Step down from florida room to birdcage: How did you handle?

[jane032657]

We made our lanai into a Florida Room. The floor was raised to meet the same level as the kitchen which is where you enter the Florida Room from.

The step down to go out from the Florida Room is 4 1/2 inches to the first step. Then you step down off that step into the birdcage which is 3 1/2 inches off of the first step. However, people are tripping off the first step as they enter the birdcage, I guess thinking they are now level with the birdcage and not expecting that second step down. We are trying to find a solution so this will not happen. We had the step painted a contrast color but this has not helped. I also put out a bright colored outdoor carpet where the second stepdown is and this has not helped.
If you have a similar situation, can you share how you handle the drop off from your Florida Room to your birdcage or outdoor area? If you can post a picture, that would be helpful too! And no, not everyone has had a drink when they trip!!!!

[tainsley]

Had the same problem. We put our pool pole that we use to skim pool at the step down. It is long and a bright blue...solved the tripping hazard. I believe it is the color that our friends see before they step down.

[JP]

Maybe light it with some LED's.

[kevmo]

Have you considered making the first step a larger platform, such as a 4' half moon shape? Then the next step down would be clear and obvious, and away from the door. We are getting ready to raise our Lanai floor as well and turn it into a Florida room. Thanks for the post that will help us to address this issue during construction.