Step Repair and Replacement Mike Quinn • April 14, 2018

Overview Common Step Maintenance Moderate Step Repair & Replacement Yearly maintenance checklist to promote longevity of your steps Moderate Step Repair & Replacement More involved weekend project Advanced Step Replacement Total rebuild calling for removing old steps and purchasing a new set or building a new set Overview

Anatomy of Steps

Common Step Maintenance Finishing Choices - Paint/Stain Considerations: exterior grade latex paint, stains, and solid color stains After sanding and preparing the area, begin to apply paint/stain in even coats Applying multiple coats may improve looks and longevity Preparation Items Needed: face mask, goggles, hand sander, metal scraper/knife, tack cloth Assess areas of concern such as protruding nails or screws, loose boards, and debris caught between boards

Common Step Repair Maintenance (Cont.) Benefits of Sanding vs Power washing Smaller area may only require small hand sander or sanding block No need to rent equipment and use hoses and water No need to wait for wood to dry Smooths surface and provides fresh layer for paint/stain to absorb properly

Moderate Step Repair & Maintenance Before beginning your project This is best time to consider replacing items before investing time and effort Inspect stringers, treads, and risers for rotting, splitting, or generally overworn boards Measure to replace boards, if necessary Consider replace handrails and/or spindles that are worn or bowing Install new handrails to improve safety and look of steps

Moderate Step Repair & Maintenance - Attention areas Red Flags Boards that rattle or have cupped and can no longer be nailed back into place Overall shifting of steps as they bare weight Bowing of treads that may not have sufficient support Consider using composite treads

Moderate Step Repair & Maintenance Cont. Premium options Upgrades such as different profile of handrails and spindles can be considered Installing risers on open steps Using 2x6 for treads instead of 5/4x6 material (there are pros and cons to this option)

Advanced Step Replacement Reasons for Total Step Replacement Strategy Steps are beyond repair due to amount of repairs needed Boards are either unsafe or may have shifted recently to be considered unsafe Need for wider steps or need for platform to entrance Sanding and staining or painting are no longer improving the wood Finally, due to a recent inspection, steps have been ordered replaced

Advanced Step Replacement Cont. Strategies to consider Project may depend on how steps are incorporated into structure (underneath a porch or affixed to front face of porch) Budget may dictate additional options such as premium treads, spindles, and handrails Need for wider steps or need for platform to entrance Sanding and staining or painting are no longer improving the wood Finally, due to a recent inspection, steps have been ordered replaced

Advanced Step Replacement Cont. Project Dimensions How to calculate best width when replacing This is also a good time to consider an extend platform Rise and run calculations to determine optimal step height to eliminate tripping hazard Tools needed include, circular saw, speed square and framing square, stair gauges, and screw gun Materials needed include treated 5/4x6 decking or 2x6 boards, 2x4, and 2x10 or 2x12 boards (for stringers)

Finished Product

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