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Default deck step measurement (confused)

I have stumbled onto something that I don't know how to accurately
measure.

I've got a low deck (21" above ground), and I am trying to cut 2x8
stringers to enclose the two required steps. I probably need some
support in the middle as well (3' span).

I want to make sure that the ends of the stringer are flush to the
deck and to the ground. Side view would look something like this:

| -- side of deck
| \
| \ -- stringer
| \
| \
| \
________________\_______ --- ground


Ideally the angle between deck and ground would be 90 degrees. Any
ideas on how I can measure this accurately?
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Default deck step measurement (confused)

Borrall Wonnell wrote:
I have stumbled onto something that I don't know how to accurately
measure.

I've got a low deck (21" above ground), and I am trying to cut 2x8
stringers to enclose the two required steps. I probably need some
support in the middle as well (3' span).

I want to make sure that the ends of the stringer are flush to the
deck and to the ground. Side view would look something like this:

| -- side of deck
| \
| \ -- stringer
| \
| \
| \
________________\_______ --- ground


Ideally the angle between deck and ground would be 90 degrees. Any
ideas on how I can measure this accurately?

You're going to need to use 2x12s Your stairs will require 7 inch risers
and 10 inch treads.
Bob Vila's site has a video of this.
http://video.bobvila.com/m/21320810/...and-stairs.htm
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Default deck step measurement (confused)

On Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:13:24 -0700 (PDT), Borrall Wonnell
wrote:

Ideally the angle between deck and ground would be 90 degrees. Any
ideas on how I can measure this accurately?


An inclinometer.

G.S.
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Default deck step measurement (confused)


"Borrall Wonnell" wrote in message
...
I have stumbled onto something that I don't know how to accurately
measure.


[--]


Ideally the angle between deck and ground would be 90 degrees. Any
ideas on how I can measure this accurately?


1.To check for 90 degrees --

Measure the distance from ground to top of deck - = 21"
Measure out from the deck 28" and mark the spot
Measure the distance from the top of the deck to the spot you just marked -
it should be 35" if it's a 90 degree angle. (3-4-5 triangle)

2. If it's not 90 degrees, get some cardboard and make a template., or just
lay out 3 2x4s at the location and nail them together - that'll give you all
the dimensions and the proper angle.


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Default deck step measurement (confused)

On Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:33:36 -0400, PS wrote:

You're going to need to use 2x12s Your stairs will require 7 inch risers
and 10 inch treads.
Bob Vila's site has a video of this.
http://video.bobvila.com/m/21320810/...and-stairs.htm


As with all things that Boob Vila is involved with this almost has
something worthwhile. It didn't answer the OP's question about the
angle of the deck relative to the ground.

Nice catch on pointing out the need for 2x12's instead of 2x8's.

G.S.


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Default deck step measurement (confused)

Lay a 4' level on the side of the deck and on the ground
perpendicular to the deck. That will give you a good idea if its
square.
From my calculations, at 21" above the ground, you need 2 steps @7"
high, and the tread should be 11". So the end of the stringer will be
approx 22" away from the deck. Even if its not perfectly square, you
could always trim or shim a little under the stringer. Its a small set
of steps.
Also you might get away with using 2 stringers if you overhang each
step 6" on each side. Then you would have 24" span between stringers
( provided you use 2X6 steps). Which means less likelyhood of problems
trying to level the steps and stringers.
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Default deck step measurement (confused)

Gordon Shumway wrote:
On Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:33:36 -0400, PS wrote:

You're going to need to use 2x12s Your stairs will require 7 inch risers
and 10 inch treads.
Bob Vila's site has a video of this.
http://video.bobvila.com/m/21320810/...and-stairs.htm


As with all things that Boob Vila is involved with this almost has
something worthwhile. It didn't answer the OP's question about the
angle of the deck relative to the ground.

Nice catch on pointing out the need for 2x12's instead of 2x8's.

G.S.


I'd put this in the 'life's too short' category, and buy precut treated
stringers from the deck aisle at the Borg. At most, they will need a
little trimming to match the as-found conditions, and to make sure the
rise and tread depth are the same for all the steps. (Some assume a face
board on the top, some don't, some assume bottom riser will be buried in
a lower deck, some don't. ) But all the hard parts will be done already.
I wouldn't pay the premium if I was putting up a dozen decks at a condo
complex, but for a one-time job, the convenience is worth it, IMHO. If
there isn't a concrete landing pad for the stringers already, scrape a
level spot with a shovel and put down 2-3 precast pavers- you don't want
the stringers sitting in dirt. You can dry-fit all the pieces basted
together with a few long spikes not driven home, to make sure it is all
square and level, fine-tuning as needed, before you do the final
assembly with hangers and deck screws. For 36" wide, I would use 3
stringers. Even with 2x6 treads, a 24" span in center will feel bouncy
for larger folks.

--
aem sends...
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Default deck step measurement (confused)

On Jun 15, 7:39*pm, aemeijers wrote:
Gordon Shumway wrote:
On Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:33:36 -0400, PS wrote:


You're going to need to use 2x12s Your stairs will require 7 inch risers
and 10 inch treads.
Bob Vila's site has a video of this.
http://video.bobvila.com/m/21320810/...and-stairs.htm


As with all things that Boob Vila is involved with this almost has
something worthwhile. *It didn't answer the OP's question about the
angle of the deck relative to the ground.


Nice catch on pointing out the need for 2x12's instead of 2x8's.


G.S.


I'd put this in the 'life's too short' category, and buy precut treated
stringers from the deck aisle at the Borg. At most, they will need a
little trimming to match the as-found conditions, and to make sure the
rise and tread depth are the same for all the steps. (Some assume a face
board on the top, some don't, some assume bottom riser will be buried in
a lower deck, some don't. ) But all the hard parts will be done already.
I wouldn't pay the premium if I was putting up a dozen decks at a condo
complex, but for a one-time job, the convenience is worth it, IMHO. If
there isn't a concrete landing pad for the stringers already, scrape a
level spot with a shovel and put down 2-3 precast pavers- you don't want
the stringers sitting in dirt. You can dry-fit all the pieces basted
together with a few long spikes not driven home, to make sure it is all
square and level, fine-tuning as needed, before you do the final
assembly with hangers and deck screws. For 36" wide, I would use 3
stringers. Even with 2x6 treads, a 24" span in center will feel bouncy
for larger folks.

--
aem sends...


I agree. It is a simple set of steps but just using a carpenter
square to lay out the stringers even after you know what the run and
rise has to be is not
something that is common knowledge.

My first set of steps (1 story into basement) took me some studying to
get the layout right and I already knew how to use a square.

Harry K
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Default deck step measurement (confused)


I'd put this in the 'life's too short' category, and buy precut treated
stringers from the deck aisle at the Borg. At most, they will need a
little trimming to match the as-found conditions, and to make sure the
rise and tread depth are the same for all the steps.


Those "pre-made" stringers are fine provided they are the correct
riser and tread, in the OP's case it must be 7" step and 11" tread.

For 36" wide, I would use 3
stringers. Even with 2x6 treads, a 24" span in center will feel bouncy
for larger folks.


A 2X6 can safely span 24" with no problem. I have a 5 foot wide stairs
with 3 stringers and there is 25" between each stringer and I have no
problems with bounce
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Default deck step measurement (confused)


I'd put this in the 'life's too short' category, and buy precut treated
stringers from the deck aisle at the Borg. At most, they will need a
little trimming to match the as-found conditions, and to make sure the
rise and tread depth are the same for all the steps.


Since most codes allow a riser height from 7" to 8" overall, what
makes you think the pre-cut stringers are going to be at the 7" riser
height that the OP requires? If they are, say, 7 1/2", they won't
work, no matter how much "trimming" you do. With a little careful
planning, cutting a set of stringers is a pretty easy project.

JK


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Default deck step measurement (confused)


"Borrall Wonnell" wrote in message
...
I have stumbled onto something that I don't know how to accurately
measure.

I've got a low deck (21" above ground), and I am trying to cut 2x8
stringers to enclose the two required steps. I probably need some
support in the middle as well (3' span).


With the way most decks are built you will need 3 treads in order to
securely attach this to the deck.

The top tread will be equal to the surface of the deck.

I also vote for buying the pre-cut ones at the BORG. Trace the outline onto
heavy cardboard of a scrap of plywood and then adjust that until it fits.

Use that pattern to modify the rest of the stringers.

Ideally steps should be level or have a minor backward pitch toward the
deck. Never pitch them away from the deck.


Colbyt


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Default deck step measurement (confused)

Wow, I never expected so many responses!! A few comments:

1) I considered the pre-made stringer (including metal) but the rise
was too tall.

2) This will be an enclosed step, so the 2x8 will not be notched like
a traditional stringer. Won't this be strong enough? I was planning
on slotting each step into the side of the 2x8s, and finishing up with
a traditional 2x12 stringer in the middle.

3) Love the 3-4-5 idea. Cardboard sounds like a nice follow-up. Now
if only I could cut a straight line with my circular saw



On Jun 16, 10:55*am, Big_Jake wrote:
I'd put this in the 'life's too short' category, and buy precut treated
stringers from the deck aisle at the Borg. At most, they will need a
little trimming to match the as-found conditions, and to make sure the
rise and tread depth are the same for all the steps.


Since most codes allow a riser height from 7" to 8" overall, what
makes you think the pre-cut stringers are going to be at the 7" riser
height that the OP requires? *If they are, say, 7 1/2", they won't
work, no matter how much "trimming" you do. *With a little careful
planning, cutting a set of stringers is a pretty easy project.

JK


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Default deck step measurement (confused)

On Jun 16, 10:04*am, Borrall Wonnell wrote:
Wow, I never expected so many responses!! *A few comments:

1) I considered the pre-made stringer (including metal) but the rise
was too tall.

2) *This will be an enclosed step, so the 2x8 will not be notched like
a traditional stringer. *Won't this be strong enough? *I was planning
on slotting each step into the side of the 2x8s, and finishing up with
a traditional 2x12 stringer in the middle.

3) Love the 3-4-5 idea. *Cardboard sounds like a nice follow-up. *Now
if only I could cut a straight line with my circular saw *

On Jun 16, 10:55*am, Big_Jake wrote:



I'd put this in the 'life's too short' category, and buy precut treated
stringers from the deck aisle at the Borg. At most, they will need a
little trimming to match the as-found conditions, and to make sure the
rise and tread depth are the same for all the steps.


Since most codes allow a riser height from 7" to 8" overall, what
makes you think the pre-cut stringers are going to be at the 7" riser
height that the OP requires? *If they are, say, 7 1/2", they won't
work, no matter how much "trimming" you do. *With a little careful
planning, cutting a set of stringers is a pretty easy project.


JK- Hide quoted text -


- Show quoted text -


Now if only I could cut a straight line with my circular saw

That's what a...

- Speed square
- Framing Square
- Clamped on straight-edge
- Edge guide
- T-Square

....is for.
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Default deck step measurement (confused)

2) *This will be an enclosed step, so the 2x8 will not be notched like
a traditional stringer. *Won't this be strong enough? *I was planning
on slotting each step into the side of the 2x8s, and finishing up with
a traditional 2x12 stringer in the middle.


I don't like that idea. A 2X8 will not work for that anyway. Use the
2X12 and just cut out the desired riser and treads. Don't notch.
Also as someone suggested, because you might be securing the stringers
to the framing below the deck, you might have to add a 3rd tread on
top level with the deck.
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Default deck step measurement (confused)

I've got a low deck (21" above ground), and I am trying to cut 2x8
stringers to enclose the two required steps. I probably need some
support in the middle as well (3' span).
I want to make sure that the ends of the stringer are flush to the
deck and to the ground. Side view would look something like this:
Ideally the angle between deck and ground would be 90 degrees. Any
ideas on how I can measure this accurately?


Since you will only need two steps to reach your 21" high deck, you might
consider "stacked boxes" instead of the usual stair stringers. While I
normally cut stair stringers for longer stairs, I used the box approach
for the front and back steps of our house. Easy to build, and rock solid.

With your 21" deck, you would have three risers 7" high. If you're using
regular 2x decking material, you would subtract 1-1/2" from that 7", and
rip the boards for the lower box to 5-1/2" (I would rip down a 2x8,
rather than relying on the width of a 2x6). Build a simple box from that
lumber for your first step.

Now rip lumber to the full 7" for your second step (since you're not
subtracting the thickness of the decking material). Then build the second
box on top of the first.

I added vertical 2x4's in the corners to tie everything together. Then
screw on your decking and you're done.

If your steps are more than 3' wide or you use thinner deck material, I
would add a middle support on each box.

If your steps are resting on the ground, rather than a concrete patio or
sidewalk, I would probably pour a concrete step for the bottom "box", and
then build a single wood box on top of that.

For a 7" riser you would need about a 10-1/2" tread. A couple of 2x6's,
with a slight space between them for drainage would work well (11-1/8"
total) and give a small "nosing" overhang.

Be sure to use pressure treated lumber for your outdoor stair structure,
no matter what construction method or decking you use. I ripped the front
and back of my "boxes" about 1/4" narrower to allow drainage, so the
"support" is only on the sides and middle support of the boxes.

Just another option to consider.

As for squaring off the building, mark one side of your steps on the
deck. Then measure 4' along the wall, and 3' out from the wall. Move the
3' measurement back and forth until the distance between the tips of the
3 and 4 foot measurements equals 5'. This triangulation is the
Pythagorean (sp?) theory, and is a great way to check for square. You can
scale up the basic 3-4-5 triangle if you need to square up larger areas
(6-8-10, 9-12-15, etc...).

If you use my "box" method of building, your steps will also be square
when the diagonal measurements are equal. In other words, measure from
the back left corner to the front right corner. This measurement should
be identical to the back right corner and front left corner. If not,
shift things around till they are equal.

Or, just use a framing square.

Anthony


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Default deck step measurement (confused)

Since you will only need two steps to reach your 21" high deck, you might
consider "stacked boxes" instead of the usual stair stringers. *While I
normally cut stair stringers for longer stairs, I used the box approach
for the front and back steps of our house. Easy to build, and rock solid.


That did the trick...simple and solid. The concrete pavers that the
'box' rests on weren't completely level, so I shimmed it with narrow
strips cut from spare shingles.

I avoided the angle measurement problem, but I'm sure it will crop up
again in the near future.
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