Stair case idea needed

[BSAschields]

There is some serious design talent here and I would love to ask for ideas or just confirmation that my idea is best BUT.... and thats a big but- Its not my garage this time. Its on my patio/deck ... (that leads to my garage) lol (not really)

So if this offends anyone feel free to delete the post . I won't be offended. Maybe there is a patio steps forum out there.... I hope not .... Probably is but I like it here

Sample photos: More if approval from you all.

 

[readhead]

Is there a question?

 

[Big Bad Dad]

Existing steps do not meet any code known to mankind.....

 

[Krash Kadillak]

1. Get rid of that little 'shelf' deal that's to the left in photo#1 - the one that's held up on the corner by a 2x2.
2. Find out what 'code' for the stairs is
3. I would put in stairs on same ledge where the rickity steps are now. That ledge appears to be approx 6-7' across? I would do stairs maybe 5' wide starting from the left side, with a little 'L' turn at the railing, right where the old steps are now. Option; Just put the steps the full width.

We could maybe get fancier with our design ideas, but it would be good to see in the other direction - like what you see when you go down the steps that are there.

 

[BSAschields]

OK so you seem ok with it. Yes the question was . Do I do the simple design of just straight across the end of the deck ? Or get fancier with it?

The part held up by the 2x4 is not finished but needs to be there unfortunately because of a big hole in the concrete slab . Maybe more photos will show it better.

The 2x4 will be replaced by a pressure treated post once the final plan is in place. More posts for the steps will be put in at the same time. The plywood will be replaced by IPE wood at the same time as the stair tread are laid down as well.

Really I just envision something more of a fancy extension of the deck I guess . That was before we got this far now I just see straight steps that take up the whole area where the old steps are now.





Overall look of the deck. Of course in disarray at the moment


Here is one from a different day. Gives an idea of the setting

 

[2nrguy]

Depends on how good you are with taking it from your head to cutting the lumber, that being said I would atleast check what the code says as far as supports and such.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I'd build the deck over the concrete patio(?) then build stairs (maybe at an angle).
Or I'd build stone/concrete stairs up to the patio.
Actually I'd probably fix the wall and extend it around the deck, stone/concrete stairs, remove the deck and repour the surface.
Trying to have both isn't going to look right, alternating between wood deck and stone/concrete then back to wood is even worse.

 

[BSAschields]

Good point Leafless. I had thought of putting flag stone or something like that on top of the concrete. In my mind the wood and stone seems to look good. Hard to picture now with a nasty concrete pad. Stone steps could be nice if I did do the stone top.... Money money money. And my honey cracking the whip to get it done. Already have the pressure treated lumber to do it wood.

I won't do it twice so just trying to weigh all the options. Stone steps could get pricey although I might be able to get some free stone.

 

[CNGsaves]

I'd tear everything out from lattice work over to the rickety steps.

Regrade the soil so you have proper slope, then put in semi-circle of terraced pavers or some sort of stone steps. Could use a nice focal point at each side of the semicircle steps like planter with a miniature tree, etc.

Re-finish the desk itself after the steps are done and you'll have long-lasting outdoor space.

Later you can repair the concrete section then put some self-leveling topcoat so that lower section is upgraded in quality like the deck and steps. Even could stain or stamp the concrete skim coat to make that section look better.

Pretty sure you need bannister poles on deck portion where falloff is over 3 ft. These poles need to be 4 inches apart (or less) so they'll meet code for child safety.

You've got fabulous view and outdoor space there. Keep upgrading so that you'll use and enjoy that deck!! Good luck.

 

[laser3kw]

here locally, a friend showed me where his insurance company made him re-do his stairs and required a railing around his deck - or they would cancel his home insurance

 

[bczygan]

I think everything is OK as is.

BTW, what is your full legal name and address........I need to take out a little insurance policy, with myself named as beneficiary.

Thanks,

Bill

No, seriously, first look at the deck itself. Did you build it? Is the supporting structure adequate?

Secondly, the concrete slab. Do the pieces move differently to each other. Do they heave in the fall, winter and/or spring? What I'm getting at, is how stable is it. If it is stable, you can build on top of it with flagstones or an extension of the wood deck. If not, you must either use it as is, or replace it.

A new wood stairway can be built so that it is an independent structure.

Sounds like funds are tight, so I would do that and maybe cover that plywood area with a cover to match the existing deck. Make it structural in case anyone walks on it.

Make the stair structure match the existing deck and turn the new railing around the corners and tie it into the existing railing, to visually tie it all together.

BTW, I like that detail of an entrance door handle for a hand hold on the existing stair.

 

[Ray916MN]

Given the location of the outbuildings, I would build stairs on the side facing the outbuildings. I'd build them closer to the house away from the corner where they are now. This will reduce the number of steps you need to build and will allow you to set the corner where they are now as a dining area. You'll want to ultimately redo the railings to complete the job.

 

[Rod N]

This looks like something from one of those reno reality shows.

I'd go back to square one.

 

[kbs2244]

I my mind the real problem is the view off the back side of the deck.
And all the existing, old and in place, landscaping.
Are you willing to sacrifice it for your shop?

I would go with as little driveway, 12 foot wide, down the side of the deck and around to the right.
Build your shop down there, then enjoy the vies with a beer, at the end of the day.

And, unlike the code freaks around here, I like the hand hold on the stair railing.
I would be willing to bet whoever put it there would miss it if removed.

 

[BSAschields]

No, seriously, first look at the deck itself. Did you build it? Is the supporting structure adequate?

Secondly, the concrete slab. Do the pieces move differently to each other. Do they heave in the fall, winter and/or spring? What I'm getting at, is how stable is it. If it is stable, you can build on top of it with flagstones or an extension of the wood deck. If not, you must either use it as is, or replace it.

A new wood stairway can be built so that it is an independent structure.

Sounds like funds are tight, so I would do that and maybe cover that plywood area with a cover to match the existing deck. Make it structural in case anyone walks on it.

Make the stair structure match the existing deck and turn the new railing around the corners and tie it into the existing railing, to visually tie it all together.

BTW, I like that detail of an entrance door handle for a hand hold on the existing stair.

Deck is super strong. 12 6x6 pressure treated posts cemented in below frost line. 3 rows of beams connecting them. Ipe wood deck will last 50 years even if we never treat it. The railing at the far end is awaiting 11 rows of cable between the 3 posts which will bring that up to code. Still working out the plan for the steps before adding more railing and the rest of the ipe. Ipe is really expensive and I don't wanna install it just to redo it later. Not to mention the fact that it is so hard that you can not nail or screw through it without drilling a hole first. (time consuming)
The concrete pad doesn't seemed to move much, if at all. I'll watch it more closely this winter. So a layer of stone or stamped concrete on top may be the plan when we get to that. Regrading the righthand side of the deck and probably around the new stairs area is a likely necessity . All part of the evolving future plan.

The plywood part was built there this past August to keep people from tripping in the hole that it covers . We had a big party to celebrate getting married. A surprise announcement really. What a blowout it was too. No drunks fell off of the deck and we covered the plywood area with plants so no one would walk on that area till proper posts are installed or the idea there is canned.

The rickety steps and funny handle are left over from the previous owner along with a pile of rubble that had to be removed to build the deck. Thats the reason for the deck in the first place . Hiding the rubble turned into a $10,000 deck that I never wanted in the first place. But now that its there, I need to finish it.

Thanks for the tips and ideas. Believe it or not there were some things said that made me think of more options. I like the stairs on the side as an option so I will hash that idea around. Most of it I already considered but haven't gotten that far yet as this job is getting done in stages. And currently the kitchen ceiling is coming down as it has no insulation and is becoming a problem. Planning to raise the ceiling to the angle of roof line and insulate it with an air gap between the insulation and the metal roof. Wish me luck. The garage plans are already in my head but I get grief for talking about them before the kitchen is done. (and the deck)

 

[j p smith]

Beautifull view. It is hard to get a feel for the deck and the surrounding area, maybe a few pictures looking back toward the house. Can't tell for sure but it looks like the rock wall had continued on around. With the condition of the concrete, you might want to consider removing or building matching deck over it. What is the transition area between the deck and the back of the house? If it were mine, in the end I would like for it to look like it all flowed together and was well thought out instead of just addded on here and there. You may not be able to do everything at once, come up with a good solid plan that blends everything together, do it as time and money come availble

 

[cdestuck]

You need to go to decks.com and go thru that. And under calculators, there is great help on steps. Will even help ya figure out the rise and run.