What is the ideal rise and going for garden steps?

The ideal rise for garden steps is 100-175mm with a going (tread depth) of 280-350mm. A comfortable formula is: 2 x Rise + Going = 550-700mm. For example, 150mm rise with 300mm going = 600mm, which is comfortable. Building Regulations Part K recommends a maximum rise of 220mm and minimum going of 220mm for external steps.

How many steps do I need for my slope?

Divide the total level change by your chosen rise. For example, a 900mm level change with 150mm rises needs 6 steps. If the division doesn't give a whole number, round up and recalculate the actual rise to keep all steps equal. Unequal step heights are a serious trip hazard.

Do garden steps need foundations?

Yes, garden steps need a concrete foundation (150mm deep minimum) on compacted sub-base. This prevents settlement and movement. For brick or block risers, the foundation must be at least as wide as the riser plus 50mm each side. On clay soils, consider 225mm depth to get below the frost zone.

Do I need cheek walls for garden steps?

Cheek walls (side walls) are recommended for steps wider than 900mm and on slopes where soil could wash onto the steps. They also provide a handrail mounting point. Building Regulations require a handrail on flights of 600mm+ total rise. Cheek walls are typically built in matching brick.

What materials are best for garden steps?

Brick risers with paving slab treads are the most popular UK garden step construction. Natural stone (York stone, sandstone) gives a premium finish. Timber sleeper steps suit informal gardens. Use non-slip treads and consider drainage — a slight fall (1:60) on each tread prevents standing water and ice.

TradeCalculator

Garden Steps Calculator — Rise, Going & Materials

Calculate step count from level change, tread and riser materials, foundation concrete and cheek walls.

Total Level Change

Height difference between levels

Step Width

Width of each step

Construction Method

Concrete Price

How We Calculate This

This calculator determines the number of steps, materials and foundation concrete from the total level change between two areas.

Step count

Number of Steps = ceil(Level Change / Rise)
Actual Rise = Level Change / Number of Steps
Total Going = Number of Steps x Going

Materials

Foundation concrete at 150mm depth under the full staircase footprint. Brick risers calculated from step width and rise height. Cheek walls are optional side walls built alongside the staircase.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.