Large drop from front/back door to ground

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

Hi All

The floor of our house is about 40cm higher than the outside ground level. At the moment there is one concrete step down from each of the doors. However, we are looking to get patio doors but will have the same issue and ideally don't want a big drop to the ground. Presumably if we were to get a patio, it would be expensive to bring the patio up to a closer level to the inside floor? I was also thinking of decking as I'm guessing it would be easier for this to be raised - but also don't have a lot of space for the patio and concerned the steps down to the lawn will take up a lot of room (although don't have much choice I guess!)

Also, I have flower beds up against the patio now with mature plants in. What happens if the patio raises up by ~30cm? Will I need to change these into raised beds and dig out these mature plants?

Drawing of the current layout of the patio and start of garden: Any advice on the best way to approach the patio??

Comments (2)

PRO
Gardens and Plants
2 years ago
40cm is too much for a safe and comfortable step. It would be useful if you could add some measurements to the sketch and where does the path on the left go? You could possibly get away with raising the patio 20cm. I don't think raised beds are necessary but it is difficult to tell levels. etc. from your sketch. You may need a decking skirt or something to cover the raised patio edges, such as a brick plinth.
Sonia
2 years ago
I think decking is the best option. Softwood decking isn’t very long lived. Hardwood is better or you could try composite decking, but I’ve read that isn’t as hardwearing as manufacturers make out. As to the plant beds, you may be okay as long as no one falls into them. Maybe you could lay the decking a bit lower?
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Large drop from front/back door to ground

Comments (2)

Gardens and Plants

Sonia

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