I'm looking to build some relatively low traffic stairs for the side of our house, total rise is approx 600mm, width around 1200-1300mm.
The Peak Products Black 3 Tread Steel Stair Stringers look like a good solution but I'm trying to work out the most economic approach for the treads, but all the suitable timber treads (or timber of a suitable ~240mm width) seem pretty pricey: https://www.bunnings.com.au/240-x-45mm-1-2m-stair-tread-h3-treated-pine-domestic-use_p0090470
1. Any thoughts on most economic stair tread material?
2. I can't find a maximum weight tolerance for the stringers but I'm assuming they won't be able to take concrete treads...
Any suggestions appreciated!
Hi @kitfriendesq,
A couple of our resident Bunnings D.I.Y. experts are taking a well-earned break at the moment, so apologies that there might be a bit of a delay before one of the team can get back to you.
In the meantime, let me tag some other experienced community members to see if they can share their thoughts with you about this project:
@Nailbag, @DIYGnome, @Dave-1.
Jason
Hi @kitfriendesq
I doubt you will find anything cheaper than that treated pine tread you linked to. Just be aware it's not going to be the best long term timber choice. So it's either concrete ones or I would go with something like a Merbau tread for durability and longevity, but they come at a cost.
Nailbag
Hello @kitfriendesq
Thats's excellent advice coming from @Nailbag. In order to give your stair tread an extra layer of defence, I propose painting it with Cabot's 500ml Colorbond Woodland Grey Timbercolour Deck & Exterior Paint. It is a premium, self-priming, oil-enriched acrylic paint. It has been specifically formulated to provide exceptional durability to all exterior timber surfaces and decks.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Thanks @Nailbag! I agree concrete is probably a good balance of durability and cost:
1) do you think the stringers would take the weight?
2) I’ll go have a look in store but I’m not entirely sure how they’d be secured… I’m loathed to try and neatly drill them and rely on no cracking…
Thanks @EricL - any views if concrete treads are an option?
In regards to the meatal stringer being able to take the weight of a concrete step, please allow us to call our supplier and asking them if it is capable of handling the weight. As soon as we have more information, we'll get back to you.
Thank you for your patience.
If you go with concrete, then you would be easily safe to drill into them to fasten t hem to the stringers. Just allow around 100mm overhang so you're not drilling in to the edge, which will look better than stringers right on the edge. Plus there will be less load in the central area especially if you went timber treads. You will need a drill with a hammer function and 8mm masonry bit to fix concrete ones.
Once the stringers are fixed, rest each tread and mark the holes. Then spin them over to drill holes to suit say 8mm x 40mm Dynabolts. Put some painters tape around the drill bit to mark maximum depth so you don't drill all the way through.
@EricL will be able to confirm that info for you @kitfriendesq
Great diagnosis - thanks @Nailbag!
Thanks @EricL that would be great. The low maintenance (and cost) of concrete definitely appeals
Great teamwork 👍
Afternoon @kitfriendesq
Sorry Im late to the party 🙂 Wasnt able to view notifications on the page 😕
I like the style of your steps that you mention at the start, I have looked at them for months as I tried to nut out what to do with the side of my house as well. The guys have supplied great information about them 🙂
So How about a differant step?
I have just finished building some gabion styled steps for the side of my house and they have hardwood stringers on them. Recyled old house studs to be exact.
I havent put together a project yet (Still need to sort the drainage in front of the wall and a couple of other things) but I used a custom gabion cage to make a form for the steps and then sanded back old hardwood studs for the treads. Yet to be oiled as only finishe dit on the long weekend.
You could go the route of two of these standard baskets side by side with a timber top but say a 30mm overhang goiving you a decent tread size.
Jack 650 x 300 x 150mm Black Rectangular Gabion
If you decide on trying that then I can tell you how to attach the timber to the baskets 🙂
Dave
Thanks @Dave-1 - this is such a lovely positive and constructive (pun intended) community 😂
I love gabions and your image but the boss veto'd them for something before so I suspect she would prefer to stick with normal steps, but always great to have alternate suggestions 👍
hahaha 🙂 love the puns!
The boss is always the final call 🙂 Way too many times have I "discussed" stuff only to realise that the other halfs idea is a good one and I wasted a bunch off time 😀
Love alternate suggestions, they are at the very least helpful to solidify the path you want.
@Dave-1 absolutely - iteration and prototypes always improve things! Due credit to the boss she is normally right in the end also 😆
I did a partial prototype/option for her at the weekend based on some surplus blocks we had which was rejected as an aesthetic approach but was very handy to give her a sense of scale/volume:
Unfortunately, the Peak stair stringers have only been manufactured for use with timber treads and are not compliant with concrete treads. I'd recommend you either go with the treated Pine or Merbau option.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
Alas! Thanks anyway @MitchellMc
Hi all - I know everyone likes a project update here 😁
I ended up with enough spare chunky wood from a neighbour clearing out I figured I could knock something out for free here - so here's my new steps! Just got to sort some footings and bracket to the wall (I'll level it properly as part of that also).
I love it when repurposed materials can save the day.
The stairs you've created look sturdy, functional and well-made.
Thank you for sharing the update.
Jacob
Morning @kitfriendesq
They look solid as a rock and love the notches in them! 🙂 Looks like they will last for years!
How about resting the base on a couple of pavers for either leg? And bolting the rear to the brickwork so it wont slide out?
I have my outdoor table legs sitting on two pavers and it seems to be doing a good job of keeping the water and the grass away.
Yeh @Dave-1 that’s basically what I’m thinking too - keep them out of the wet 😁
