Next Steps

Update: I don't know about "Next Steps," but I've taken a few Steps in the Right Direction." ToDo list (below) marked up to show progress.

A couple of field changes. First, I'm going to handle the stairs differently than I did on the upper deck. On the upper, I cut the stringers the normal way, which dictates a long, skinny tail where the stairs hit the concrete. I tried to cut each stringer differently to match the slope, and I ended up shimming and adding extra supports.

Instead, I'm going to frame the bottom tread as a 2x6 box and shave the bottom to make the top level. Then the stringers will run from the level deck to the level first tread, and each stringer will be identical. Carpentry 101. Also, I think 4 stringers, creating a 16" spacing, is fine--I went with 5 stringers on the upper deck, and I don't see the added value (and it was more awkward to install the LSCs).

The second change affects the east side. The stairs are on the west, because a tenant should not feel they have access to the whole backyard, necessarily. But where the east side meets the house is less than 30" and if we hold the rail off, we have the option of adding a shortcut path to go from the lower deck to, say, the basement.

Photos like this got me thinking of a path.

The nice thing is, it's optional. If we plant a bush there, it's the same as a railing.

The to do list before we get to the fun deck laying is immense. So, I paused to create this blog post entry instead. :-)

• Draft top of stairs posts--make sure we get the position and connection right
• Clean up the area - deal with scraps, sweep stair area
• Layout bottom tread on concrete; measure using level
• Draw up based on level calculations--decide how to cut 11th stair post
• Cut 2x6 based on drawing
• Assemble the box, test for level, adjust
• Buy a 4x4x8 GC somewhere. Cut in half to fit in car.
• Cut and notch the 10th and the stair post
• Mark 2”, 5-1/4” and drill 1-1/4” countersink on each post
• Apply wood treatment to all the posts
• Mark rim joist for stringers
• Cut first stringer; test for fit, adjust
• Cut the other 3 stringers to match
• Apply wood treatment to the stringers (carefully!)
• Install the LSCs at the rim joist
• Attach the 4 (or 5) stringers to the LSCs and the bottom tread
• Cut and install 2x4 ‘X’-bracing
• Install the last 2 AC4s (@ SW post)
• Mark location of 2 DTT1Zs
• Drill 1-1/4” countersinks, then ½” through rim joist and blocking
• Install DTT1Zs with threaded rods
• Set each post temporarily using post level with clamps and/or screws
• Drill 5/8” at each countersink; install carriage bolts
• Cut and install 2x4 intermediate post
• Cut and install 2x4 sub-rail between posts
• Black stain rim joist all around, ends of house girder, front of the other girders, each post, stringers, and sub-rail
• Paint the first row of siding at the deck
• Cut and apply joist tape to all the joists and blocking and stringers
• Use the solid Fiberon to cut the 6-piece picture frame, notching at each post
• Cut and place the first grooved deck board at the house
• First, verify that the deck board at the top of the stairs will be at least 3” wide. If not, start deck boards at top of stairs and plan to rip the board at the house.
• Place one grooved deck board after another until done