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Because outdoor steps are constantly exposed to a variety of climatic changes, they should not follow the steep riser heights customarily used indoors. Your maximum riser outdoors should be limited to 6 inches high and the accompanying tread should be no less than 12 inches wide, with shorter risers and wider treads for a more leisurely gait where the preferred site and available space allow. To establish quicker recognition of the quantity of steps, as well as to add attractive shadow lines, include an overhanging lip of at least one inch for each tread, whether the steps are made from stone, brick, or wood. Poured cement concrete steps, left plain, normally do not carry such overhanging lips, nor do sizable, quarried stone pieces.
Avoid incorporating a single step anywhere since it is rarely noticed, much to the dismay of a toppling guest. Plan always to have multiple steps for greater safety. For ease of use, a long flight of eight or more steps should be broken up at its midpoint with a proportionately sized landing, and consider adding side handrails. Also be sure to integrate adequate night lighting near any entry site that includes steps. Your guests will appreciate such thoughtfulness.