Hi there. Ive laid the flooring of the porch over the existing concrete formwork, theres a concrete staircase thats there with only one side exposed and id like to cover the stairs with wood as well as add an additional step so the steps arent so steep. I had thought about just building some sleeper blocks up gradually on each step then create a base for the bottom step on the concrete walkway. any suggestions?
hey there. i uploaded a couple pictures. i appreciate your help! its kind of hard to make out but theres a stone wall on the one side. id like to add another step as well so i was considering maybe using a string on the exposed side and just try to level it across on the middle and end. im aware that i have to use spacers between the concrete and wood but just wasnt sure about the best way of going about it.
You should start by measuring and cutting treated wood fir strips with a table saw the same width as the concrete treads. Position one fir strip against the concrete riser and one at the front edge of the step; then apply a serpentine bead of construction adhesive to the back of each fir strip and press it into position.
Next divide the width of the tread into even sections from twelve to sixteen inches apart and mark the tread. Measure and cut fir strips to fit between the two fir strips already installed, positioned at your marks. Apply a serpentine bead of construction adhesive to the back of each fir strip and press it into position. Repeat for each tread.
Then measure and cut treated wood fir strips the same width as the concrete riser; Position one fir strip against the concrete tread and one at the front edge of the tread fir strip. Apply a serpentine bead of construction adhesive to the back of each fir strip and press it into position. Then measure and cut fir strips (to space evenly with the tread fir strips) to fit between the two fir strips already installed on the riser. Apply a serpentine bead of construction adhesive to the back of each fir strip and press it into position. Repeat for each riser. Your risers and treads should now be faced with treated fir strips. Add finish nails joining the tread and riser edge strips after the adhesive cures (about 24 hours).
Now fit the treated wood stringer so that it aligns with the top of the fir strips for both the treads and the risers. One end of the stringer should rest on the floor. The other end should finish at the top of the stairs. For stairs that are flush against a wall, you will only install one stringer. For stairs open on both sides, you will fit a second treated wood stringer on the remaining side. Then apply construction adhesive to the back of one stringer and press it into the exact position where it aligns with the fir strips. (You may need someone to hold the stringer in place while you’re drilling).
Now mark the stringer at two inches from the top and bottom edges and every twelve to sixteen inches in between, roughly centered on the stringer. Drill the top mark (through the wood and into the concrete) using a hammer drill installed with a one quarter inch by four inch long masonry bit. (Wear eye protection as you drill). Pull the bit out frequently to remove debris.
After the holes are drilled put two (16 penny) sinker nails in the hole, using a twenty ounce hammer and evenly drive the nails into the hole until the stringer is snug. Make sure your alignment with the fir strips has remained perfect. Repeat this process for the hole closest to the bottom of the stair. Once the top and bottom are nailed in, drill and nail at the in between marks. Repeat for both stringers. Your concrete stairs are now ready for finished wood. Now measure, cut and install your solid piece finished wood risers first, using the fir strips to nail to and the stringer to nail to on the end. Measure, cut and install solid wood treads allowing the stair nose to overhang the riser. Allow for other types of facing to be applied over the stringer when you fit your treads if needed.
The tricky part though becomes adding an additional step. The stringer wont be able to tie into the whole existing stairs because were patruding further then the existing stairs. The stairs are too steep and uncomfortable to walk so we need that extra step. Were gonna keep the tread width the same (12") but we want the risers to be more subtle.
Then you have to dig the earth around the concrete steps deep enough to add another step and that means adding a concrete slab/pad for your stringer to rest on and a new walkway....
take your total rise ground to top of porch. to be accurate your measurement will be taken from the ground 12" in front of you first step, up to the top of porch. to do this draw a level line on the header under the lattice. divide that number by 5 because you want 5 rises nail your sleeper blocks with a ramset or use tapcon screws. you will need to build a box at the bottom though for your 1st step to sit on
What is the height of your porch from the ground to the top of the porch…I am assuming by your picture it is 28’’?
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