EXTENDED STEPS

• This is an excellent alternative to a ramp for clients not using a wheel chair, but who have difficulty using their steps. The primary advantage is it requires less distance to install. This can be very useful inside a garage.

• If the total distance from the door threshold to the ground or garage floor is 12”, a ramp system would require a 5’ x 5’ platform or landing and 12’ of ramp. Extended steps would be 7 ½’ or 10’ long.

• Each step or tread is a minimum of 30” deep. This allows the client to completely place a walker on to the next step, then move each foot in the direction of the walker before moving to the next step.

• The height or rise of each step can be 3” to 5” high. This makes it easier for the client to move their foot up or down to the next step. The standard height of most steps is 7” to 7 ½”, but some steps can be higher.

• Extended steps can be built with and without handrails. A client using a walker way not need or want handrails. Anyone else using extended steps should have handrails.

• Extended steps cannot be converted into a ramp system. If a client’s ambulatory limitations may worsen over time, it would be best to build a ramp system.