Adventures in Remuddling

.. continued from “New Concrete Pad for Front Steps”

Time to build and install the new steps.

The zig zag looking pieces of wood in the picture below are called “stringers”.  They need to be built first.

After the rise (height) and return (depth) of the stairs were calculated, I clamped a straight edge to a framing square (a large 90 degree ruler) to act as a template.  One side measurement of the framing square is the rise, and the other is the return.

I cut the stringers using both a circular saw and a jig saw because the pressure treated wood was difficult to cut and my cordless circular saw blade blade kept binding. I think it may be a new wood that Home Depot carries (it seems “greener” or “wetter”). I ran through many rechargable batteries and had to stop midday to recharge all four of them. Once they were all cut, the stringers were then attached to the header piece by Simpson Strong Tie framing angle, which are metal angled plates.

For the treads, I’m using Veranda, a composite lumber made of wood fibers and extruded plastic. This “lumber” has a combed finish on one side and an embossed woodgrain finish on the other side. Supposedly, the material resists “splintering, corrosion, or becoming structurally unfit due to rot, split, warp, cupping, checks, or damage caused by termites or fungal decay rot” according to the website. Its low maintenance features appealed to me: we don’t have to seal or paint it. It also supposedly cuts like wood. My experience is that it does cut like wood, but with less splintering. I expected it to melt a little since it’s partly made of plastic, but that hasn’t been the case for me.

The above picture shows the treads in place. They were secured with 2 1/2″ deck screws, which are not supposed to rust.

Here the faces of the steps are mostly in. I used simple pine boards that I primed and painted. I still need to cut the last front piece to accomodate the slightly sloping walkway. Also, my dad and I straightened out that small piece of concrete in the landing area so it doesn’t drop so dramatically.

Thanks Dad, for helping me out!