Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - replacing outdoor stairs
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shomoyk1
09-27-05, 01:33 PM
As of now the main entrance to my house has about 6 steps from the ground. At the top of the steps there is no landing at all which makes it difficult to hold something while opening and unlocking the door. Therefore i would like to redo the steps.
I have in mind to add a landing that is about 50inches long by 70 inches wide. As of now the width of the currnet steps is 70 inches, so there are no problems there.
In order to add this landing with out removing the old steps i would need to build up the height of the other steps in order for them to support the landing 9which would then be laid in bricks-pavers). i have begun to price the bricks,mortar so that i can compelte the project myself.
Here is the problem/ question!
If i wish to build this landing should i first be demolishing the old steps?
Can the current set support the set?
once I build the new set on the current set the actual concrete walkway will need to be moved, or can i simply lay the brick9with cement) on the actual walkway?
I realize this si long and probably sounds complicated but it is really simple. i think.....
I have in mind to add a landing that is about 50inches long by 70 inches wide. As of now the width of the currnet steps is 70 inches, so there are no problems there.
In order to add this landing with out removing the old steps i would need to build up the height of the other steps in order for them to support the landing 9which would then be laid in bricks-pavers). i have begun to price the bricks,mortar so that i can compelte the project myself.
Here is the problem/ question!
If i wish to build this landing should i first be demolishing the old steps?
Can the current set support the set?
once I build the new set on the current set the actual concrete walkway will need to be moved, or can i simply lay the brick9with cement) on the actual walkway?
I realize this si long and probably sounds complicated but it is really simple. i think.....
lefty
09-27-05, 07:46 PM
Demo the current steps. build the 50" X 70" landing, setting it on 4 pier blocks on proper footings (16" sq. and 12" deep, setting the piers in the wet concrete) and posting up from there. Then build the new steps.
Bricks?? Mortar?? Not needed.
Bricks?? Mortar?? Not needed.
kpm
09-27-05, 10:35 PM
I believe he may have an existing brick staircase, and wants to replace the existing staircase with one that looks similar????
If this is the case, I think it would look much better to demo the old staircase, grade your front lawn so it slopes smoothly up to where you want the new staircase to set, and then lay new brick and/ or concrete over compacted soil. Trying to brick a new staircase at the height you are talking about would require a significant amount of weight to fill the space between your existing stairs and the new set if you tried to just lay it on top. Also, make sure you have room, horizontally, to extend the new staircase another few feet. You do not want each step to be too tall or too shallow.
If this is the case, I think it would look much better to demo the old staircase, grade your front lawn so it slopes smoothly up to where you want the new staircase to set, and then lay new brick and/ or concrete over compacted soil. Trying to brick a new staircase at the height you are talking about would require a significant amount of weight to fill the space between your existing stairs and the new set if you tried to just lay it on top. Also, make sure you have room, horizontally, to extend the new staircase another few feet. You do not want each step to be too tall or too shallow.