|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
| Deck Steps |
| Take these "steps" to make your steps, for your deck or porch |
|
|
|
|
We are making a set of timber steps leading up to a front porch of a house. Using a simple design and a minimum of tools, any home handyman can tackle this final step to deck completion. Before we start, here are some handy definitions:
The two side sections of your porch are called stringers. The parts you walk on are called treads, and the vertical gap between the treads is called the rise.
1
The first thing to do is determine the distance between the two levels of where the stairs are going. Divide the total height into even spaces of about 175mm-this will determine how many steps you will need.
Remember to subtract 175mm from the total as this will count for the length between the landing and the first step down. (Building guidelines say that each step must be between 150mm and 210mm apart for safety).
2
Next, determine how many treads you will need-two in this example. (For safety, building guidelines dictate that each tread has to be 250mm or wider). In this example we are using a width of 250mm.
Calculate the number of treads (the number of times 175mm divides into the total height) and allow the width of one extra tread for the setting up of the stringer. In this example, our job only requires two treads (2 x 250mm) but we have measured out 750mm horizontally from the deck.
3
Set up the string line by securing a 50mm block on the front edge of the landing. Measure out the distance on the ground and place a tight string line between the two points.
4
Measure and mark the same distance on the side rail of the steps. With the sliding bevel, mark the bottom angle (where it meets the ground) on the side rail. Then do the same for the landing angle. On the underside of the landing end rails, mark in 50mm from the end and 50mm in from the bottom.
5
Then on the rails again, mark out the step positions. Making sure that you have marked them correctly and start to cut out between the lines. Set the power saw to approximately 12mm deep and cut a series of grooves within the step lines and chisel out as you go.
It’’s a good idea to use a timber preservative on these grooves before you fit the treads to the stringers. (The timber is usually treated with a timber preservative, but any surface cut into should be treated again).
6
Determine the width of the steps (from rail to rail). In this case they will be 1600mm wide. Then cut the treads to this length allowing for the amount they have been checked into the sides.
7
Now all the pieces are cut and ready for assembly. Place one rail on its edge and slot the treads into the grooves. Then nail two 100mm nails from the other side to hold in place. Repeat the process with all the treads.
8
Stand the rail on its back (with treads sticking up in the air) and place the other rail on top making sure all the treads fit into their grooves. Then nail the backside of the rail in the same way as the previous rail.
9
The steps are complete and just need to be fixed to the deck. First drill a 10mm hole directly under the top and bottom tread. (Depending on how many treads you have, you may have to put some in between). Once the hole is drilled, thread a steel rod through the steps and deck for extra strength. You may need help from a friend to place the steps in their final position due to the weight of the timber.
|
Materials
Steel rods
Wood
Screws
Nails: 100mm (small bag of)
Tools:
String line
Sliding bevel
Power saw
Hand saw
Hack saw
Chisel
Hand plane
Drill and 10mm spade bit
Shifter spanner
Measuring tape and pencil
Level
|
Cost
Total cost of this project is $80.00
|
More Info
All materials are available from any leading hardware store.
|
Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
|
|
|
|
|
