Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 11/18/2009

Question
We are finishing our basement and want to add an outside entrance to our basement. The basement has 7' walls. Ground level is approx. 5 1/2' from basement floor. I have found someone to dig out the dirt  and someone with a concrete cahinsaw to cut the opening. My question is whether to put in stairs or a ramp. How long would the ramp need to be? Also, pro's and con's to each.

Answer
Hi Jon, a standard, handicap accessible ramp is a 1/12 pitch so every one foot of rise would require 12' of ramp. So your ramp would have to be over 60' long to accommodate the 5.5' of rise.  In contrast a set of stairs for 5.5 feet with each step being 6" in rise and 12" in run you would need 11 feet of run plus a landing.  Your ramp length will be reduced if the ground slopes away from the building.  In other words if  the ground sloping away from the building is at a 2/12 pitch then your ramp length will be substantially reduced.  Personally I would go with steps..And don't forget, you will need a retaining wall on each side of the stairs or ramp plus a way to drain the water that will collect down at the bottom.  I hope this information helps, please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com