[chuck172]

How long do they last? I've seen web sites promoting granite steps saying that 6x6 treated timber steps only last 10 years. I don't think that's true.
I'm planning to do a set of front entry timber steps this spring, and I do have some questions.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... There's different grades of PT wood, the stuff rated for ground contact/ wet locations oughta last 20 years or more,....

 

[Daniel Holzman]

I agree with Bondo. It can be very difficult to evaluate the quality of PT lumber, some lumber that claims to be ground contact rated is low quality and will not last.

 

[chuck172]

Lots of people put in retaining walls with pressure treated lumber. Probably with the notion of longevity. Hard to believe the product would fail within 20 years.

 

[GottaFixIt]

I think it has a lot to do with drainage. Any wood that stays wet all the time is far more likely to fail faster. A good draining gravel back fill and proper grading will go a long way. Sealing the cut ends seems like it should help as well.

 

[chuck172]

Nothing lasts forever I know. My front steps, parged concrete block just rotted out. The house was built in 1990. The mason couldn't explain why. Just happened.