Blocking to make up height on existing deck landing
user-7168022
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
I have a small existing deck that was tiled (maybe for the reason below), and I want to replace the tile with new decking.
The tile is on 1/4 backer, which is on 3/4 plywood, which is on 2×6 PT decking.
There is also an existing descending stair case, which I will re-tread with 2×6. The rise of each step on the stringer is cut 7 1/4” high, but from the stringer to the deck joists it’s 6 1/4, so with tile the last step is almost 8 inches.
My initial thought is to tear out everything except some of the PT, then lay 5/4 perpendicularly across that, except for the nosing. How can I best make up an inch difference in height? I don’t want to scrap the whole thing yet and just want to get something a little nicer down for now.
Replies
When you say you have a small deck, what are the dimensions? In addition to the tiling and dimensional issue, check for other problems, such as how the deck is attached to the house, the quality of footings, and any significant rot in the deck framing.
Also, I don't understand the one inch difference, as you stated you have 2x6 decking (1 1/2 inches thick), 3/4" plywood, 1/4" backer, and the tile thickness, including any mortar or adhesive.
To avoid excessive "band-aiding", I'm thinking you should tear off the old deck and start over. If you carefully tear down the deck, you may be able to reuse some of the PT wood...
Sorry for the confusion, I kept writing riser when I meant stringer, I’ll edit that. The rise of each step on the stringer is 7 1/4” but from the stringer to the top of the joists it’s 6 1/4. The deck is a 5 x 5 1/2’ porch and structurally it looks good so far. Thanks!
I’m also considering furring strips on the joists and then 2x6 decking, but I’m not sure if padding joists is ok.
As long as you use treated, you should be fine.
I would just cut new stair stringers to get the right rise per tread.
If you decide to add additional depth to the joists by 'padding,' you'll probably have to rip whatever you put on. Re-treat the ripped sides. Also, might consider using a 4" wide flashing tape (Vycor Plus?) on top to keep water out of the seams and from coming down the fasteners.
PT wood isn't bulletproof, and anytime you can keep water out, it's a good thing.