1. Step Repair and Replacement
Mike Quinn • April 14, 2018

2. 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

3. Anatomy of Steps

4. 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

5. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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)

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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)

20. Finished Product

24. Thank you for your time today!
Questions