On Sun, 15 Mar 2009 22:09:58 GMT, notbob wrote:

Rank newbie, again.

I need to replace the stringers in a 3 step (not including top deck step).
This is mainly due to the fact they are rotting and falling apart. I've
talked to one of my lumber suppliers (no box stores like Home Depot or
Lowe's) and they recommended "treated" wood. Didn't sound too expensive,
$10 vs $14 for 2x10 (I need a 2x12). Anyway, is this a valid expense or
should I jes get reg wood (pine) and use a sealer (which I'm also woefully
ignorant of). I'm reading DIY sites as fast as I can. Again, not
completely retarded. I got a Skil mag 77 and know how to hurt myself!

nb


Yes. PT is the way to go and probably the lowest cost, the drier the
better. Use deck screws. You might want to find out why the old
stringers are rotting and maybe fix that too. Mine are 20 years old,
going strong, but they were protected with decking stain.