How to Design Steps in the Landscape
Adding steps to your landscape not only lets you move up and down from one part of your property to the next, but it is an opportunity to design in interest and even special effects into your garden. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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MAKE YOUR STEPS PRACTICAL. Add steps where they are useful. Use materials that are stable and easy to care for like stone, wood, metal or cement.
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Consider ramps where passage isn't too steep and either someone with disabilities may have to go, or you may have to roll items -- like a wheelbarrow, for instance. Make sure your steps are well spaced, broad enough and can be used comfortably.
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DESIGN FOR BEAUTY: Consider the surroundings and use materials that will enhance the style of the home and garden. Stone can be polished to look formal, rough cut for a rustic look, or set in slabs for a contemporary feel. If you are building a stairway of some length, curve it so it artistically meanders and makes a design statement.
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DESIGN FOR SAFETY: Use materials that will not break down easily. Disintegrating stairs are dangerous. People can slip and be hurt. You can get sued. Keeping your stairs in good condition is common sense. Consider building railings. Especially where stairs are steep or narrow, railings can not only help stabilize a climber, but they can be decorative and add to the style of the landscape.
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BUILD STEPS SOLIDLY: Like everything else, a job done right the first time will save time, money and problems later. Make sure your stairs have a sturdy foundation and are set properly.
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Design stairs to take you from one point to the next, but make them part of your overall design. Stairs can be decorative in the path they take, materials used in construction, railings, or the plants or decor that edge them. Lighting is a great way to turn stairs into night-time attractions. And to make passage safe!
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Resources
- Photo Credit Photo and landscape design by Gates & Croft Horticultural Design
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Comments
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Vikki Albers
Aug 21, 2008
Your articles are always so interesting! Thank you. One little step thought: for good Feng Shui steps should have risers whenever possible - otherwise good fortune and opportunities may fall away.
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Vikki Albers
Aug 21, 2008
Your articles are always so interesting! Thank you. One little step thing: for good Feng Shui steps should have risers whenever possible - otherwise good fortune and opportunities may fall away.
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01KendraWrites
Aug 21, 2008
beautiful pictures. Thanks for the tips
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Sush56
Aug 21, 2008
Great article! I love your pitures!
