| Stairs and Deck Access |
| Stairs and Deck Access |
From "Hardscapes"
episode DHSC-101 |
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With the patio complete, the final element in this project is a set of stairs that provide access to the adjacent deck....
- Find a suitable place for the steps to be added. On the side of your deck, mark the location that the two stair stringers will attach, at least 36-inches apart.
- Measure the vertical drop from the deck surface to the ground. Divide this number by 7, the average rise of a stair, to determine the number of steps. For example, our distance is 53 inches, so divided by 7, that equals roughly 7 steps.
- Now, you can buy 2x10s and cut each stair step out yourself, or, you can once again turn to your local home-improvement store for pre-cut stair stringers.
- They come in varying sizes, so choose what’s best for you and cut them to length.
- Attach the stringer to the strongies with 3-inch galvanized screws.
- After cutting additional 2x10s for the treads, connect them to the stringers with the same 3-inch galvanized screws.
- Now that your steps are in place, take a circular or reciprocating saw and cut the deck railing between support posts.
- If your stairs are over 4 feet high, it’s best to add a simple safety railing. 2X4s will work okay for this, simply cut it to length and attach it to the existing railing and bottom of the stair stringers.
- After gathering the tools and materials, the patio perimeter was laid out and the dirt was excavated.
- After leveling the soil, a gradual slope was added to help with rainwater drainage.
- Landscaping fabric was spread over the entire area before a 4-inch layer of gravel was added, leveled and compacted.
- Two inches of sand was poured over the gravel and screeded to finish the foundation.
- Next, aluminum edging was cut to length and secured with 8-inch landscaping spikes before moving on and setting in the first row of paving stones.
- The outer edge and interior rows were laid perpendicularly and each remaining row was added thereafter, keeping everything square to the foundation and first course.
- Before finishing the rows, a fire-pit was added by placing stones in a circular pattern and each layer was staggered for support.
- After all the stone rows were installed, a final layer of sand was spread over the patio, compacted, and water downed.
- Next, deck stairs and a railing were installed while an opening was cut out of the existing deck.
- Finally, log racks were added to cover the wall and a/c unit.
- After all was said and done, this barren backyard went from an unsightly patch to a practical and professional patio.
Next: Prep Work and Pouring Concrete
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