I'm planning on extending my 18' x 10' treated wood deck by 24" (giving 18' x 12'), and adding a full width step (only 1 step - deck clearance above grade is only 10", so 1 step should do the trick).
I've already ripped out the last deck board, and end cap. My plan was to extend the joist length by means of treated 2x6, overlapping and lag bolted into the existing 2x6 joists on 16" centers.
But for the 1 step - since there was never one before - I'm not sure if I could get away with using treated 2x8's to extend the existing joists, and notching out the ends to act as the stringer for the 1 step, and using concrete blocks to support the ends of the 2x8's under the step (and keep the wood off the ground)?
Or, would I be better off toenailing in separate 1-step stringers to the joists? My first way would seem to be pretty solid - but not sure if this is the right way?
Being so close to the ground that step is a minor challenge. You could build the step as a simple box, place a couple of patio blocks into the ground for a base and then place the step on them. The heavier the box (step) the less there will be a need for anchoring.
JdN
Posts: 7508 | Location: Elkader, IA, USA | Registered: Mar 07, 2004
