Zero Entry
June 2025
You’re Welcome Here or Zero Entry!
When someone can cross a threshold without adjusting their stride, lifting a foot, or bracing themselves—it sends a subtle but powerful message: you’re welcome here.
Zero entry which means there is no step up or step down to cross a threshold. This applies to many spaces including a front porch, a shower stall, a living room or a patio enclosure.
Best UD Option for Zero Entry
The UD Checklist for Optimum Zero Entry
Pathway is clear and unobstructed to the front door.
Pathway is level, smooth surface and minimal width 32-36”.
Front door threshold must be flush with porch and foyer inside.
Contrasting color or material between the path and porch.
No steps!
One of the most important UD principles is to avoid steps in a design. When using UD, you try to provide a solution that is equitable to all, is easy to use, is simple, and intuitive.
ZERO ENTRY is best! Use either a ramp or curves in the pathway to reduce slope so a step is not necessary. All new construction or remodels should have zero entry.
Stamped concrete pathway. A smooth, level surface with no steps=Zero Entry
Better UD option
ZERO ENTRY
Smooth pathway surface, wide & curving, with no stair. Zero Entry! The best UD Option.
A nice smooth level surface with no step up or step down is zero entry. As the pathway dead ends to the front door, you may want a contrast color or material on the porch area and the path. Visually it signals a change, you are entering the porch space.
Smooth pathway surface with no stair but a Ramp, still Zero Entry! Contrast ramp and porch surface with the Pathway.
Best UD Option for Pathways!
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