Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Best idea for a safety "curb" on small landing
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jthoni
05-04-09, 12:18 PM
I have a detached L-shaped guest house that had a small deck. I reclaimed the yard space, and put raised beds along the building. There are two (mostly unused) doors in the corner of the "L" that need a small landing. I am using the existing ledger, and just building a small platform with one step.
The decking will be slightly higher than the flower boxes. My question has to do with what I should do to ensure no one accidentally steps off into the planters. I am going to be using 1x6 cedar decking. My current thought is to use a piece of decking attached (vertically) on top of the planter rail, and flush with the edge of the decking, to act as a kind of "curb."
Thoughts?
Here is a pic:
http://iekdyg.blu.livefilestore.com/y1p3b8ejG6CBtdVGVelkouXrrDo8iUmiKdXGMS-Qx9-RCSb4tAH_brqBd7rBuM9ZJhmZVDNTUu8fZVvWrZ2KHur851rvP6fSaUf/DeckLanding.jpg
P.S. I don't want to use treated wood here. I am using treated for the framing, but we are growing food in the planters, and I don't want treated lumber up high enough for run-off to get into the planter.
The decking will be slightly higher than the flower boxes. My question has to do with what I should do to ensure no one accidentally steps off into the planters. I am going to be using 1x6 cedar decking. My current thought is to use a piece of decking attached (vertically) on top of the planter rail, and flush with the edge of the decking, to act as a kind of "curb."
Thoughts?
Here is a pic:
http://iekdyg.blu.livefilestore.com/y1p3b8ejG6CBtdVGVelkouXrrDo8iUmiKdXGMS-Qx9-RCSb4tAH_brqBd7rBuM9ZJhmZVDNTUu8fZVvWrZ2KHur851rvP6fSaUf/DeckLanding.jpg
P.S. I don't want to use treated wood here. I am using treated for the framing, but we are growing food in the planters, and I don't want treated lumber up high enough for run-off to get into the planter.
Wirepuller38
05-04-09, 02:18 PM
Would you rather have someone step into the beds or fall into the beds? A curb will be a tripping hazard. Install a railing.
jthoni
05-04-09, 02:26 PM
Probably fall into it. :)
The railings would only be about 2' long, and would look really ugly being on either side of this small space. In 10 years, I think these doors have been used a half dozen times (there is a main door at the opposite end of the building near the main house). I just want something so that you don't accidentally step off the edge. I am willing to take the risk of tripping.
The railings would only be about 2' long, and would look really ugly being on either side of this small space. In 10 years, I think these doors have been used a half dozen times (there is a main door at the opposite end of the building near the main house). I just want something so that you don't accidentally step off the edge. I am willing to take the risk of tripping.
Gunguy45
05-04-09, 03:27 PM
Gotta agree with WP, sorry. Plantings in the bed will give a visual reference not to step in, but a raised curb isn't a good idea. I've stepped off things thinking it was higher than it was, and was able to recover. Most times when I stubbed or caught my toe on something, I went over.
You could always just widen the angled area inside the bed a bit, or just screw down a couple of simple metal rails on each side.
You could always just widen the angled area inside the bed a bit, or just screw down a couple of simple metal rails on each side.