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Video, Decks and Patios, Repairs and Installation, Exterior Published 05/08/2008 by Danny Lipford
Building steps used to require complicated measurements and difficult angled cuts, but the precut pressure treated stringers available at home centers today have made the job much easier.
Allow for a stringer at each end of the steps and at 16” intervals in between. Use corrosion resistant screws and nails to assemble the steps.
Start by measuring the width of the opening, then cut a treated 2”x4” to length to attach to the side of the house as an anchor for the stringers. Remember to take 3” off the length of the anchor board to allow for the thickness of the end stringers.
Position the anchor board on the house, taking into account the thickness of the top tread. Screw the board in place, making sure it’s level with the house. When attaching to brick, drill pilot holes with masonry bit for anchors or masonry screws.
Place the outside stringers against the house flush with the top of the anchor board, checking to be sure they’re level and square, and nail them to the ends of the anchor board.
Cut 1½” off the end of each of the inside stringers to allow for the thickness of the anchor board.
Toenail the inside stringers to the anchor board flush with the top.
Attach a treated 1”x 8” riser to the bottom of the steps to tie the stringers together.
Cut the 5/4” x 6” pressure treated treads to length, allowing for the overhang on each end, and nail them in place. Using two treads on each step minimizes the cracking and cupping that might occur with a single wide board.
Rip 1”x8” risers to width and cut to length flush with the outside of the stringers. Nail the risers to the stringers to complete the steps.
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May 10th, 2008 at 1:31 am
Just a few things: 1) Never attach the ledger board to the house without the use of a few galvanized flat washers between the board and house where the bolts go through. i.e., One washer directly under the bolt-head, and then two washers between the house and ledger board. Drainage must occur between the house and wood, or there will be future “problems” of one sort or another. 2) Very few houses are perfectly level, and the exterior steps should be off-level just a tad (approx. 1/16” to 1/8” per lineal ft.) This is never noticed, nor is it dangerous, but does allow for most of the rainwater to drain off the steps. 3) Don’t just “nail” the stringers to the “anchor” board… screw them on, or better yet… use mini-joist hangers for the strength needed. Don’t forget, there is no “ramset” board at the bottom of exterior steps, unless you install one. (I certainly don’t see one on the steps here) By the way, just what in the devil are the stringers, and bottom riser sitting on… the dirt? That’s a direct path for water to wick up. There should “at least” be some bricks for them to sit on!
Chaz / A Pro Builder
May 29th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
i am looking for somthing to put over a wooden deck. Is there a product to lay over a worn deck? Like a thin covering. I do not really wany oudside green carpet.
June 3rd, 2008 at 1:25 pm
I have to put ONE step outside my back door to the driveway but it’s not level. The driveway slops down. How do I level this board and attach it to the driveway??