How to use wood stringers with stone steps?
scrappy1
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Is there any reason why i can’t build a set of entrance stairs (3 steps) using pressure treated stringers. then face them with concrete board so that i can face with stone an place blue stone treads on them? It is a similate practice to facing outdoor cabinets for islands and such for outdoor kitchens.
I would beef up the pressure treated to handle the weight. or even use something like IPE as the framing if i had to. Really don’t want to dig below frost line for new pad and all the extra cost, time , and labor involved. already have a 4 inch thick pad that had supported hollow concrete steps previously. thanks for the help. Surprisingly I haven’t been able to find any info (good or bad) on this method. Thanks for the guidance!!! Scott
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Replies
Why wood frame?
scrappy1 wrote:
already have a 4 inch thick pad that had supported hollow concrete steps previously.
I assume your stairs are exposed to weather. All wood eventually rots when its gets repetitively wet; even P.T. and Ipe. Why don't you want to use CMU's as a foundation for your stone veneer? It will never rot.
why wood frame?
Don't want to have to replace pad to accomodate the much heavier set up possibilities. Too much concrete block, stone facing and bluestone treads (with all the backfill required). I've put in paver patio and walkway with 4 step entrance to back door, so I know whats required for that process. That's why I'm looking for something simpler for the front steps but still a nice look.
Also, the CMUs dimentions are harder to deal with for my 24" height to work with. Would like to use the 2" bluestone treads, but could use 1 1/2".
Consider Kerdi board?
Not sure why a 4" concrete pad won't support CMU core steps, but not knowing the specific conditions or design, I'll take your word for it.
Anyhow, have you consdired using 2" thick kerdi board to block out your steps? its' light, easy to cut, easy to bond together (and to with nonmodified thinset or kerdi fix), and won't rot. It's usually used indoors for bath and shower work, but there is no reason why it can't be used outdoors. Unlike wood, It is a material that doesn't care about moisture.
Consider using steel.