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 option for Zero Entry!

The UD/Age Friendly 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 Universal Design (UD)/Age Friendly 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 step. 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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