How should outside concrete stairs be designed for drainage when the riser is longer than the unit rise?

For outside concrete stairs, proper drainage is vital to prevent water accumulation that can lead to slipping hazards and damage to the structure. When the riser is longer than the unit rise, having the stairs slope downward is essential. This design allows rainwater or melting snow to flow off the stairs rather than pooling on them, ensuring safety and longevity of the material.

A downward slope directs water away from the staircase and into a designated drainage area. This natural flow reduces the risk of erosion, ice formation, and other water-related issues that could compromise the integrity of the stairs and the safety of users.

Other options like a flat design do not offer any drainage, potentially allowing water to stagnate, while upward slopes would encourage water to pool at the top. A drainage channel is another solution, but not necessarily required for simple stair designs unless there are specific site challenges that warrant it. Thus, sloping the stairs downward is the practical and effective design choice for facilitating proper drainage.