How can I recover these patio stairs?

[Wooden Skye]

Get the Kapex, fix the stairs and then send the bill to the landlord, tell him it will be cheaper than the lawsuit when your son falls on those extremely dangerous stairs. 

 

[tjbnwi]

 Call me stupid, call me crazy, but it works.

Peter

So which is it???

Tom

 

[Laminator]

Time + effort + what you have after all that = Replace!  Spend your time and effort (and consumables) on something more worthy.

 

[roblg3]

cutting stringers is easy and can be found in any carpentry book.  they are also available at HD already cut for roughly the same price as the lumber you'd have to buy to cut them from.  This project screams total replacement to me.  Just because I can fix it, doesn't mean that it's a cost effective solution.

 

[gkaiseril]

For cutting stringers use a circular saw to cut the rise and step supports but do not over cut into the stinger. Use a jigsaw or hand saw to finish the cut, again do not over cut into the stringer. Use the stair gauges and square to layout each stringer. If you cut one it cannot be used as a template for the next stringer because of making line and saw kerf.

You want to make sure that the step is deep enough for support and the height is consistent for all but the top and bottom steps.

I would also make sure the ledger board the attaches the stringers to the house is in good shape and can support the weight of the users.

As to the base, make sure there is very good drainage away from the foot of the stringer so water does not pool under the stringer.

 

[leakyroof]

Here is a link to the thread that Tom mentioned.  http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/ts-saws-cut-great-stair-stringers/.  Probably overkill in this situation.  But if you decide to go the route I show, use 2 x 12's and rip them using a rail to make sure that the sides are parallel to each other and that they all match.  Otherwise the method will create uneven stringers.

For pressure treated stringers, especially if a closed riser is required, I attach blocking to the inside of each stringer where the treads will be and fasten them to the stringer.  I then fasten the treads to them.  The stringers are carrying the load but when fastening I am not attaching to end grain which will over time split the stringer.  Call me stupid, call me crazy, but it works.

Peter

  I think I get what you're saying, do you have a picture or two that shows the blocking like you're posting about?

 

[leakyroof]

Frank

You will probably need a kapex to replace those steps

Great point!! [big grin]

"Honey, those stairs are dangerous. Kai might get badly hurt, and I just need this one more machine to make really nice ones!"

Cheers,

Frank

  There we go, THIS is the Frank/Sitting Elf we know....  [wink]

 

[semenza]

Well look at it this way .... at least you got to practice with your sanders.

Seth

 

[gkaiseril]

Get the Kapex, fix the stairs and then send the bill to the landlord, tell him it will be cheaper than the lawsuit when your son falls on those extremely dangerous stairs. 

First you need to notify the landlord of the issue and provide him/her enough time to respond and repair the condition. If he/she does not declines the repair, then you need to notify him/her of your intent to repair and an estimate of the cost. If you do the repair, it is possible you could be liable for any defects in the work.

Check with a local attorney that know real estate for the specifics in your area.

Maybe it will only take a letter from the attorney.