A Deck for the Decades

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Then, divide the rise by seven and drop any fraction to determine the number of risers. (Trust me!) That number divided into the rise gives the exact height of each riser. To figure the bearing width of the treads subtract that height from 18. (Still with me?) This number, when multiplied by one less than the total number of risers, will yield the run, or the horizontal distance from the perimeter joist to the foot of the stair. From there, you can use a tape measure or good old a 2 + b 2 = c 2 to determine the length of the stringer planks.

The stringers can be fastened to the deck with galvanized-steel hangers or by nailing into the perimeter joist. For added strength, a stair-width ledger board can be nailed to the face of the deck framing to help support the stringers from below.

At the foot of the steps, it's best to pour a small pad or individual concrete piers. The stringers can then be attached to anchor bolts embedded in the concrete or be butted against a treated plate bolted to the pad with anchor shields.

Handrails can be fastened to posts bolted to the outside of the stringers, just behind the edge of the risers. They're usually 30" to 34" high and are always used on a staircase with more than four risers.

An untreated deck or porch can be sanded, then primed and painted right away. For durability, a deck-and-floor paint is the best choice, though a too-glossy surface can be slippery. If you prefer stain, follow the manufacturer's preparation instructions, and use a product meant for horizontal exterior surfaces.

Pressure-treated lumber is a different story. The people at Weyerhaeuser recommend that you wait at least three months to give the wood a chance to open its pores and "breathe" before applying anything to it. After that, a latex paint, a stain or a water-repellent sealant can be used to coat it.

They say practice makes perfect. But if you're a one-time builder, one good planning session will help you avoid the kind of practice you may not want to deal with later.

Editor's Note: An article devoted entirely to building steps and stairs is scheduled for MOTHER's next issue.

DECK TECK

1. When planning holes for the concrete piers, use batter boards to keep the excavations aligned. This involves nothing more than stretching nylon lines between horizontal boards nailed to stakes positioned just beyond the corners you wish to establish. The juncture of the strings should fall over the post points. Lines can be pulled at any point between the comers, too. Always measure for equal diagonals to check a four-sided figure for square.

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