How To Design Outside Steps?

This article examines many important factors involved with the design of an outside step.  Building Regulations is considered, and our own recommendations are included.

1. Resilience Against Wet & Snowy Weather 

Seasonal weather changes can affect the performance of outdoor steps. Rain, for example, will cause a step surface to become wet and slippery due to puddle formations. Snowy temperatures can cause further problems with water on the surface freezing.

Preferably the walkway should be slip-resistant.  

Avoid using a wooden construction as the material is highly prone to rotting, splintering, and cracking, and any water build-up will encourage moss growth and make the surface slippery.

Likewise, a concrete surface is prone to becoming slippery due to the material being impermeable. It will allow water to build quickly and become trapped.

We offer different slip-resistant surfaces on our metal step system at Rapid Ramp to prevent puddle formations and slipping hazards. 

Our different walkways include:

Standard Mesh Walkway

This surface comes as standard with our modular steps and ramp. 

The product has self-draining mesh holes that allows water to pass through rather than collect and puddle on the surface and potentially freeze.

GRP Walkway

A slip-resistant and non-corrosive surface that is ideal for areas with high footfall, such as schools and public spaces.

The product also has holes that allows water to pass through rather than collect and puddle. 

Safetread Rubber Crumb Surface

This is a soft, slip-resistant surface that reduces the impact of falls.  

The product is made from the same materials used in soft play areas and is ideal for nurseries, schools, and public spaces/ buildings.

2. Fully Compliant Steps

To a achieve a fully compliant step system it needs to adhere to Part M and K of the Building Regulations.

Requirements include:

• The minimum width for steps for public use is 1500mm, and 900mm is the minimum width for residential use.
• Infill Handrail is required and prevents users from climbing or falling through gaps.
• Yellow Tread Strips is required. The product is a safety feature designed to help those with impaired vision identify the nose of the ramp or step. Additionally, it helps users distinguish any level changes.
• 1100 High Handrail is often needed and attaches to any level sections.
• Handrails must be slip-resistant, have a warm-to-touch finish, and be looped or closed. This is stated to prevent clothes from catching on the end of the steps.

3. Warm To Touch Handrails

External uncoated handrails can become extremely cold to the touch when bitter weather sets in. Likewise, the heat can become unbearable when the sun beats down on uncoated rails.

Both situations can trigger persons in these circumstances to feel uncomfortable & hesitant about using a handrail, causing them to let go while moving unintentionally. 

The risk of falling increases, and the product becomes impractical in extreme cold or hot weather conditions. 

Document M of the Building Regulations specifies that handrails should not ‘become excessively cold or hot to touch’ and fully complaint steps need to fulfil this requirement.

In-house, we achieve a warm to touch finish on our metal step system with a nylon coating of low thermal conductivity, so that body heat is not conducted away from the hand.

4. Fireproof 

In the event of a fire, it is imperative that individuals of all abilities can make a quick and safe escape from a building. Avoidable risks to their exit should be removed too. 

An avoidable risk can include the material that the steps are constructed from, e.g., concrete or wood.

We strongly advise you choose steel steps. Steel is a non-combustible material that will not burn or melt at temperatures typically encountered in building fires.

Avoid wooden steps entirely as the material will burn if exposed to fire.

5. Rustproof 

If you do choose metal steps, make sure it is galvanised. Our own modular step system is made from galvanised steel components.

Galvanising is a process where a protective coating of zinc is applied to prevent rusting and moss growth.

Rapid Ramp Can Design Your Outside Steps

Avoid the stress involved in designing and building steps; we can take care of the whole process. >Request A Quick Quote<

We offer three varied service packages to suit different access requirements: 

Supply & Installation

An all-inclusive, stress-free option that we manage in-house with our own installation teams across the UK. 

This package includes a site survey (if applicable), quotation, 3D CAD drawings, supply, and installation.

Supply Only

No site survey is included, but a quotation with 3D CAD drawings are provided with a copy of our installation video.

As a manufacturer and stockist, you will find our delivery times are much faster!

Step Rental

Temporary steps are available for long or short-term hire.

Once no longer required, the system will be removed, leaving the area in its original condition.

The minimum hire period applies, and the rental duration is flexible (more details available on application). 

Quick Quote

Request a quick quote or email [email protected] with the full project address, drawings, photos and contact details.

Fully DDA Compliant steps and our standard option are available.