RD wrote:
Thanks for the clarification. Using the garden hose to water plants
next to the step, I find that moisture is apparent. In this case no
water was dripping down from the concrete. Does this mean that the
bearing for the wood frame is below the level of the ground? If
so,
does this mean I need to dig up the step, regrade and repour? Again
thanks for your help.

RD

You have to look at the building to find the relative positions of the
various parts.
Once you know that, look at the condition of the masonry to see if the
water is wicking up from the gorund or working its way down from some
highter point.

TB