Replies

1. 
   Danno | Feb 19, 2009 06:33pm | #1

   How big is the platform at the top? 4' x ?'  If it is four feet from the side of the house out into the yard, I would be inclined to put it on four posts (depending how long it is), each post buried to the frost line and make the landing independent of the house. I would probably build it so that two front posts were each side of the step (with the step sides nailed or screwed to the posts and the posts continuing up to hold the railing, if there will even need to be a railing) and make the step as a box framed back under the platform, with the sides of the box for that step going back to either posts or framing for the platform (with hangers off the back framing of the platform carrying the sides like joists).

   It's hard to explain without drawings or pictures. I, myself, would not attach to the house at all. Others may have different ideas.

2. 
   lindenboy | Feb 19, 2009 06:40pm | #2

   You could overbuild with wood or trex type decking.  I've seen that done successfully, but I can't say it's the greatest look.  Inexpensive for sure.

   Not sure how you'll attach to the house -- more info is needed.

   I had a guy tear out 2 sets of 4 riser concrete steps and it cost me less than two days worth of $10 / hour labor.  Best labor deal in a long time : )  I wouldn't have had much fun doing it, and it was done all with a sledge and pick axe.

   Anyway, the point is I tore them out and rebuilt a landing with steps.  Needed a landing per code on the remodel.  Maybe you can think about adding a landing -- it doesn't cost much and improves the flow in and out of the door.  Also gives you something to support the stringers on that is completely independent of the house.

   jj

    

   "It depends on the situation..."

   
1. 
   jimk1287 | Feb 19, 2009 07:44pm | #3

   thanks guys....in the 2 hours since ive posted i ripped all the brick out...they were built on cinder blocks which look like they go down to the foundation...hard to guess though....the landing comes out 34 inches then they step down 7 and a half inches and then there is a 1 foot step......can i run decking right over top the pad that is there.....i ripped the brick out all around it but the pad is sitting on compacted dirt and on a footing....can i run two deckboards out 3 feet and run the decking right over the existing pad?? lemme know...thnks for all your help guys

1. 
   Link | Feb 19, 2009 07:55pm | #4

   That's what I'd do...  I'd also make my stair with a closed, not open, riser and add a skirt board or some lattice around the sides to hide the cement blocks.

1. 
   jimk1287 | Feb 19, 2009 08:34pm | #5

   can i actually attach my deckboards to the existing pad?? with some glue and some tapcons?

1. 
   Link | Feb 19, 2009 09:02pm | #6

   I like mechanical over chemical fasteners but that's me.  I might be inclined to attach some sleepers first and the deck boards to that.  Depends on how much room you have.

2. 
   lindenboy | Feb 19, 2009 10:15pm | #7

   you may consider using non-shrink grout to give yourself something not only to set the sleepers on, but to grout some anchors into to squeeze the sleepers against the setting bed and thus the existing "foundation" (assuming what is left is relatively sound).

   Then, yeah, I'd close the risers as well as install some kind of skirting (maybe your deck boards turned perpendicular as a vertical skirt.  You'll basically get by with all treated lumber and only a few varieties to make is as economical as possible.

   I would then recommend letting it sit for a while, then stain is dark or complimentary to what's around it to make it uniform.  It will look nice.

   Shoot, my dad installed deck boards on top of 2 pallets as a step to the back yard at his place (temporary of course) but to the naked eye at a quick glance, not only is it 1/2 good, but it's actually more solid than I would have imagined.  Stranger things have come together nicely ; )"It depends on the situation..."

1. 
   jimk1287 | Feb 20, 2009 12:29am | #8

   thanks for all the help everyone..ill send a pic when im done hopefully a day or so