The latest step modification project for the NEW YEAR! A gentle walkway overlayed on top of existing deck steps!
This can all be removed should anyone in the future want to return to the older 3 step design!
For now, a quiet, gentle walk down to the driveway from the back door!
Previous adventures with steps and step designs can be found here:
CLICK LINK
Call me at 834-4833 to solve your dysfunctional step problems and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
(AFTER Picture- A Generous,Comfortable Platform Design)
Sometimes the old fashioned step design is not really adequate for the needs of the household.
A slight change of technique results in completely different user experience.
(Before Picture- Cramped, rotten, uneven stringer design)
ViviLnk
There are many ways to upgrade dysfunctional step designs in carports and backyards.
Four examples from the archives: CLICK LINK (Deck Over Backdoor Steps) CLICK LINK (Carport examples) CLICK LINK (Entry Stoop Rework Platform) CLICK LINK (Trex Replacement Treads)
Call me to redesign your problem steps! (919) 834-4833
Before picture:
After picture
Tired, beat up, worn out stairway treads refurbished with Trex planks and bottom extension step.
Cute project.
With just some minor adjustments this entry stoop is converted
from yesteryear’s well worn relic into a clean, modern front portal.
The “before” photo- loose brick, loose handrail, and an uncomfortably
high step (12 inches) under a layer of moss and grunge.
Work in progress photo. Pressure washed reset bricks with a platform step to
ensure a smooth transition from sidewalk to stoop.
The final touch. Tie the stoop and platform together with a uniform surface of
tough, durable modern outdoor carpet.
What a difference a day makes!
This is a somewhat common upgrade.
Especially with vintage carport entry doors.
In many carports the most frequently used house door is equipped
with a perfunctory set of basic concrete steps upon which the
resident must stand and confront a reverse handed storm door
often while burdened with groceries, packages or squirming children.
Why this design flaw from GrandDad’s day has persisted through
the years is definitely a paradox, a mystery, and even an enigma!
Through the years I built entire decks over these unlikely arrangements.
Can you believe it? Just four of these are enough to support a 200+ lb man loaded with suitcases or Christmas ornaments in complete comfort. And these four are 50 years old!
“You must have a million photographs of projects, have you taken pictures of everything you have ever done?” was the question posed to me recently.
Sadly, my answer was: “NO!”
To my regret many good projects have wandered out into the world with minimal documentation.
A reminder of this fact came to me when I returned once again to my favorite bungalow cottage neighborhood, as I have many times in the past 20 + years, and encountered a fine project from five years earlier that completely escaped my files with nary a single picture.
The client had one of those grand one piece attic stairs, solid as rock, with elegantly simple 19th century style ironwork brackets.
My commission was to build a replica wooden stair to replace the 50 year old original which was clearly ready for a well deserved retirement.
After five years of service, I am pleased to report my replica stairway was in pristine condition and works as well as the original had for about fifty years.
It is mystery to me why no photographs of this project were not archived, but I grabbed some snapshots while I completed my current assignment.
For some reason carport entry doors come with completely inadequate steps, almost an afterthought, which make it difficult to enter the house with packages
The solution is to cover over the steps with a wood stoop or other compatible material.
The rework does not change the use of the carport, but it does make for a much more comfortable and useful entryway
Here is the same idea executed in brick. The original steps were filled in to make the stoop and new steps built out to the side.
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