How to Fix Broken Porch Entry Stairs
- Stair treads and risers. Use a pry bar to remove the pre-existing damaged wood pieces. Start with the riser first. Be mindful of possible rusted screws/nails.
- Use a pry bar to remove the pre-existing damaged wood pieces. Remove the treads on the stairs. Be mindful of possible rusted screws/nails.
- Use a measuring tape to measure the foundation where the new steps will be placed. To ensure accurate measurements, make sure to repeat this step twice.
- Mark your measurements on both ends of your new weather treated wood using a measuring tape and a pencil.
- Place the new piece of wood onto the end of a sturdy table. Make sure the marked end is hanging off the edge by at least a foot.
- Use a circular saw to cut across the straight line marked on the new piece of wood. ...
- Place the new piece of wood (riser) on the steps to ensure that it fits. Use a leveler to make sure that it is level.
- Secure your wood piece (riser) into place using a drill and galvanized screws. Create two pilot holes with the correct drill bit.
- Make sure your wood piece (tread) fits into place and is level. For the most accurate results, it is important to use a large level.
- Secure your wood piece (tread) into place using a drill and galvanized screws. Create three pilot holes with the correct drill bit.
- Repeat steps 8-10 for the remaining stairs. For the best results, follow this guide thoroughly for each stair.
How do you repair rotted Cedar porch posts?
Epoxy: While methods to repair rotted porch posts and columns could easily fill an entire issue, consider making repairs using epoxy. Another alternative is to install plain cedar posts covered with custom-made sheathing, or replace severely rotted posts with composite materials that can be shaped to historical specifications.
How do you fix a sagging porch?
Porches that have settled or sagged should first be raised as close as possible to the original position using jacks, shims or 2×4 props. (Take care not to raise it so high that you disturb or damage intact structural or trim elements.) Excavate space for new footings below the frost line, then pour the concrete and allow it to fully cure.
Should I repair or replace my porch wood?
When restoring a 120-year-old porch with components that include curving horizontal members that have been turned on a lathe, replacing original wood is usually the last option.
How do you measure for new porch steps?
Measure the rise, run, and width of the existing stairs. Appropriate stringer layout must take into account the thickness of tread stock and porch decking. The run for porch steps is usually 11″, which is the width of fir tread stock available at most lumberyards; a 9″ run is code minimum.
How do you repair damaged wooden steps?
0:403:48How to Repair a Broken Stair Tread | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStarted. I'm going to use my speed square to line my drill bit up parallel with the tread. And drillMoreStarted. I'm going to use my speed square to line my drill bit up parallel with the tread. And drill. All right that's one hole now i want to drill a second hole right over. Here now a third hole.
How do I restore my porch steps?
1:303:48How to Restore Porch Stairs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd drive in some screws. Just to give the railings a little bit more stability. Now that the stairsMoreAnd drive in some screws. Just to give the railings a little bit more stability. Now that the stairs have been scraped and sweat and the railings have been reinforced we're ready to begin painting.
How do you fix rotted stairs?
0:153:42Fix Rotted Basement Stairs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo keep the bottom of the stairs just elevated. Up off this slab a little bit in the treated 4x4MoreTo keep the bottom of the stairs just elevated. Up off this slab a little bit in the treated 4x4 posts themselves are ideally suited to be in contact with the wet surface.
How do you restore outdoor wooden stairs?
Steps to Refinishing Your Stair Treads:Sand. Start by sanding down the treads to bare wood with the 80 grit sandpaper. ... Clean. Vacuum between passes, then wipe down the treads with a tack cloth. ... Sand again. ... Clean again. ... Treat the wood. ... Stain the treads. ... Apply the Finish. ... Sand, then repeat two more times.
Can weathered wood be restored?
0:502:16How to Restore Severely Weathered Wood with RESTORE - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can apply restore with a pump sprayer roller or a brush. I'm using a pump sprayer here to coverMoreYou can apply restore with a pump sprayer roller or a brush. I'm using a pump sprayer here to cover more area quickly and it'll make my job a lot easier especially along the deck rail.
What paint to use on outdoor steps?
The Best Outdoor PaintConcrete step paints are usually low luster acrylic latex paints designed to conceal imperfections and resist fading, peeling, cracking and UV damage. ... Epoxy based paints provide higher durability and stain resistance which makes them great for the floor or step portion of the steps.More items...
What paint to use on outdoor wood steps?
At one time, oil-based paints were considered the industry standard for exterior use, but acrylic and latex paints have caught up in durability. Acrylic is chemical-based and dries faster, but water-based latex is easier to clean up, according to Carleton Clark at Hillis Brothers Painting.
Is it better to stain or paint outdoor wood?
Paint allows you more color options, as where stain is limited to shades of brown. Because paint fills gaps and cracks, it hides the flaws of a weathered or old deck much better than stain does. It's easier to clean a painted deck rather than a stained one.
What paint to use on concrete steps?
The best types of paint for concrete are high-quality low-luster oil-based or latex porch and floor enamel, acrylic latex paints, epoxy-based paints, and masonry paints. To know which is the right solution for your steps or other concrete surface, it's best to speak with your local paint retailer.
How wide should porch steps be?
The run for porch steps is usually 11″, which is the width of fir tread stock available at most lumberyards; a 9″ run is code minimum. A 1″ lip overhanging the riser is typical, but if you’re using a cove molding and need more overhang, you can go as far as 1¼” (the limit mandated by building codes).
What are the most vulnerable parts of a porch?
Stairs are the most vulnerable component of a porch. Exposed to the elements (intense sunlight, rain, snow, frost heave), and often limited by poor choice of materials, bad craftsmanship, and lack of maintenance, it’s no wonder they usually fail long before the rest of the porch. But new stairs —whether simply utilitarian or attractively dressed ...
How to provide ventilation between stringers and trim?
To provide ventilation between the stringers and trim, apply ¼” pressure-treated shims to the stringer adjacent to each riser. </td>. Fasten the treads, risers, and side trim. With the frame ready, fasten the treads, risers, and side trim.
Introduction
This guide will walk you through removing old or deteriorated treads and risers from a set of stairs. It will also teach you how to bring your stairs back to life by replacing them with new weather treated wood pieces. There are only 11 required steps to this guide which makes it not only cost effective but also time efficient.
Step 3
Use a measuring tape to measure the foundation where the new steps will be placed.
Step 4
Mark your measurements on both ends of your new weather treated wood using a measuring tape and a pencil.
Step 6
Use a circular saw to cut across the straight line marked on the new piece of wood.
Step 7
Place the new piece of wood (riser) on the steps to ensure that it fits.
Step 8
Secure your wood piece (riser) into place using a drill and galvanized screws.
Step 10
Secure your wood piece (tread) into place using a drill and galvanized screws.
What is a good porch?
A good porch starts with good footings. While the earliest porches were built on large stones set deep into the ground or full masonry piers of fieldstone or brick, contemporary building codes call for footers of poured concrete.
Why ventilate skirting under porch?
Ventilation is crucial for preventing dampness, which can attract wood-eating insects and encourage decay. “You want the bugs to crawl in,” says Andrew Curtis, an exterior restoration specialist, “and you want them to crawl back out.”. It is crucial to ventilate skirting underneath porches to avoid decay.
How thick are porch floor boards?
Historically, porch floorboards were milled from vertical grain 5⁄4″ tongue-and-groove Douglas fir, which meant they were fully 1″ thick. The ends were often shaped in a half-round bullnose by an onsite carpenter, the better to shed water. After World War II, board thicknesses shrank to ¾”, and the ends were typically square-cut, both compromises in terms of the expected lifespan of the wood.
How far should stair treads overlap?
Stair treads should overlap risers and stringers by about 1″ and slope forward slightly to drain water. Use a router to create bullnose edges on both tread ends and edges.
What are the elements that make up a porch?
If not kept in good repair using water-resistant materials and strategically applied coats of paint, the key elements of a porch—floors, framing, posts, railings, and decorative elements —will deteriorate quickly.
What is the most common area for rot damage on an old porch?
Deck framing is the most common area for rot damage on an old porch. Before about 1860, deck frames were often built of large logs called “sleepers.”. These sturdy logs were hewn flat on one or two sides, with one of the flat side facing up to act as floor joists.
Do porch posts support roof framing?
Whether turned or chamfered, porch posts support the roof-framing system (a topic for another story) and act as anchors for attached railings. If they’re made of old-growth wood and positioned correctly, they should last indefinitely—provided they are properly ventilated.
How do I remove a sealer from a stone porch?
To remove the sealer, you will need an appropriate chemical seal remover. This needs to be applied over the surface of the porch steps where you are to carry out repairs. Leave the seal remover to work for 15 minutes. You should then be able to scrape away the old sealer using the putty knife. Remove it thoroughly and then use a scrubbing pad to clean the surface. Finally, rinse the surface with clean water and leave it until it is thoroughly dry.
How to fix a chipped stone?
Spread the epoxy evenly and thoroughly over the surface using a putty knife. Make sure that the surface is smooth and then leave it to dry.
How long does it take to repair a concrete step?
In an hour you can repair a step.
How to remove sand from a concrete slab?
Remove all loose gravel, sand, dirt, and cement with a clean, stiff wire brush. You can also tap lightly with a hammer or use a hammer and chisel. ...
How to keep cement moist?
12. Keep the cement moist. Use a spray bottle to moisten the new concrete patch 2 or 3 times a day for 3 days. Then moisten the patch twice daily for a week.
Can concrete steps break apart?
Concrete steps are exposed to the elements every day. After time, the steps can crack or begin to break apart. Cracked steps pose a potential safety risk to people entering or leaving your home and must be repaired. Use these instructions to repair concrete steps.
Can you use premixed cement to fill stucco?
Do not use pre-mixed vinyl cement repair because it shrinks and will not hold weight. These vinyl fillers are best used to fill holes in stucco walls where no one is walking over them. "Cement-all", that is $22 per bag, does not need a bonding agent, and can be driven over in 60 minutes with an automobile.
Tools and Materials Needed
Step 1 – Prepare The Surface
- Before beginning, it is important to properly prepare and clean the surface. Use an appropriate cleaning agent and rags to clean the surface that you need to repair. If there is any loose stone on your porch stairs, you will need to remove it before continuing. Use a chisel to break away any broken fragments.
Step 2 – Strip Down The Surface
- If the surface of the stone is covered by a sealer, such as a wax surface, this needs to be stripped away before continuing. To remove the sealer, you will need an appropriate chemical seal remover. This needs to be applied over the surface of the porch steps where you are to carry out repairs. Leave the seal remover to work for 15 minutes. You should then be able to scrape away …
Step 3 – Mix The Epoxy Solution
- Mix the epoxy solution in a large enough bowl, using the manufacturer’s instructions for further guidelines. Add the powdered epoxy dye to the mixture. This will give the mixture the same color as the stone that you are repairing. Ideally, the epoxy mixture should be slightly darker in color than the stone itself. Add more pigment until you get this effect.
Step 4 – Apply The Epoxy Filler
- Any chipped areas should be filled in with the epoxy filler that you have mixed. In sections where stone has broken apart, the epoxy filler can act as a glue to hold the two parts together again. Spread the epoxy evenly and thoroughly over the surface using a putty knife. Make sure that the surface is smooth and then leave it to dry.
Step 5 – Finishing Up
- When the surface is dry, sand it down lightly. Remove any dust or epoxy residue with a dry cloth. Finally, apply a layer of clear epoxy sealant over the repaired surface. This will create a water-tight seal which will hold the epoxy in place and protect the surface from further damage. Again, apply this using the putty knife as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions. Before using the steps, l…