The front porch serves as an essential link between the house and the yard. The number of steps leading up to a house is of great significance in Feng Shui. Therefore, when building a house, homeowners should pay attention to choosing the right number of steps to bring the best fortune.
What is the Ideal Number of Steps for Good Feng Shui?
According to VTC News, feng shui expert and architect Pham Cuong stated that many people believe that the number of steps should be a multiple of four, with each step symbolizing birth, old age, sickness, and death. Additionally, the last step should not fall on sickness or death. However, this belief is considered inaccurate in terms of feng shui.
Following the Eastern philosophy of motion, the ideal number of steps is calculated as 4n+1. In contrast, Westerners prefer a formula of 2n+1.
Feng shui experts suggest that an odd number of steps is more auspicious. When ascending the stairs, people tend to lead with their dominant foot, and the next step will be taken with the other foot. As a result, if the last step is odd-numbered, the dominant foot will land on it, providing a more stable and confident stride.
The number of steps may vary depending on the type of building and the height of the porch relative to the ground level.
Traditionally, residential homes often have a three-step porch, known as a ‘tam cấp’, which corresponds to the theory of the three realms: Heaven, Earth, and Man. However, modern homes and villas typically feature three or five steps. Temples and pagodas have a higher number of steps, usually seven or nine, symbolizing dignity and reverence.
When designing the steps, feng shui experts advise homeowners to consider the height of the porch relative to the ground or street level. The design should also prioritize convenience and comfort for users. Steep or narrow steps can hinder daily movement and are believed to negatively impact the flow of energy into the house.
Additional Considerations for Front Porch Steps
- Ideal Dimensions and Height for Front Porch Steps
Each step should ideally be 15-18 cm in height and 25-30 cm in depth. These dimensions provide a comfortable and natural stride for most people.
Steps that are too high can be challenging for the elderly and children, while steps that are too low can disrupt the rhythm of walking and increase the risk of tripping.
- Anti-Slip Materials
To prevent slipping and falling, especially during rainy weather, homeowners should choose anti-slip materials for the steps. Rough-surfaced tiles or stones are ideal choices for this purpose.
- Prevent Waterlogging
To prevent waterlogging, homeowners can construct steps with a slight outward slope to facilitate rainwater runoff. Additionally, installing drainage channels on both sides of the steps can help keep the area dry and reduce the risk of slipping.
- Handrails and Lighting
For homes with high front porches, installing handrails can provide support for the elderly, children, and those with mobility issues. Handrails offer a sense of security and reduce fatigue during ascent or descent. Furthermore, installing recessed or decorative lights along the steps can improve visibility at night and add a stylish touch to the home’s exterior.
This information is for reference only.
