When we moved in the previous owner had put in these stairs. They are kind of awkward but an important way around the side of the house. Also no handrail so probably will break my neck this winter on em.
I found the original landscaping plans and they show terraced steps. I’m handy and can follow instructions, but can’t tell if the slope is too steep for that or not.
Thoughts? What would you do?
EDIT: Thank you all for the overwhelmingly consistent feedback. Handrails and skip terracing it is. I am 60/40 on the pirate motif.
by No-Turnover8386
23 Comments
Add handrails and call it good. Stairs look solid and fit the natural vibe
Install a handrail
All wood materials probably wouldn’t have been my first choice… but it’s a nice looking DIY project. Definitely need some kind of rail on the right side. You could set a few posts (wood or metal) on large pier footings (spaced every 3 or 4 steps) and braced against the stringer. Lots of options for the rail itself… chain, small diameter pipe (or conduit), chain link, wood.
I second the handrail. Beautiful steps that match the vibe .
PNW?
Handrail or increase insurance.
Handrail a must.
Anti-slip edging on each riser before winter – wear marks make it easy to locate.
Trim back that greenery and figure out any long-term risks of undermining.
Otherwise, I’d say you’re good.
Along with the handrail I would add non skid stair strips. Those stairs will be slippery during rain and in the winter.
https://a.co/d/0dQdgpg4
I would walk up them! And then down them, too!
Outdoor steps on a steep slope are incredibly difficult to build, maintain, keep from washing away in bad storms, etc. I would build a handrail and watch the steps for any weaknesses and repair as needed.
I wouldn’t do anything, really.
Okay reading other posts, a handrail would be nice.
So would -mount flower / herb pots
Looks pretty steep for terracing honestly, those box steps are already doing the job, just slap a handrail on the right side and some grip strips and you’re set for winter.
Steps look great imo, just add a handrail
They’re in really good shape. I would probably add handrails then have them everything cleaned, stained, and sealed. Maybe add some lighting along the pathway and steps.
One of those cable car winch systems.
Install a railinb
hand rails and perhaps a no slip coating?
You can add rope hand rails, to have it fit the vibe more, but way less safe of course..
Handrail is fine. Optional stain to a more natural colour.
I say add a slide
I would consider getting something on the ground without space underneath it but I do not like having areas for critters to live under and prefer something like concrete, stone, rocks. Do you know how old they are? If they are pretty old and still in good shape then maybe they work well for your area.
Short term: I would put up a sign at the top saying “No entry or deliveries” to cover your butt.
Long term: Along with those handrails, I would definitely consider a install a lockable entryway gate at the top.