Steps and Ramps Landscape Construction Some General

Steps and Ramps Landscape Construction

Some General Guidelines 1. Steps should never be less than 4 ft. wide. p 2. A minimum of three risers per group is best single risers do not create enough shadow and visibility to be seen readily. p 3. Eleven risers (steps) are comfortable at a time and a max. of nineteen should never be exceeded. p

Some General Guidelines p 4. The 6” riser x 14” tread is the most comfortable outdoor step fitting the step to the slope is sometimes another way to work it out ie. 1’ rise in 3’ slope is a 3: 1 ratio hence a 5 ½” rise and a 15” tread but this one is a little more uncomfortable for shorter people.

Some General Guidelines 5. A 1 ½” overhang on step nose provides safety because of the shadow it creates out of doors. p 6. If tied to walls – re-rod into the wall strengthens steps and 12” on center into the step. p 7. If not tied to walls – a footing under each step min. 4” wide by the depth of the lowest step p

Some General Guidelines 8. Expansion joints are needed at the base of the bottom step and along the sides if tied to walls or if it joins a wall. p 9. The treads should be rough textured p 10. The treads should have a slight slope forward 1/8” for drainage. p 11. steps should be lighted for night visibility. p

Some General Guidelines 12. Steps should have a handrail no less than 32” high p 13. Steps should have adequate landings between flights ie. 4’ min. p 14. Steps should never jut at right angles into a walkway p 15. Steps can take turns only if an adequate landing is provided in between. p

Some General Guidelines p 16. Wooden timber steps should be secured with #5 re-bar – two per riser drilled and driven through them 30 - 36” into soil below.

Ramps Michigan handicapped laws require no greater than a 1’ rise in 20’. Of run to meet outdoor standards. p Handrails are required p Textured surface is preferred but similar to adjacent materials and not so rough as to jar a patient in a wheelchair p

Ramps Curbs are important if for handicapped use p Zig Zag pattern or curvilinear to follow contour best. p

Curbs & Edgings dsfd

What Curbs/Edgings Do For Us Traffic Control p Safety feature for handicapped ramps and walks p Direct water run-off and drainage. p Create design shapes, texture and interest is give edge definition for space ie. – implied or otherwise p

Function –Purpose of Edgings Create transition for design changes ie. Brick to pavement etc. p Keep mulch, loose surfaces such as gravel, and grass contained p Serve as a mowing wheel edge p Keeps walking surfaces stabilized p Can create a finished edge for water p Protect trees from damage in public space p

Types Concrete n n Molded curbing Concrete curbing Gutter Traffic Curbs Brick Stone Aluminum Plastic

Types p Brick n For heavy duty curb is laid over 12“ concrete footing n Bricks p n Upright position Bricks p Tilted 45 degree angle

Brick Edgings p Pro’s n n Great design potential - edging becomes a strong element of design Gives a finished look – attractive Provides great stability if structure edge used or set in concrete. Long lasting – holds up to wear well

Brick Edgings p Con’s n n More expensive by the unit + labor compared to lineal ft. of aluminum or plastic. Must be over concrete to hold up to heavy vehicles for concrete pavers – becomes moe expensive for footing. Soldier courses use in vertical position & with raised above ground level get chipped & broken easily – always use hardest brick. More trouble to handle product

Types p Stone n Cut stone lengths 18”– 24” x 6– 8” deep for edging

Stone Edgings p Pro’s n n n Beautiful if integrated as part of design Good stability – again over concrete or with structure edge Long lasting – holds up to wear well.

Stone Edgings p Cons n n More expensive + labor + by the unit Flag more likely to migrates than cut stone because larger joints generally if on sand. Must be over concrete to handle heavy vehicles. More trouble to get product

Types p Wood n n 2 x 4” redwood or cedar 6”x 6” P. T. landscape timber For gentle curved may use 1 x 4” redwood or cedar – but not stable Cedar Posts 4”x 2’ min. length

Wood Edgings p Pro’s n n Easy & quick to install Inexpensive Can be attractive as 1”x 4”s, 2”x 4”s or 6”x 6” timbers Easy to procure

Wood Edgings p Cons n n n Not as flexible for curves kerf cuts compromise life on board Must use cedar or P. T. only – restricted to kind of wood Not as long lasting – 10 yrs – rotting makes a problem Require & hidden staking must not show Subject to freezing – thawing - termites etc. .

Edgings CONT. p Tempered steel n n Galvanized Steel Aluminum Edging

Aluminum p Pro’s n n n Very flexible, bends to fit curves Excellent life & durability Easy to install, efficient in time & labor- 16’ length. Still less expensive then steel, brick, or stone Colors available now - make it disappear more Works well against brick & stone – rigid enough

Aluminum p Con’s n n n Aluminum – unpainted stands out in landscape Painted is more expensive than Alum. More expensive than plastic

Edgings CONT. p Plastic n Polyethylene Rolled edge lawn edging

Plastic p Pro’s n n n Very Flexible, Tends to fit curves Quite durable against elements Easy to install, efficient in labor & time 16’ Lengths Inexpensive- less than 1 dollar a foot – easy to get & handle Very available Resistance to termites

Plastic p Con’s n n n n Appearance not as aesthetically attractive Catchs & reflects sunlight down its length Not good as a brick or stone path edging Can heave from thaw & freezing or being run over by lawn equipment Rips up if hit by mower Degrades slowly with the sun exposed Too flexible for some areas

Composite p Pro’s n n Like wood – can mostly be used in straight applications Easy quickly to install More expensive than wood but cheaper than aluminum Long life + expect 20 yrs.

Composite p Con’s n n n Heavier than wood & more expensive To use curved – must skerf boards Less available at this time still Requires staking Frost moves it around Predrilling required