What Do You Need? A Zero Step Entry!
Front entry with zero step entry. Photo by the Journal of Light Construction
What Is a Zero Step Entry?
A zero step entry is a doorway to get in and out of your home with ZERO steps.
You know what’s a shame though? Less than 3.5% of homes in the U.S. have one zero step entry according to Joint Center for Housing Studies (2011).
Now, of course, I hope that figure has gone up since 2011. But I highly doubt it!
When I drive around and see new construction for houses and apartments, you better believe I’m rubbernecking to see if they’re putting in one entryway with zero steps!
But here’s the unfortunate truth: I see steps to go inside the front door, back door, and garage door.
Why do builders do this?
Because they do what they know. Builders don’t obsess about accessibility the way occupational therapists like me do!
I understand people think that a couple, two, three stairs won’t hurt anybody from going in and out of their house. But it actually does in the long run.
Zero Steps= Less Work
Let’s try an experiment:
I want you to carry something that requires two hands, like a laundry basket, across level flooring for ten feet.
I’ll wait here. . .
Okay! You’re finished! Great! How much effort did you put into that? How hard are you breathing? Can you still hold a conversation? Are your muscles tired?
Now, I want you to carry that same object up and down at least two stairs. If you have more stairs, try carrying your object up and down all of your stairs.
After all of your stair climbing, how much effort did your body put in to carrying an object up and down the stairs compared to no stairs at all?
As we age, this “simple” task of carrying objects up and down stairs becomes more difficult. Even though I’m in my 30’s, I notice I exert more energy to carry things up and down stairs compared to carrying things across the floor.
I hate to burst your bubble, but there will be a day when it’s harder for you to carry things up and down the stairs. It may be due to a back injury, arthritis, heart condition, etc., etc. You just never know!
So if you DON’T have a zero step entry, what can you do NOW to make sure you’re set for the future?
Start planning your zero step entry for your home!
Front zero step entry with portico and rampscape. Photo by Sutton Group Preferred Realty
It can be any entry you desire! The front door, the side door, the back door, the garage door, etc. You pick what works best for you and your house.
You can convert an existing window into a zero step entry door! If you’re creating a door out of a non-existing door, make sure to have the doorway width measure 36 inches for plenty of room to maneuver in and out of the house.
An issue that may come up is the fact that the main level of your house is not the same as the ground outside.
I have that EXACT same issue! So let’s dive into the problem solving process for my humble abode.
This is my back stoop with uneven pavers and rubber mats! This is a work in process, my darlings!
How to Make A Zero Step Entry
The problem for my house is the front and back entryway both have stairs to go inside. I would choose to make my back door zero entry because it’s closest to our driveway. There are several options I can think of off the top of my dome:
Wooden ramp from driveway to front door. Photo by Wheelchair Special Needs Project.
1) Ramp
Install a ramp at the back door and create a minimum 6’x6’ landing for space to open the door and walk inside and outside.
The ramp incline would need to gradually rise one foot per inch from the ground level to the height of the door threshold.
In my case, I would need 14 feet of ramp to accommodate the 14 inches from the ground to the top of my threshold. I would also make the ramp width at least 40 inches to allow plenty of room for a wheelchair user.
That’s a lot of ramp!
From the get go, I know this ramp will cost some money just on materials alone!
2) Rampscape
Rampscape from the driveway to the front door using pavers with a gradual incline. Photo by Schafer Construction
Another option for my back door would be to install a rampscape.
Rampscapes are ramps made by grading dirt to make that gradual incline to the door threshold. They look very pretty when landscaped with whatever materials you choose.
I would lay a 6’x6’ concrete patio by the door, a 40 inch wide concrete sidewalk on the rampscape, and add lots of plants around it!
3) Vertical Lift
Vertical platform lift next to small porch with four steps to enter door. Photo by Mobility Express
Install a vertical lift. A vertical lift is a platform that takes you from ground level and elevates you to the main threshold, like an outdoor elevator!
I would still create a 6’x6’ landing to allow enough room to open and close the back door.
This option would definitely require an overhead above the vertical lift to protect it from rain and snow.
Vertical lifts would take away the effort you’d use to walk or roll up a ramp or rampscape.
Personally, I’d love to see more vertical lifts in public places, like business, medical offices, schools, anywhere really.
Conclusion
The most inexpensive option would be installing a ramp.
Rampscapes and vertical lifts do cost a lot, but they’re also great investments since they keep your ability to get in and out of your house whether you walk or use a walker!
If you’re building a new home, then you will spend the least amount of money to create a zero step entry. The builders already have to grade the plot for your home. Might as well ask them to grade for a rampscape or level the garage with the home while they’re at it!
You can build ANY style of house and have at least one zero step entry.
Personally, I would also install an overhang or portico to cover the landing above the back doorway to avoid all forms of precipitation. Slipping on snow and ice is not fun for me! And porticos help direct water away from your door.
Financing this project can be a challenge. Consider discussing this with your family and peruse my financial resources page for ideas. Remember to ask for multiple bids to select the best option for you!
Do you have a zero step entry? What do you think about it? If not, are you planning on adding one? Share in the comments below!
(Pssssttttt . . . did you know we have an awesome online course for people who have a hard time wiping after using the toilet? It’s an awkward topic that you can learn how to solve in the comfort and privacy of your own home! Learn more about the course HERE!)