woodchucker wrote:
On 9/8/2013 5:31 PM, Bill wrote:
SWMBO left heavy flower pots on each end of our 48" unsupported step
made out of Trex this summer, and the Trex boards warped (very bad--more
than 2").

The design looks poor, so that's where I'll point the blame. ; )

Here is a drawing of the current design along with my proposed solution:
http://web.newsguy.com/MySite/deckstep.jpg


2. In the diagram of my proposed solution, I would have screws being
(not) held by end grain. I know that this is a problem.. What is a
smart, easy and inexpensive way to get around this here? It looks like
I need a brace/bracket of some sort. I would like my repair to last!
: )

SHOULD NOT BE A PROBLEM, BUT IF YOU WANT TO USE STANDARD JOIST
HANGERS, UNDER $2.. https://www.google.com/#q=JOIST+HANGER

There is a little less wood and cutting with that approach too. I am
also pleased to finally understand "joist hangers". I've seen them in
the store but I didn't "get it" until just now, when I saw a diagram of
one "in use".

The whole "box" appears to be coming loose at one corner too and I am
pretty sure that the store will have a part next to the joist hangers
that will be perfect for that as well!

Does it follow that most "galvanized parts" like this are suitable for
non-oceanic (salt) EXTERIOR use?

Thank you much!
Bill