[LearningTrades]

I am going to be rebuilding the wooden stairs that lead up to my apartment. I replaced the platform that was far more rotten in the fall. I have never built stairs before but I am not particularly anticipating any problems. My one main concern and question is about to properly attach the long diagonal piece to the wall. Most of the length will be anchored to cinder block. I know i need to be careful drilling cinder block so I am looking for suggestions. The last photo is what the previous owners used to anchor and it doesnt look right to me.

 

[joecaption]

If it was mine I'd remove and replace the whole thing.
There should have been a 2 X 12 ledger at the top to attach the stringers to, there should have been three stringers, not just two, also there's no gripable hand railing.
Also many areas call for riser covers.

 

[LearningTrades]

If it was mine I'd remove and replace the whole thing.
There should have been a 2 X 12 ledger at the top to attach the stringers to, there should have been three stringers, not just two, also there's no gripable hand railing.
Also many areas call for riser covers.

I'm going to be replacing everything except the platform. the Deck Platform is 3x6 and really is only to get into the apartment. No room to put furniture or anything I am not to concerned about the platform itself. I am replacing bad work that the previous owner left. While I am no expert I am trying to do everything up to local code. I had somebody help me design the platform and fix rot under the door frame in a small area in the fall. I dont remember why I didnt use the larger ledger but I had a reason.

 

[LearningTrades]

I'm going to be replacing everything except the platform. the Deck Platform is 3x6 and really is only to get into the apartment. No room to put furniture or anything I am not to concerned about the platform itself. I am replacing bad work that the previous owner left. While I am no expert I am trying to do everything up to local code. I had somebody help me design the platform and fix rot under the door frame in a small area in the fall. I dont remember why I didnt use the larger ledger but I had a reason.

If it was mine I'd remove and replace the whole thing.
There should have been a 2 X 12 ledger at the top to attach the stringers to, there should have been three stringers, not just two, also there's no gripable hand railing.
Also many areas call for riser covers.

That platform is absolutely solid though. Im pretty happy with it.

 

[LearningTrades]

If it was mine I'd remove and replace the whole thing.
There should have been a 2 X 12 ledger at the top to attach the stringers to, there should have been three stringers, not just two, also there's no gripable hand railing.
Also many areas call for riser covers.

The stringers are the pieces that the steps lay on correct? I also am not sure what riser covers are.

 

[LearningTrades]

If it was mine I'd remove and replace the whole thing.
There should have been a 2 X 12 ledger at the top to attach the stringers to, there should have been three stringers, not just two, also there's no gripable hand railing.
Also many areas call for riser covers.

If the stringers are the diagonal pieces though that is the main reason im replacing the steps. The piece connected to the cinder block is really getting bad.

 

[Drachenfire]

Lag shields are a good option

 

[carpdad]

If one piece stringer, it doesn't have to be fastened to the wall. Also you can add 2x stiffener to the bottom edge. Maybe it's the photo but the stringer looks like it's longer than necessary? Like it has 11" tread and 5" risers or such? 10 or 11 tread and about 7.5 riser. If a rental, and you're give this job, not necessary to add more cost such as riser facings.

 

[Nealtw]

That platform is absolutely solid though. Im pretty happy with it.

You don't for see a problem, by your questions, I think you are a bit clueless about stairs.
I am not trying to be mean but if you want to build stairs you have much to learn.
Why is there no flashing on the ledger for the new deck?

 

[LearningTrades]

If one piece stringer, it doesn't have to be fastened to the wall. Also you can add 2x stiffener to the bottom edge. Maybe it's the photo but the stringer looks like it's longer than necessary? Like it has 11" tread and 5" risers or such? 10 or 11 tread and about 7.5 riser. If a rental, and you're give this job, not necessary to add more cost such as riser facings.

When I replaced the platform I dropped it down about 6 inches I think that might be why the stringer looks Long. I am still learning these terms to be honest with you Im not sure what a stiffener is. The treads are 11" and the risers have up to a 1" variance. between 5 1/2" and 6 1/2". This is turning into a rental though I was not originally planning for it to be. I don't mind some of the extra costs on things if it makes them safer. Ive also been wonder on the best way to attach the stringers to the Platform. I think its a proper ledger with carriage bolts or something and then it appears that different hangers exist to attach the stringers. Last question is really about when drilling into the cinder blocks should i start really small and step up size by size with low pressure to reduce risk of cracking?

 

[LearningTrades]

You don't for see a problem, by your questions, I think you are a bit clueless about stairs.
I am not trying to be mean but if you want to build stairs you have much to learn.
Why is there no flashing on the ledger for the new deck?

I am pretty clueless I just need a general direction I have the flashing for it and siding for the wall I just want to see how the stringers they are called end up sitting the piece sticking up is also blocking the new siding The stringer that is currently attached was apparently placed over the siding. I know what I end up with will not be professional I just want to make sure that it is safe and properly attached to the cinderblock. I have more of an idea then my questions make it seem. One of the problems is not knowing exactly how to ask the questions. Honestly though if I run into issues after I do the demolition I am just going to hire somebody I am on a time crunch.

 

[LearningTrades]

You don't for see a problem, by your questions, I think you are a bit clueless about stairs.
I am not trying to be mean but if you want to build stairs you have much to learn.
Why is there no flashing on the ledger for the new deck?

You actually helped me build my platform in the fall. I Don't know why i didn't just cut the wood or the flashing and put it in. the area gets a lot of sun. and water doesnt seem to well. Not much I can do about the sun hitting it all day. Maybe A coating or something.

 

[LearningTrades]

You don't for see a problem, by your questions, I think you are a bit clueless about stairs.
I am not trying to be mean but if you want to build stairs you have much to learn.
Why is there no flashing on the ledger for the new deck?

If you mean the ledger at the top of the stairs it is not a ledger. The stairs that the old owner built had no ledger The piece of wood at the top is a removable piece I believe is how you helped me do it so that I could come back and easily remove the stairs. It was like 6-7 months ago so I dont really expect you to remember haha.

 

[LearningTrades]

You don't for see a problem, by your questions, I think you are a bit clueless about stairs.
I am not trying to be mean but if you want to build stairs you have much to learn.
Why is there no flashing on the ledger for the new deck?

The ledger has back flashing and I have the cracks sealed with flashing tape

 

[LearningTrades]

You don't for see a problem, by your questions, I think you are a bit clueless about stairs.
I am not trying to be mean but if you want to build stairs you have much to learn.
Why is there no flashing on the ledger for the new deck?

On another note I do not think that you sound mean. I know construction always has problems I just dont think it will get to crazy. I come to this forum because the people are genuine and offer honest advice and opinions Typically backed by years and years of knowledge. It is a very friendly and nice community. I know I have tons to learn.

 

[Nealtw]

The ledger has back flashing and I have the cracks sealed with flashing tape

Should be able to see if from below?

 

[LearningTrades]

Should be able to see if from below?
View attachment 692196

So I didnt wrap it far enough down? I have it going right up to the edge. Dont suppose that I have a whole lot I can do about it now though.
Edit: Wouldnt be hard to take the deck board off I guess.

 

[Thom Paine]

@ LearningTrades


You might re-think what you think you know.

If you want the build and install to be correct,
Listen to what @Nealtw instructs you to do.

 

[LearningTrades]

@ LearningTrades


You might re-think what you think you know.

If you want the build and install to be correct,
Listen to what @Nealtw instructs you to do.

I absolutely will and I appreciate all of the advice and opinion I get here. He helped me build my platform last fall actually. I wouldn't be here if I thought I could do it all myself to be honest. Sorry I didn't mean to come off cocky and know I will run into problems as most construction has especially when newer DIYers are involved.

 

[LearningTrades]

Should be able to see if from below?
View attachment 692196

Second is the removable board to make stair removal easier for me after we built the platform in the fall.