Precast concrete steps and precast concrete stairs are also an option. On a deck, stairs are third (behind ledger detachment and guard failures) in terms of number of injuries suffered. On exterior stairways, an exposed-aggregate finish offers the additional benefits of being nonskid and resistant to heavy foot traffic and weather extremes. Rails for stairs should be continuous and installed at a height that accommodates most users. would be vulnerable to the same wear and tear life cycle as before. Very sturdy feeling, look good,and feel comfortable when walking on. I just saw a picture (top view) it looks like all the posts will be surface-mounted so maybe they are doing the same on the stairs. be available everywhere yet but it is now available here at DecksGo. i am standing on the stairs. US based, college educated, and ready to work from day 1. A 2x12 stringer has a maximum unsupported span of 6 feet. That is a lot of ifs. Please help,Builder asking extra administration fee. Rather than going with a sharp 90-degree step edge, you can create a variety of curved architectural profiles by using step liners made of polystyrene foam. I have a large deck. The minimum recommended size for a deck stair stringer is 2x12, which has a maximum recommended unsupported span of 6 feet. down the cover on top of the tread. At a cost of a few dollars each for the connectors and recommended fasteners, the most cost effective way to hang a stringer is with metal hardware. The number one reason people hire virtual assistants is to reduce their cost of business. Should You Consider Switching to Cost-Plus Pricing? option would be good for you I recommend you contact us for more information. If anything, deck builders should be more careful about applying current safety and structural standards to exterior stairs because they are subject to environmental conditions that may exacerbate safety and structural problems. This means that very few deck handrails comply with code or best practices, including those with typical 2x4 and 5/4 rail caps. 12x 20 on both sides of the house. Your VA will train a backup so that you always have cover during vacation or illness. The 7-11 rule is one that's frequently used (maximum riser height of 7 inches and minimum tread depth of 11 inches). Photo courtesy of Brickform. Customer and Admin Support, Sales, Web Designing, SEO & SMO Marketing. you might see on skateboard but they only adhere well to smooth sealed The risk is that the stringer will split along the grain. Hello, would like opinions on this stair design that my builder did. Agree that the rise might be a little too much, though. Interior and exterior stairs share almost all of the same requirements. This photo is new construction that was approved by the local building inspector. A Design Guide for Home Safety, published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, recommends keeping variations in riser height and tread width in a flight of stairs to less than 3/16 inch. Check out these cool gravity defying steps. Looks like they good on the stringers they have 2 in the middle so assuming it's 36" wide because they should be 12" OC so that's all good. This is a new product for covering stairs I found and thought really deserved some attention. Thanks for your concern with the support structure though! And you can expect more great "first" moments like this. At a cost of a few dollars each for the connectors and recommended fasteners, this is the most cost-effective stringer connection method. Falls involving stairs can result in serious personal injury; thats where the big money is for attorneys. Stringer construction. This location makes installing the stair guards and handrails more difficult, however, so its more common to see the top tread dropped one riser below the deck flooring. It looks like they will end up with a trip-step if they put anything on top of that stone against the riser unless the plan is to go under it to keep a uniform rise. These kinds of materials can all be purchased in a Now you have a clean looking and safe But while you are at it you might want to consider adding a textured This makes the tread safer. Indoors or out, stairs are one of the most dangerous systems anywhere in a building. to show what is going on. We used 2x12s for the joists and poured 4' concrete piersthe overall deck is 16x28 and 12x12 so I think we are good. Note the italicized word "nosing" please. Yes, the concern is the moisture sitting against the wood hidden by the composite materials. For example, I often see stringers fastened to a dropped header with nails driven into the stringers end grain. This can be done by using a textured finish, such as exposed aggregate, or by adding an anti-slip grit to the protective sealer coat. We handle your everyday critical task such as Appointment scheduling. resins don't have this problem. Post spacing must be measured horizontally, not along the length of the guard. But this one - a Simpson Strong-tie LSU26Z - has been installed incorrectly, since the stringer isn't fully bearing on the connector seat. Stairs that are higher than 30-inches off the ground are subject to the same guidelines as railings, which means that open risers that permit a 4-inch dia. You will have to remove screws in the treads - if you used screws. But in order to provide both the vertical and lateral support for the stringers, these connectors must be installed according to manufacturers instructions. Finally, a flight of stairs should not rise vertically more than 147 inches without a landing. If the stringers are also bearing onbut not attached toa landing and have no other attachment to resist lateral loads, the nails will do little to prevent the stringers from pulling away from the framing. rather than the two pieces of decking being enough is that correct? Or if you used nails to secure the boards, a hammer from underneath or a He's cut the decking too short. The most popular include adding integral color, staining and applying dry-shake color hardener. respectively, though local requirements vary. When planning the look of your concrete stairway, don't sacrifice functionality for flair. Try to remove each step carefully without damaging stringers or the The most common location for a large variance between riser heights is at landings. Like deck stair guards, deck stair handrails share the same requirements as for interior stairs, including requirements for a graspable shape and termination in a post or a return. that can handle extreme hot and cold temperatures without getting The most popular include adding integral color, staining, and applying dry-shake color hardener. Concrete steps can be poured right along with your walkways or entryway, so they can be colored and textured to match. Bottom guard rails on stairs should be oriented close enough to the tread nosings so that a a 6-inch diameter sphere will not pass through the triangle created by the riser, tread, and rail. Panel Discussion: Safe and Durable Deck Stairs, The Last Word (We Hope) on Vapor Barriers, A Builder's Guide to Breathable Indoor Air, Building a Deck With a Welded Steel Frame, Housing Market Slows as Fed Takes Aggressive Approach to Combat Inflation, When Hidden Defects Complicate a Simple Deck Replacement. Suppliers include Proline Concrete Tools, Brickform and Butterfield Color. The greatest riser height within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 38 inch (9.5 mm). Examine the condition of the stair stringers and if they are Plus, step edges may be prone to chipping and spalling if the concrete is weak or not allowed to cure properly. Many More A virtual assistant (VA) can handle many of the everyday clerical, scheduling, and technical aspects that keep your business operating smoothly. and 10 inches (min.) For the best performance in all weather conditions, instruct your contractor to use a concrete mix design with a low water-cement ratio and adequate air entrainment. If you are building deck stairs differently, you may be building unsafe stairs. It's a simple idea, as all great ideas are. How Many of This Week's Design Dilemmas Can You Help Solve? These old and tired treads were given new life when they were covered with fiberglass stair tread covers. The CT code amends the following sections of the 2015 IRC : R311.7.5.1 Risers and R311.7.5.2 Treads but it doesn't amend section R311.7.5.3 Nosings so the exception exempting treads 11" or larger from a nosing is the law in CT. thank you very much for everyone's feedback and suggestions, really not sure why my contractor did it like this, will be some tough conversations ahead as I want him to redo it! When you consider all the rain, snow, heat and cold that your deck is subjected to over the years, you have a recipe that will accelerate the aging of any wood stair treads. All Rights Reserved. If the stringers are bearing on the ground, the problem is even worse. Shown here is an example of a connection made with a metal hold-down anchor. The maximum riser height shall be 8 14 inches (209.5 mm). Resurfacing these basement stairs was a simple matter. You can see this exception in the stair design manual linked earlier. Almost all stringers on deck stairs are cut stringers. is what he said, here is a top photo of the deck. Sometimes this method worksif an adequate quantity of the correct nails is properly installed (there are rules about how to correctly install toenails), and if the wood and the nails maintain their integrity over the life of the deck. For maximum plumb-cut bearing and fastening area, the ideal stringer position has the top tread even with the deck flooring, which allows the stringer plumb cut to fully bear on the rim joist or beam. Virtual Assistant is a person who provides support services. In both DCA 6 and the 2015 IRC, requirements for riser height and tread depth are 7 34 inches (max.) will still work fine. Treads narrower than 9 inches in width result in the greatest number of tripping accidents, according to research done at Cornell University. With your client dashboard, you can keep track of your VA's tasks and time, as well as your account. quite a hassle when all that is really needed is some kind of outdoor stair Here are the recommended standards for deck stair guards, which are subject to the same requirements as interior stairs. Sometimes the stringers are toenailed to the deck framing, an attachment method where the nails arent quite as subject to withdrawal. Failure at this important connection is common, particularly when the stringers have been nailed to the framing, because nails are subject to withdrawal. Thanks again for your input, concerns and suggestions. In the meantime, you may browse the digital edition. A solid landing that is at least as wide as the stairs and at least 36 inches deep in the direction of travel should be located at the top and bottom of each flight of stairs. This means you will offer clients services on a day-to-day basis, as a contractor or self-employed. Step-Liners produce amazing depth of relief of up to 1 1/2 inches. Many deck builders seem to be unaware that open risers allowing a 4-inch-diameter sphere to pass through are not permitted on stairs that are more than 30 inches above grade (or the floor below). Attaching stringers to a dropped header with nails as shown here is a risky fastening method because nails driven into lumber end grain have minimal resistance to withdrawal. (See What Is Concrete? few more pics in the daylight!! If that is what you are seeing on your porch or deck, you have a couple options -. It may not Just wait and see how it will be finished By the way, is there a permit for this deck and it will be inspected? Lots of finicky hard work required to remove each stair tread and replace. Typical 1x6 composite decking has an actual face dimension of 5 1/2 inches so the tread dimension appears to be about 12" and therefore code compliant unless there is another code or amendment that applies. Add texture to the concrete treads to make them slip resistant. Although the ratio can vary depending on the application, local building codes often dictate the minimum and maximum riser heights and minimum tread depth. He owns Dream Home Consultants, in Cary, N.C. JLC subscribers have access to the July/August 2022 print edition at this time. At least 1 1/2 inches of the heel of a stringer's seat cut should bear on the landing. Open risers are permitted provided that the opening between treads does not permit the passage of a 4-inch-diameter (102 mm) sphere.". The easiest way to comply with this requirement is to install hold-down connectors, especially at the top of the stairs, following the manufacturers instructions. Obviously it is helping people out and saving them a lot time and money that would otherwise be spent on tearing down and rebuilding stairs. Project submitted by Dan Mattingly, Mattingly Concrete Inc., Indianapolis, Ind. If there is good stringer bearing on a solid landing, and if the stringers are restrained against lateral movement, I usually declare victory and move on. Anyone else way over budget and schedule on their custom build? Its a stairway for giants. mixed with some grit. Stair guard posts should be located so that the span between posts (as measured horizontally) is no more than six feet. Page 132. yes that is correct on the railing, it is the trek signature aluminum railing, so it is surface bolt down to the blocking, "Note the italicized word "nosing" please. Home > Deck Stairs > Stair Tread Covers, I think I might be over-engineering this but I live in CT and I'm also worried about snow weight. Should windows and doors be the same width? Checking/ cleaning this crack (and others) and/or silicone should be part of your annual inspection and maintenance routine. Stringers typically have two bearing points, with the plumb (vertical) cut bearing on a rim joist or on a beam, and the seat (horizontal) cut bearing onat minimuma solid landing. One of the most serious deck stair defects is a poor connection between the stringers and the deck. The stairs shown above have open rises so the treads are completely Many decorative sidewalk projects will require steps to transition from one elevation to another, especially at entryways. They should be in proportions that will comfortably accommodate the average person's stride. We find and train proactive, self-starter virtual assistants who are better at the things you dont even like doing. The same idea for stair tread covers on indoor treads, outdoors or concrete porches also works. Add peace and quiet, beauty (and safety) with a pretty carpet on the stairs, Want to increase your living space outside? To prevent tripping, make sure all risers and treads are uniform throughout a flight. Allowing the toe of the seat cut to be the only part of the stringer that bears on the landing can cause the stringer to shear along the wood grain. Screws are not allowedunless specifically allowed by manufacturers instructions, and then only manufacturer-supplied screws may be used. Make sure stairs are well lit at night by using overhead lighting and keep light levels consistent in transitions between stairways and surrounding areas. Unfortunately, Ive found that this often leads to unsafe attachment details with inadequate bearing that can allow the stringer to shear along the grain. If you think this kind of tread repair JLC Online: Best practices for professional builders and remodelers. Liquid Stone Concrete Designs LLC in Warminster, PA. This is a photo of a new deck that has passed inspection. The measurement is to the saw kerf, and its common to find stringers with dangerously overcut notches. local specialty plastics shop. This is a very clean attractive look and turns a beat up old set of deck stairs into a safe long lasting solution. Textured liners designed specifically for use with step forms make it possible to mold rustic cut-stone profiles in step faces. Concrete porch steps are often easier to color integrally because of their vertical step faces. With an exposed-aggregate finish, you can produce spectacular effects at a reasonable cost. The total concrete needed for the 3' by 3' porch will be .28 cubic yards. A Dozen Ways to Strengthen Your Remodeling Brand, The Empire Group Plans Large Build-to-Rent Community in North Phoenix, The Most Affordable Places to Retire in America in 2022, Yardi Matrix Reports Institutional Investment in Single-Family Rentals Is Rising, NAHB: Proposed Schumer-Manchin Legislation Could Affect Builders, New Conservation Community Lagoon Valley Materializes in the Bay Area, 7 Ways to Prepare Your Team to Sell in an Uncertain Market. There are grip tape products with adhesive backing similar to what Oh and we did put in proper supportsthey were only a few hours in when I took the original picture. Guard posts must be able to withstand a 200-lb. But I live in a warm climate, where we dont have to worry about frost heaves that could move the stringers and loosen the connection at the plumb cut. Houzz Pro: One simple solution for contractors and design pros. As an ASHI home inspector, I inspect decks every day. Deck stair handrails should also be continuous from above the top tread or landing to above the last tread in the flight of stairs, and terminate in a return or into a support post. or resurfacing stair treads with epoxies and resins can be a great option. These stair coverings are made of a very durable plastic material Another handy way to imprint granite, slate, and other stone-like textures on narrow step treads and vertical faces is to use small texture rollers, such as these from Butterfield Color. pry bar are your only options. Stringer attachment. But which standards apply? If the guard is properly installed otherwise (which it often isnt), the easiest fix for most handrail problems is to install a separate graspable handrail. This totals .17 cubic yards. finish to the treads. Often this maximum span is dangerously exceeded, resulting in overspanned stringers that will deflect and cause the connection at the deck to pull loose and fail. Posts should never be notched around the framing, because that practice increases the odds that the post will develop cracks that originate in the corner of the notch and run parallel to the grain, weakening the post. Copyright 1999-2022 ConcreteNetwork.com - None of this site may be reproduced without written permission, Decorative concrete stairs offer endless design possibilities for creating a grand front entrance, By Jim Peterson, President, The Concrete Network. The faces of these concrete step treads look like chiseled stone. Once you work with a contractor to come up with a functional design for your front steps, you can begin narrowing down your decorative options. Contact us and view our privacy policy, terms & conditions, and press room, Sidewalk Repair - Resurfacing Concrete Walkways, Building Tips for Concrete Sidewalks & Walkways, Sealing and Protecting Walkways & Sidewalks. sphere to are greater than. Learn how designer Fu-Tung Cheng made 300-pound steps magically float on air. Seat cut. We can help with both your work and personal life tasks, letting you focus on whats most important. Many types and sizes of decorative aggregate are available to achieve unlimited color and texture variations. surfaces in order to have any chance of lasting. length and then cut the back side of the stair cover off so it does not also thier is no toe kick? Deck screws and drywall screws are not allowed. Patricia, yes sorry I meant should the riser be a different material then the tread? This is the most common way of reviving a worn set of stair treads. But without it, dirt will collect, it allows water to enter weeds will start to grow in the crack and that can lead to premature rotting of the structure below. In particular, I like to focus on stairs, because of the role they play in deck safety. is $7k reasonable for builder up charge to black on black windows? Plus, the same methods used for coloring exterior concrete flatwork are equally suitable for stairways. Cold calling and lead follow-up is best left to the sales team! If an intermediate landing is required or desired, the intermediate landing is a small deck, and should be built as such, including appropriate footings, posts, and bracing. Learn the requirements, costs and other considerations for building a deck, Learn about softwoods, tropical hardwoods, composites and more for decks, including pros, cons and costs, Check out these key tips for maintaining your wood deck as summer ends and fall begins, Learn how math and craft come together for stairs that do their job beautifully, A retired Colorado couple seeking a smaller home find their living solution next door, Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists, Set Staircases Racing With a Striped Stair Runner, How to Create a Garden on a Balcony or Roof Deck, 6 Steps to Prepare Your Wood Deck for Fall, Stair Design and Construction for a Safe Climb, Houzz Tour: Downsizing From a Big House to a Studio and Deck. for more information about desired concrete properties and the impact of water-cement ratio on concrete quality.). Shown here are recommended standards for deck stair stringers, risers, treads, landings, and the components that support them. A virtual assistant provides various services to entrepreneurs or businesses from a remote location. to do this. It might be code but isnt attractively finished. Some contractors combine these techniques to produce unique color variations and marbling effects. To help resist both vertical and lateral loads, stringers require proper support and attachment at these bearing points. I don't understand why he did it so he needed a small piece. Some very simple ways to repair, resurface or try stair tread covers for worn out stairs. Here are some ideas for creating concrete stairways that are a step above the ordinary. Which option is right for you? This is a cutaway view of the stair tread covers over one tread just Most builders worry more about vertical loads, but lateral loads are also a frequent cause of a deck stair failure: The fasteners withdraw from the bearing point, then gravity takes over. feet of porch surface, so enter in the slab calculator 4" thickness by 3' width by 3' length. You have to sand and smooth off the wood and Concrete mixtures for exterior stairways should meet the same performance requirements as those for other outdoor slabs: resistance to freezing and thawing and deicing chemicals (in cold climates), low permeability, wear resistance, and strength. But if you want the richness of color and added durability provided by a dry shake, it is possible to apply the hardener to stair risers if it's mixed into a paste first, says Chris Sullivan, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for ChemSystems Inc. But really what you are doing here is a lot work. molded shell that covers the treads either partially or completely. Those who build decks in cold climates should consider using the DCA 6 details. tread cover that fit over the treads. Help - Contractor error, need fix on deck stairs, impressive before and after of a rear deck stair system in piedmont, Gorgeous before and after of spacious Orinda deck with stair system, ok very interesting. No secret here. To avoid extra work and eliminate drop headers, end-nailing, toenailing, and other questionable stringer connection methods, DCA 6 recommends the use of metal hardware specifically designed for stringers, such as Simpson Strong-Ties LSCZ or LSSU connectors. Articles will be published online soon. With a header to the house and the deck was built 6, I'm putting a swim spa into an inground concrete bunker and will build a deck around it. The only mistake in the design of this stairway is the riser to tread ratio. One of the best stair covering ideas I have seen is this product. Color hardener and integral color are the methods most commonly used with stamped concrete, with each offering advantages and disadvantages. And depending on your climate, they can be dangerous in the winter months with snow and ice building up on each tread. 2004-2021 Decksgo.com. So enter in the footing calculator, 6" depth by 12" width (always figure steps with a 12" width) by 9' length. brittle and breaking or getting soft in the heat. Not sure how he is planning to finish the railings, it looks like he is planning to mount the posts to the sides of the stairs, and being this a composite deck it makes it much harder to finish it and wrap everything up. These measurements are taken at the leading edge of the treads. It looks like they are good on the treads without the nosing, they have 2 full board widths (11") + (2)-1/4" spacing+ it looks like there is about 1/2 or 3/4" thread filler sticking out in the back. The minimum recommended depth of the uncut portion of the stringer is 5 inches, as measured to the closest saw kerf, and not the notch itself. These stairs are likely to deflect and cause the stringers to either pull loose from the framing or shear along the grain. Meet your VA before deciding to work together so you get the perfect match of skills and style.. Realign your budget. Stairs were an art form until the 1970 edition of Architectural Graphic Standards. Using the 1/2 trim material would have allowed the face of each step to not have any seams and the sides of the riser could have been covered as well. The riser shall be measured vertically between leading edges of adjacent treads. Stringers that are overcut have the same potential failures as overspanned stringers. "(Amd) R311.7.5.1 Risers. Social media is a very important weapon in your marketing plan. Some contractors combine these techniques to produce unique color variations and marbling effects. I think the the job looks tidy and detailed. Calculating the amount of concrete needed for steps or stairs can seem tricky, but just follow this example: If there are three steps leading up to a porch: Use this handy concrete calculator to help you do the math. Adding a 8x10 deck attached to existing deck, 2x10's, I won an inflatable 6 person inter hot tub. I have been advised to keep the deck joists a minimum of 6 inches. This is a DecksGo Recommended Product. What are the plans for the landing at the bottom step? In fact, since a deck that passes local code inspection may still be unsafe, I believe that DCA 6 should be the standard to which all decks are built regardless of what might be allowed by local building codes. This same detail can be used with intermediate stair guard posts. thanks again all for your feedback, will be going with him tomorrow. When Im evaluating a deck stair, this is where I start.
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