What's an inexpensive way to make a half step at my front door?

Terry
by Terry
I have one step out my door. My floor to the walk. It's too big of a step for my Mother in law (she's 90). I'm hoping someone can tell me how to make a half step (inexpensively). Anyone ever had this same problem? Thanks, Terry.
Maybe this helps.
  9 answers
  • For a quick fix you could glue some concrete pavers together until you get the desired height. Just glue pavers together, not to your steps. Even the 12" size is quite heavy. If your stairs are to narrow for standard 12" pavers, poke around as they do have smaller sizes, just might take a bit of playing to see what works best.

    • See 1 previous
    • Oh good! The photo does help. Since you have the space, maybe use 2 pavers deep and 2 pavers high. This will give her more stability and enough room for whoever is assisting to step out, take a step then step down again. And maybe install a temporary handrail on the left side?

  • Dysko7710 Dysko7710 on Sep 24, 2017

    One option is to buy something called a mobility step that goes in front of the door:

    https://www.mileskimball.com/buy-mobility-step-338119


  • Fix It Jen Fix It Jen on Sep 24, 2017

    You might be able to do a line of half size cinder blocks, but yes I'd recommend gluing them down so they don't wiggle.

  • Kan26189712 Kan26189712 on Sep 27, 2017

    My son had " steps made for me after I had a bad fall.If you have someone who can do concrete it would be more inexpensive.I used a 6" exercise step inside for

    help in and out of bed.If you outside step is covered this may work(I had one but may find a used one cheap) I think they can be purchased for not

    too much.Maybe Amazon?I don't think they are slippery but if so could probably use a non slip mat if needed.

  • Wkrueger10 Wkrueger10 on Sep 27, 2017

    Why not make a simple wooden ramp. The width of the door and perhaps a 1 to 3 slope. A 2 x 6 for the back, a 2 x 4 support in the middle, and 1x2 for the ramp lip. Easy to build. Very light if we needed to move. And handy. Pain with nonskid, or nonskid strips.

  • Carol Webb Carol Webb on Sep 27, 2017

    Make sure to have a handrail, I have to use a cane, with any steps, I need a handrail!!!

  • Synfulto Synfulto on Sep 29, 2017

    A ramp would be better.

    Steps are made a uniform size for a reason.( 7"x11")

    When you alter that size we all start tripping.

    Steps also tend to put elderly off balance more than a ramp would.


  • Cdl29716710 Cdl29716710 on Sep 29, 2017

    Small ramp with non skid and rail.. Can be made from recycled products.. Look around.. Falling, or hitting a "bump" is a non fun way to fall, no matter how old you are!!!

  • Joy30150932 Joy30150932 on Sep 29, 2017

    Large patio stones may work. My other suggestion is to build a box and pour redicrete into it. You want to make it solid so there are no accidents. You can make it as large as you want. Mix your redicrete in a wheelbarrow.