Design decision
Why this idea works
A deep porch landing turns the entry into a place to pause, not just pass through, and a low planted sidewall gives it a soft, finished edge. The uniform steps keep the climb comfortable and the generous landing makes daily arrival easy.
- The tradeoff
- The layout sets a clear direction, but it also commits the project to fixed relationships. Give the landing generous depth and detail the sidewall drainage before finishing.
- How to measure it
- Conceptual range: the stepped element plus the deep landing and the planted sidewall figured separately.
On your property
Plan it for your site
Broom-finish the treads and landing for traction and round the nosings, and keep every riser and tread uniform. Build the planted sidewall with drainage so it does not wet the landing, and pitch the landing to drain away from the door.
- Give the landing generous depth so the entry feels roomy and safe.
- Build the planted sidewall with drainage so it does not wet the landing.
- Keep steps uniform, set footings below frost, and pitch the landing to drain.
Before forms are set
Build implications
- Confirm before estimating A generous, well-drained landing.
- Confirm before estimating A planted sidewall built with drainage.
- Confirm before estimating Uniform steps and footings below frost.
- Measure the site and establish elevations Record boundaries, thresholds, grade changes, utilities, and the dimensions of vehicles, furniture, equipment, or structures that affect the layout.
- Test how the space will be used Check walking routes, turning paths, door swings, working clearances, maintenance access, and the route back to the house or street.
- Resolve drainage, services, and structural support Decide where water goes and coordinate drains, conduit, irrigation, fuel, electrical work, footings, and independent supports before forms are set.
- Define and estimate each concrete element Confirm the slab or footing section, base, joints, edges, and finish, then estimate simple measurable fields separately from steps, walls, drains, and supported features.
Prevent these problems
- Fixing risers before final elevationsFinish layers at the landing or threshold can change the first or last riser and create an uncomfortable or unsafe flight.
- Allowing one irregular stepUsers expect a repeated rhythm; a single different riser height or tread depth is a common trip hazard.
- Treating open-looking stairs as ordinary flatworkCantilevered, folded, open, or suspended concrete stairs require engineered support, reinforcement, connections, and guard details.
Next step
Turn the idea into your estimate
Enter measurements from the property. The conceptual image does not provide a takeoff.
Estimate similar stepsQuestions this idea raises
How deep can a porch landing be?
As deep as you want a usable platform, well beyond the 36-inch minimum, sized to how you use the entry. A deeper landing makes the entry more of a place.
Does the planted sidewall risk the landing?
Only if it holds water against the concrete, so build it with drainage so moisture drains away. Detail it as its own element.
- Best when
- Landings & entries
- Reconsider when
- Reconsider the idea if finished elevations, consistent stair geometry, drainage, and safe support cannot be resolved on the property.
- Verify first
- Give the landing generous depth and detail the sidewall drainage before finishing.
- Professional input
- Qualified concrete contractor; engineer for suspended, cantilevered, or supported stairs
Sources and further reading
- International Code CouncilModel-code context for residential stairs and local code adoption.
- U.S. Access Board: Ramps and curb rampsUseful accessibility context when a grade change may need a ramp rather than steps.
- American Concrete InstituteTechnical references for concrete practice and reinforced structural work.
