New Steps

[Formerly YB-2]

After trying to find someone to replace our rear steps from the drive into the far end of the kitchen I gave up and decided to replace them myself. In the past, I've always done the demo and part of any work on the house myself But, no longer a spry, young chicken. However, everyone I contacted was too busy or wanted $1500 for what I figure is a 1-day job. So, ordered the lumber delivered and purchased a new 5 1/2" B&D 20V saw & drill set from Amazon. Usually try to buy from HD, but their price for just the saw, battery & blade was almost $100. Got the saw, drill, battery, blade & carrying bag for $78 from Amazon. When they arrived there was no blade. Gave them a call and 5min later had a pair of blades of my choosing were on the way gratis.

Have to say just how much better 20V tools are compared to 12V. While the 12V are still working fine after 15yr, they simply cannot compare to the performance of the 20V pieces. Using the 12V to drill the pilot holes and the 20V to saw and drive the 2 1/2" stainless deck screws. The 20V saw is amazing. Am cutting 2x6 treat lumber and it goes thru same like warm butter. 18 cuts and no indication that the battery needs to be changed. Same with the 20V drill. Have driven at least 100 of the deck screws and will only change the battery before I finish up tomorrow as I don't want to have to stop to do so during the day.

Didn't think to take a 'before' pic, but here is the status mid-morning and after knocking off for the day. Waiting on delivery of 2" stainless deck screws for the hand rails, so a good time to stop. Everything is cut so only need to screw down the balance of the deck/step planks and mount the handrails, then let it weather until fall before painting.




Finished save the top piece on the inclined part of the handrail. Need to miter the risers and add another piece of the PVC am using for same. But, with the rain moving in and my traveling starting later this week, that will have to wait until next month and paint this fall when the treated lumber has 'seasoned'. New shelves in the garage are next.

[John Jordan]

Nice Job Glenn!
It's tough to get contractors at this point in time.
Good for you for taking it on yourself.
What are you doing with rest of the wood?
Small deck?

[John Jordan]

Did you buy pre-cut stringers?

[Formerly YB-2]

John - Yes on the stringers. HD has them in 2, 3 & 4-steps. Balance of the wood is to reframe & rock the hole where the 'frig fits into its pocket from the kitchen into the corner of the garage. The new 'frig with freezer drawer is so much deeper it is not flush on the front. That requires new/modified shelving. Some work to fit in between our summer travels (which were interrupted yesterday by the flood in the condo - on the road this morning in about an hour - at least the car is packed).