In
my last back porch project post, I showed you the finished framing with only a stepladder to get up into
the house! The stairway was next.
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| Footer blocks in place with rebar sticking up from them. |
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| Dan drills holes in the bottom of the posts to fit over the rebar. |
We debated whether to run the stairs straight down toward the driveway, or with a landing and face them toward the back, like the old ones were. Somehow a landing feels a little safer for anyone standing on the edge of the porch. Plus facing back will make quicker access to the clothesline and garden.
Pre-cut stringers are available, but we could only find them in 3-step, 4-step, or 5-step lengths. We needed 6 steps so Dan cut his own.
I was busy elsewhere and didn't get pictures of him installing the stringers and treads, so the next photos are how it looks now.
The pavers were put down before the steps were installed. Something to walk on instead of puddles and mud when the weather is soggy! Plus, even though the lumber is super-duper treated for ground contact, the pavers protect the wood from the damp ground anyway, and give a solid level base for the bottom step.
I have to say that it is so much nicer to use even, properly built stairs! The old stairs will not be missed.
It has to be nice for constructing things like this somewhere where frost levels in the winter are negligible! Up here, we inevitably start any such project by first digging down at least 18 inches to pour footers! What we likely do have in common though is the poor quality of "ground contact" rated lumber. It seems to last less and less at actual ground contact all the time so like you, we go to great lengths to prevent ground contact rated lumber from touching the ground when we can.
ReplyDeleteEd, it is rather amazing that we never have frost heave. It's rare that the surface of the ground stays frozen for more than a couple of days during winter. The trade-off is our long hot dry spells that are typical every summer.
DeleteTreated lumber is increasingly a joke. Nowadays it looks to be just a green tinged surface spray. But it's probably better than non-treated. Dan did a lot of building in the past with his home-milled lumber and anywhere where it's been exposed to the elements, it's needed to be replaced.
As usual, Dan's done a very professional job. Such a smart design using the pavers for the stepping off point.
ReplyDeleteDaisy, I do like the pavers there. They give it a finished look plus they serve a purpose!
DeleteThe porch and stairs look great. Looks like Dan has had lots of supervision for quality control! ☺️ RHill, TX
ReplyDeleteRHill, what would we do without supervision? :) Amazingly, the noise doesn't bother them.
DeleteThe landing is a good idea.
ReplyDeleteDicky Bird, I agree. It's a bit more work, but I think will be safer.
DeleteThe project looks great! It amuses me how busy your “snooperviser” has been.
ReplyDeleteThanks Katie! The snoopervisors tag team quite a bit and are really loving the space.
DeleteJust beautiful, Leigh...particularly the 'snoopervisors'!
ReplyDeleteHas the second kitty been tamed?
Rosalea, yes! Second kitty is Gracie. They are quite a team.
DeleteThat's a huge safety plus, having even treads and risers. There's a reason for regs. requiring them. Uneven width and height is a fall hazard. He does lovely work, much admired here. But it wouldn't succeed without his overseer there!
ReplyDeleteLiz, yes, it is such a relief to have the stairway as per regulations. I'll feel even better after the railings are up, but they need the floor installed first.
DeleteLooking good! Who is the kitten with the pencil and notepad? What a cutie! The project is a A+
ReplyDeleteGoatldi, thanks! The first photo is Violet. The last is Gracie. They look pretty much alike except Gracie is charcoal gray and has markings on her face. With Violet all you see is the amber eyes and white whiskers. :)
DeleteOuLaLa you got the first class wozer kitties!!
Delete:)
DeleteLeigh, we put in pavers in New Home for The Ravishing Mrs. TB's exit from her car as it was right on the edge of our rather scanty lawn/damp earth. It made an awful lot of difference; good call!
ReplyDeleteGetting good lumber was awful 20 years ago when we bought our house in New Home. There were multiple complaints about it being green even then; I am sure treated lumber is consumed as quickly as it is made.
TB, there seems to have been a deterioration in the quality of building materials over a period of time time. Not only lumber, but paint. I can't help but wonder hoe environmentally friendly it is to have to tear down and replace things every so many years. One of the reasons our landfills are overflowing.
DeleteThe back porch is coming along well. It looks like it's going to be a great replacement, nice looking, and sturdy. It's obvious the cats have already given their approval, so you can't go wrong :)
ReplyDeleteNina, the kittens especially love it. The two older cats are napping near the wood pile nowadays, because it's home to several chipmunks. :)
DeleteYou are so fortunate to have a husband that is so handy around the house! Mine wouldn't have the first idea as to where to start, much less be able to build it!! Can't wait to see it all done.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, thank you. Dan is indeed handy; he really likes construction and working with wood. Have to credit YouTube as a learning tool. :)
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