How to Build Porch Steps - Composite Decking

[@bethbrown6714]

I can't thank you enough for this video. I've wanted to build new front steps for my house for several years, but didn't know how to go about it, or how I wanted them to look. I saw this video for the first time a couple of months ago, and now I have new front steps. I finished them yesterday. They're a vast improvement over the old ones, and look so much nicer.

[@gonzalezcrs9]

I can't thank you enough! I was going to tackle this project on my own but decided to send the video to my carpenter who has never tackled a project with composite decking. Thanks to you he absolutely knocked it out of the park!

[@fungidungie]

I pretty much build stairs for a living, what you did came out really nice, and should last a long time. Interesting the slightly different techniques to get to the end result.

[@petemiller519]

Nice Job! On cut pressure treated lumber, treat the cut ends. Preservative is really expensive, I use used motor oil mixed with diesel at 1:1 ratio. Works great, matches the color, and is super cheap and always around. Cheers!

[@francisgill1929]

wow, that is one of the strongest stairs I ever seen built, thank you

[@eaglerider94]

An inspiration to finally get started on my small steps leading out from the side of my house from the kitchen! I like the idea of a concrete pad rather than dirt underneath. Much cleaner.

[@djbessette76]

I think you did a awesome job on those stairs!!!! I liked the way you sealed them too. and very strong.

[@RS6DRIVER2442]

Exactly what I was looking for in your video. To the point, very descriptive and added your shortcuts and amazing pointers for that great finishing touch. Awesome job and well done my friend. Now I can go do my friends stairs with confidence.

[@CheekyMonkey1776]

Thanks for the idea of turning the deck boards at a 90* toward the house. I’m gonna use the idea for steps I’m currently building. Great video!

[@creandawg]

Perfect for what I want to do, thank you very much for posting this!

[@Riegs36]

Awesome build really beautifully done! I love the same detail of the last step with the other hang

[@Bobong5436]

Hi Adam, I just want to thank you for this video and every video you made about house improvements. I was always interested in woodworking so i can make house repairs myself but never got do it. However, under these current circumstances I was finally able to start and the very first thing I wanted to fix was the porch step which was badly need of repair for a while now. Your video is very informative, simple, and uses very basic tools that I was able to get right away (Black and Decker lol). It wasn't perfect but I successfully built my porch steps and I had completed 5 woodworking projects so far. Keep up the good work, i hope you inspire more people like me!

[@corey6393]

Well done video and build. I have built plenty of them over the years, and am about to build one for my new back patio. I figured why not look around at what others are doing, maybe get a fresh take on things. One thing to mention, and it may vary depending on location, but I am fairly certain you cannot have a full step down right outside the door. I have always built at least a three foot square landing just below the door threshold, then steps down from there. I have seen that sort of thing called out by code inspectors on a few builds in my area. The only other thing I like to do different is to have deeper treads on outdoor steps. 12-16 inches deep allows for potted plants, or use as a seat by guests. also they are very easy to climb. When possible, I keep the rise to 6", too. All of this takes up more space on a smaller patio, but ads comfort and some safety. Might need a handrail on one side of those steps, too, by code. Again, well done. Very strong and sturdy design. I like how you built separate boxes then attached them together, then to the wall and the slab. Good waterproofing choices, too.

[@chrystalhudson78]

This is perfect for what I need! I’m gonna attempt building steps this weekend. Thanks for a great video!

[@flipthishouse9360]

Wow. I watch DIY videos all the time, but what made this tutorial different is you actually used only three tools to build it. I can think of at least 3 more tools you could have used in addition to this build. What a great video for some beginners! Very well made.

[@brianlarose6110]

It's important to note that the rough framing for the lower riser needs to be an inch shorter than the framing for the upper riser to compensate for the tread height. It's the most important thing to be aware of in building steps and no mention of it!

[@redbeardnj]

Yep. He didn't mention alot of very important stuff. A DYI would watch and say "oh looks easy" . Little do they know...haha

[@maestroh2986]

There's a ton of videos out there but this one is exactly what I was looking for, thank you

[@MegsCarpentry-lovedogs]

The editing and clarity in your presentation was excellent. Thank you from Atlantic Canada. 🍁🙏🇨🇦

[@paulnelson802]

Very nicely done. Am envisioning this design with two more steps. It appears that could be done. Thank you.

[@clunkclunk2099]

This is perfect for what I need to build to replace our janky back step. It also helps that my name is Adam, so thank you name brother!

[@stunningmisadventures]

This deck came out great! Thanks for the inspiration. I love the color of the wood too!!

[@aweisosman2573]

That's awesome job with no worries less stressed working. Thanks

[@MarcinKowalonek]

Great job! It would look great if the lower step would wrap around all the way back to the house

[@KILO993]

Looks great. Simple and clean.

[@raminybhatti5740]

I like the attention to ventilation and similar considerations.

[@tldrttyl]

This is great. Love the idea of using scrap facia to keep the wood off the ground. Will build a whole deck like this!

[@joelongtin7532]

Thank you! I need to add a wraparound step to my 13" composite deck and this is exactly what I needed just to be sure I didn't miss anything. I would not have thought to use strips of composite as feet for the beams. I have plenty of leftover compo. That's going to save me from buying 2x8 and ripping them down, now I can just use 2x6 for the beams. You just saved me $30.

[@Alexcann1]

Nice work fella. Good solid steps with an easy to follow, informative video. Thumbs up from lockdown UK. 👍🏻

[@Chardonbois]

Great job Adam. Thanks for an excellent tutorial!

[@craftman5632]

Looks awesome 👍 gave me some good ideas for my project, I might miter the those fascia boards on the risers.

[@burtlax29]

Great job! Looks great! Thank you for the video, I think I can replicate this!

[@MrDaryca]

Very nice, clean job! One minor suggestion, I would make the middle step on all sides, just a suggestion.

[@michaelo1492]

Nice project, you have a great eye for detail....

[@peopleofuae]

Hello Adam! Really nice job. Certainly satisfied the client. Still working bro.

[@AdamDIY]

Thanks!

[@peachypound6108]

Great visuals man, awesome Contant. Brief, but comprehensive; concise, and informative.

[@wesdavies2455]

Nice job well done , top tradesman!

[@seahorse251]

You are a great builder.

[@NathanHarrison7]

I am not a contractor BUT that looks like a SUPER SOLID build that will last a really long time and be very safe. Wow. A lot of knowledge in that build.

[@djpauliep]

Great video Adam! Thank you.

[@mark31383]

That came out awesome. Nice work

[@tayred81]

Awsome build man, Perfect 👍

[@samsno3667]

NIcely done; nice to have a concrete base to work with...

[@dianebooker2812]

Fantastic video and finished steps! Thanks! I'll be doing this soon. Do you have plans or a cut list you can post?

[@DanO530.8]

Wow looks very nice good idea for the air flow

[@knightrider6473]

Looks good. Nice job.

[@karanmitra4880]

Beautiful work and great video!

[@wallysustube]

Great thorough job!! Wow sh you lived by me.

[@finlaybiddlesden1696]

Bloody Hell, this would take me ages to build..!!

[@DeannaShelton09]

😂😂same!!!!

[@fredodelarosaiii6301]

Awesome tutorial Adam!🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@luisbanda7063]

Wonderful Work !!!! Thank You

[@brucebissell7626]

THANKS BRO. VERY HELPFUL. GOOD JOB. GOD BLESS.

[@lornahatto3314]

Those steps look great

[@finnasseedesigns5613]

Sooo 😎 Cool i learned alot about deck building from you. Nice im definitely subscribing.

[@PBS-nm1uu]

well done, very strong.

[@secondaccount4035]

I did this project after seeing your video, got trex clam shell color from Lowes.

[@sunnykobe3210]

Beautiful.

[@rtedcr]

Perfect work.

[@savann.sun1980]

You really went hardcore for 2 steps.

[@kingdavid3318]

Nice job! Only thing I recommend is a nice pair of boots - steel toe and square end, Texas style. You would look better in them too.

[@abeghara6898]

good and clean job

[@Reviewoutlaw]

Great Job!

[@mukunet]

Looks great!

[@melfunction81]

What a great video!

[@AjGalloway95]

Very nice. I built a single stair the same way👍🏻

[@prouddaddyofdos]

Nice job!👍🏽👍🏽

[@hugonauttankovich482]

Looks awesome

[@NyominatoR]

good work pal

[@cr-ew8od]

Learnt a lot here

[@lfara5822]

You made that look easy

[@soyourwifewantsyouto]

Sharp!! I will definitely be copying off of you! 😁

[@tomhollins9266]

We're replacing stone steps similar to this (26" rise). What we hate is that there is an immediate step down. We like to step directly out at the same height, then a couple feet out, there are steps. I'll use some of these techniques. Nice finished product here.

[@cindicurtis6494]

exactly!!

[@MarkBates566]

Great job

[@santosmartinez503]

Love it!!🥰👌🏿

[@Slaymaker_90]

i just built these steps this weekend. For anyone wondering it was about 600 dollars in materials.

[@jjv65uk]

Nice job 👍

[@Panameno7809]

Good job 👍🏼

[@mycats7321]

I've been cutting pressure treated lumber without a mask. Oops. Mice will chew through that metal mesh screen (I found that out the hard way). You can stuff the holes with steel wool. It will still allow airflow but will block the mice). This is very cool. I like the hammer actuated tool. I want to build a landing outside my back door and my sliding glass door but I don't have level ground or concrete there. I also don't want to anchor the landing to the house in case of movement. I want to have almost no step down immediately outside the door (I know it has to be a little bit to keep water from running in the house) so it will be a bit safer stepping out. I like how you built this. I wonder how hard it is to find the pressure treated lumber like that now.

[@LifeMasteryPodcastStevenArecco]

nice clean job!

[@justinkhase3168]

A detailed measurement would help load. like the project and finished product. Thnx

[@rtoguidver3651]

It's nice to have a flat surface to start with. Moisture is the enemy; you have that taken care of.

[@gnabinsubba]

Hi Adam ! This is wonderful video to me. I am also planning to do my front porch but mine is slightly different than yours. Mine has two vertical post at the front supporting front part of the house. Unfortunately one side of the porch has leaned down, I believe it’s frame beneath the deck is decayed and my porch doesn’t have concrete base so my question is what should I use to secure the frame.? And what size of pressure treated lumber did you use for framing ? What if I want to put aluminum railing in both sides ?

[@tjstuts1706]

Yeah man looks good

[@johnmorgan1313]

Came out 👍 great

[@malikto1]

Looks nice. I suggest using plastic shims vs wood as they won't rot.

[@estrelabros4877]

Im looking to bulid the same thing. I was wondering what were your dimensions for both frames.

[@kudos2ya37]

very nice.. now come redo my front house stairs like this ..please please please..!

[@grainplaner216]

you also have to adhere to the recommended spacing for the decking form board to board or the warranty is voided.

[@anthonyb5625]

Good job

[@Onenasty306]

looks great why didnt you cut 45's on the facia where it meets the side facia so you dont see the end grain?

[@kytsayyuriy2813]

Nice job, simple and geniuses

[@thomassullivan4742]

Thanks!!

[@aweisosman2573]

I need to make one like that.

[@zetamale7952]

Very nice. 👍👍

[@courtneystearns8680]

Really like this approach and am going to try it. My application is the same as what you showed here and I'm wondering if you could provide a material order list with quantities for the materials used in your project? Alternately (or in addition), provide the exact dimensions (width and depth as you detailed the height in your video) of your example project? This would be most helpful and appreciated.

[@sebell69]

great video, very nicely detailed (with screen and all) I only have one question did you retreat the wood after making a hole into it? That hole is very close to the floor and humidity will be able to get into the wood much more easily!

[@leftcoastleopnw0196]

Good point sebell. ALL cuts on pressure treated wood should be treated with preservative. Do not confuse Cut N Seal with a preservative. It is more akin to a paint or a stain and has no preservative abilities.

[@JDW240]

It is common that newer codes don't allow lag screws/bolts to secure a deck or stairs directly to wood on the house because when it rains it can cause water to transfer from the decking to the framing of the home. It is more common that stairs are secured directly to a concrete pad, poured anchors, or foundation blocks. There is a standard code to follow nationwide, but as stated in the video, check your local code for variances.

[@h.b2029]

Excellent. Very helpful. Thanks. God bless. How about if I want to install pressure treated wood on top of existing exterior concrete steps and concrete patio? I will use tapcon concrete screws. What steps I should take and the materials, between concrete and wood/the moisture traping under wood/can I use the same thick black sheet material which is used for exterior basement water proofing? Between the exit door and patio footing I have plenty of room, the patio is 7'×4', there are 4 steps, 1'×6' each and also the first step when entering the house is going to be higher, what about that issue? What are the advantages of composite deck material over pressure treated wood? How about using composite deck tiles? They have space under them and water doesn't get trapped.

[@petergiordano2288]

Hi Adam, Very good video i am getting ready to build a patio door landing and will definitely use your video to guide me. Any way you can give me a wood dimension list? thanks.

[@edwardharrigan691]

Hi Adam, I just saw this video and am very impressed by the finished steps. Question: How would you add a PVC handrail to the finished project? Thanks!

[@golfmaniac007]

i have a front porch concrete with one step. the whole area measures 5 x 7 ft. i was wondering if laying down slate tile would be good. what to do with the area? some recommendation would be nice. there was an outside type of mat carpeting that was glued on. through the years with sun and rain it got weathered and ripped away. so now its bare concrete.