or metal. Prefab outdoor stairs are also available for easy installation in most home improvement stores.

These were some designs and ideas for outdoor stairs for both house and garden. An outdoor stair can not only transform the look of your house but also make your property more valuable.