What is the maximum allowable height for a vertical step from a deck to a door threshold?

The maximum allowable height for a vertical step from a deck to a door threshold is 7 3/4 inches. This standard is specified to enhance safety by reducing the risk of trips and falls when entering or exiting a home. Heights greater than this can present accessibility issues and increase hazards, particularly for children, the elderly, or individuals with mobility challenges.

By establishing a maximum height of 7 3/4 inches, building codes aim to ensure that transitions between different exterior surfaces are manageable and visibly distinct. This height helps maintain a balance between functional design and safety, adhering to guidelines intended for residential construction.

Other heights, like 6 inches, 8 inches, or 9 inches, although potentially viable in some scenarios, exceed the standard parameters set for safety and may not comply with building codes designed to ensure the safety and accessibility of homes.