freebird
Drama Llama
'cause I'm free as a bird now
Posts: 6,927 
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Post by freebird on May 17, 2016 16:27:05 GMT
My deck/front porch (we built) is set into concrete footings, from that we have 10' 4x4's that go up and tie into the roofline. So it's a cross between a deck and a porch.
I really need to get the front steps on it done and I'm wondering if my steps need to be on a footing also or can I just use ground treated lumber and set them on a bed of rock. Our frost line is around 36-40" so I hate to dig another couple footings - this means it will be a LONG TIME before I talk my husband into getting it done. lol. If I can just put out some framing, fill it with rock and put the runners on top of that I could probably do the project alone actually.
I'm just concerned about it seizing up in the winter. The steps will be about 8' wide and there's only 2 steps but I'll probably make them deeper than normal (like about 15" instead of the regular 10" or so)
We have such a diverse group here, I thought someone might have an answer.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 17, 2024 23:34:24 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 17, 2016 16:57:11 GMT
To code? You would have to dig to set in footings.
You need to have a surface that won't shift
Are you completely set on regular steps. I like idea of terraced steps that are set with pavers. There are so many ideas for these.
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quiltz
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,708
Location: CANADA
Jun 29, 2014 16:13:28 GMT
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Post by quiltz on May 17, 2016 17:17:10 GMT
To code? You would have to dig to set in footings. You need to have a surface that won't shift Are you completely set on regular steps. I like idea of terraced steps that are set with pavers. There are so many ideas for these. I would check to see what the building code is in effect in your area. I would agree with above ^^^ that the steps would need to be on footings. Where I live, the building code has changed, the steps must be deeper in size and closer together, to avoid accidents on steeper steps that are not deep enough to allow for proper foot stability. Again, I do not know what the building code is in your area and don't know if you require a building permit and then with the permit, inspections. Also check with your home owner's insurance. There may be in very tiny print, something about additions, especially stairs, as it "seems" that many people trip & fall on stairs. I am very much a person who inspects, looks at "very tiny fine print" due to an incident that a close friend had & it requied them to go into bankruptcy protection. Again, I don't know your area, building codes, home insurance details or other facts. Wishing you the best during this process, as it sounds like it will be lovely once it is completed. |
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Post by Darcy Collins on May 17, 2016 17:24:56 GMT
If it's only 2 steps it would be less than 30" above ground, so you may not be subject to code in your area - although if it's an egress you may still be subject to code - just depends on your particular county. I actually looked at my rear deck where one side is 3+ feet off the ground and has a proper handrail and footings, but because of how the ground is sloped, the other side is just two steps down and they are just resting on the stamped concrete patio and it doesn't have a handrail.
ETA - I should note this was a deck built by the builder with proper permits and inspections.
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Post by mikklynn on May 17, 2016 17:44:06 GMT
I am sure your code will say full footing to below frost line. Sorry!
It's always best to do it right the first time.
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