What Caused This Wood Deck Failure?

[2manyrocks]

You might do an image search for building deck steps just to see if there's some design that someone has done that appeals to you.

 

[Runner]

You might do an image search for building deck steps just to see if there's some design that someone has done that appeals to you.

Have been doing that. However, the design parameters are pretty much set. The stair can't turn left coming out the door, because the storm door is hinged on that side and because there is a window well where the steps would be.

I don't want to come straight out with it because that would take up too much room in the middle of the slab. Also, there is large amount of slope from the house to the middle of the slab that I don't want to deal with.

So, I've decided to do a 42" x 42" landing at the door with the stair extending parallel to the wall under the windows. This takes up the least amount of space, while also keeps me from dealing with too much slope.

Just because I'm lazy and because it's still in pretty good shape, I'm going to re-use the old stair from the deck that you see in the picture, just tack it onto the side of the landing. So, actually, the landing will be 42" x 53" because the top step is the same height as the landing.

So, the only decision left is what to do about a guardrail/handrail. The stair is short enough that a true handrail and guardrail are not required, so I'm going to just put 4 x 4's at the corners with a 2 x 6 on top and maybe an intermediate 2 x 4. Then, let it all weather for a while and use up some of the old TWP pecan deck stain I have left over from the deck to finish it up.

 

[2manyrocks]

Long term, you'll want to be sure that water splashing off the platform and stairs can't rot your sheating.

 

[Runner]

Speaking of water, here's that swale doing it's job on Monday morning. Notice the water squirting out of the rock wall on the right side of the picture. We had a crazy rainstorm going on for hours. More rain than I've ever seen at one time. Even had ruts in the gravel drive to repair and that's never happened in the 18 years we've been here.

Even had a pond in the front yard for awhile when the culvert under the drive clogged up from debris...

 

[Diggin It]

One thing I like about having the patio stop where it is, I can get through there with my ZT mower now. Ever since 2011, I have not been able to do that.

You know, decks and patios don't have to be square or rectangular. You could cut a bevel/angle corner there to allow passage.

 

[Runner]

You know, decks and patios don't have to be square or rectangular. You could cut a bevel/angle corner there to allow passage.

Now you're going and getting all creative on me....

Funny thing is, you wouldn't believe how long it took me to a.) decide to build a deck instead of expand the patio and b.) make the deck a rectangle.

I could never make it as an architect.

 

[2manyrocks]

What is the story of your rock wall? Those are substantial cut stones. Usually don't see those around here unless they are mortared in place for a house foundation or in some instances have seen them around private cemeteries.

 

[Diggin It]

In fact, I might make the other corner match and go for a hexagon type effect.

 

[Runner]

What is the story of your rock wall? Those are substantial cut stones. Usually don't see those around here unless they are mortared in place for a house foundation or in some instances have seen them around private cemeteries.

It's kind of a long and weird story. Even though we are on 6 acres, the previous owner wanted the house close to the property line on that side because her parents house was next door (and she presumably wanted to be able to take care of them in their old age). Because it is closer to the property line than in needs to be from a construction standpoint, they needed to deal with the uphill slope via a terrace/retaining walls.

Apparently, they must have had access to a LARGE amount of this quarried stone because they have this stuff elsewhere on the property too. There is a stone walkway leading from the patio down to the driveway on the other end of the house and the same stuff surrounding the evaporation pond for our private sewage disposal system. Plus, there is a pile of them in the woods that could be used for projects someday (like maybe a fire pit).

Most of the rocks are bigger than the ones in the wall, like 1000# or so.

Anyway the terraces look kind of cool, but are a pain in the neck to mow, so mulch and ground cover may be in order for that whole area someday...

 

[Runner]

Another round of big storms last night. Water from the swale is causing me to fix a washout in the driveway for the 2nd time this week (and 2nd time ever).

I am not going to complain because I would rather have this than the drought we've had the last couple of years.