How to Build Porch Steps - Composite Decking

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@paulnelson802]

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

[@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.

[@shelwhitley1011]

Where would I find someone who does this? I've had no luck finding a contractor who wants to mess with a smal job like steps.

[@fungidungie]

@@shelwhitley1011 They're out there, I would assume mainly fence and deck contractors would happily do it.

[@francisgill1929]

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

[@MegsCarpentry-lovedogs]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@maestroh2986]

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

[@MarcinKowalonek]

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

[@thecrystalperson5576]

My results were spot on. I loved the education on miter cutting

[@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!

[@MrDaryca]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@peachypound6108]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Chardonbois]

Great job Adam. Thanks for an excellent tutorial!

[@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!

[@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!

[@Antarctica2025]

Very attractive and well thought out! Thank you!

[@craftman5632]

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

[@aweisosman2573]

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

[@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!

[@estrelabros4877]

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

[@ramlyfestyle9285]

Awesome project and came out great. I’m much simpler and budget driven. I would’ve just done stringers and slapped some trex on top.

[@Bricko7]

i couldn't see any supports under the step which fastens onto the house, so it looks like when you step out from the house onto the first step, all your weight is on the fixings onto the house. Wouldn't it be better to put some legs underneath for support?

[@grainplaner216]

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

[@justinkhase3168]

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

[@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?

[@chrystalhudson78]

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

[@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.

[@grainplaner216]

you need to adhere to the manufacturer specification on what is required for joist spacing to support the decking or the warranty is voided.

[@Slaymaker_90]

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

[@creandawg]

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

[@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.

[@Riegs36]

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

[@samsno3667]

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

[@DanO530.8]

Wow looks very nice good idea for the air flow

[@raminybhatti5740]

I like the attention to ventilation and similar considerations.

[@finlaybiddlesden1696]

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

[@DeannaShelton09]

😂😂same!!!!

[@djpauliep]

Great video Adam! Thank you.

[@MrMkapusta]

Definitely a nice job just wondering why you mitered the decking border but not the fascia(rim board)? Its like a lot of attention to detail except that fascia board. Unless that's the look you wanted I guess

[@willtube61]

Cro Boy I wondered the same thing. I’m building a deck now and will need 2 steps up. Going to incorporate some of this design.

[@Don-ul6rx]

Lowe's probably wouldn't give him a large sliding compound miter saw. That would be the only way you could miter the fascia boards. Harbor Freight has a nice one they put on sale all the time for $130 to $140 bucks. Reg. price is $190-$200

[@marcitecture]

@@Don-ul6rx Or set the circular saw at 45 degree angle

[@mark31383]

That came out awesome. Nice work

[@rtoguidver3651]

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

[@peopleofuae]

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

[@AdamDIY]

Thanks!

[@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.

[@wallysustube]

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

[@malikto1]

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

[@dianebooker2812]

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

[@secondaccount4035]

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

[@jamesrigsby6862]

Trex is about 550 per square foot... Comes in many colors and beautiful....

[@bobnjieun]

Hi Adam, nice job with the video! Would it be possible to add some measurements for the length and width of your boards/cuts if you still remember them. I have a very similar setup with a french door and similar height as well. Thanks!

[@Forlornguild]

Remember the composite decking comes in 12, 16, and 20 ft lengths.... so 4 feet wide is a good number to avoid waste/maximize lengths of material.

[@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!!

[@Alexcann1]

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

[@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.

[@Steppinstars]

Do you have a general cost estimate for these stairs?

[@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.

[@seahorse251]

You are a great builder.

[@DadItYourselfDIY]

Good Job! Why didn't you miter the fascias? Curious?!

[@luisbanda7063]

Wonderful Work !!!! Thank You

[@anthonypirrello2473]

What about chalking all around the bottom of the complete steps to prevent water intrusion?

[@donbenusa5809]

Not necessary!

[@karanmitra4880]

Beautiful work and great video!

[@savann.sun1980]

You really went hardcore for 2 steps.

[@stunningmisadventures]

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

[@djszal]

Few issues here. First, it is easier to build a bigger box on the ground and then put the smaller box on top without suspending that top section. Next, I would not recommend securing these steps to the house like he did. You don't even need to attach it to the house. Just build the boxes as I mentioned in the 2nd sentence and secure that to the concrete. It won't go anywhere. Lastly, code requires steps out of a house to be no more than 1.5" from door threshold to step.

[@RyanRyan-ih5pp]

Will that concept work for 4 or 5 steps?

[@catsmeow5566]

This is very cool- but that metal mesh screen won't keep mice out. They can chew through it. I found that out the hard way.

[@KirkmanGardiner]

These look great. How would I need to do differently if starting on dirt surface?

[@sidsid9808]

Looks great esthetically. However, my only concern is the composit decking boards could be slippery when wet, and especially during snow deacon. Another minor point, perhaps better not to connect the whole system to the house. Secured to the slab would have been fine in the long run.

[@JDW240]

We built our last deck with composite boarding. It wasn't bad, but we live in a 4 season climate. We had to pressure wash it due to it being very prone to mildew build up and it became very slippery when it rained or snowed. It did, however, respond to salt much faster than actual wood. I will not build with it again, though.

[@cwsrad]

Great job! Is composite very slippery when wet or snow covered? I have always been worried about a slip and fall.

[@ferenc-x7p]

Has a lot more traction then making it from wood.

[@allensanders4204]

A hard frost and you will go down faster than a fat boy on a snickers bar

[@allensanders4204]

Hand rail recommended so you got something to pull yourself up off the ground. At least you can treat wood or concrete surfaces with one of those new textured deck paints ,they give better traction in frosty icy conditions but make the surface harder to clean if you have muddy shoes or boots . Dirty beats a compound fracture or broken hip IMO

[@allensanders4204]

Also composites get very hot in direct sunlight so watch bare feet on kids

[@brucebissell7626]

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

[@mukunet]

Looks great!

[@rtedcr]

Perfect work.

[@appleztooranges]

Can you overlay an existing concrete deck?

[@jonarcher6121]

These steps look fantastic! I want to give this a go. Do you need a concrete foundation or could I compact a crushed dust base and use posts and cement them in to secure?

[@eaglerider94]

Either will do but for me, I'm going to pour a small concrete slab. Much cleaner and sturdier. I'm sure you are finished with your project though, lol.

[@kudos2ya37]

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

[@mingli8391]

Very nice job, really good idea. Would you please let me the size of those two steps. Thank you very much.

[@stevehutchinson238]

What would you use to plug the screw holes? Having to match the colour would be a pain as well.

[@AdamDIY]

Steve Hutchinson I have a video on that coming out soon. It’s simple.

[@ewalkowicz]

FastenMaster Cortex screws are available for a wide range of composite materials and are easy to use. Hope this helps.

[@NoRoads2AllRoads]

you dont need to plug them. with composite, use a heat gun on top of the hole for a bit like a couple seconds, and the composite expands slightly and the hole disappears!

[@loves6567]

You made that look easy

[@agentnumbr6ix]

Why didn't you also 45° the fascia?

[@bradtimms205]

What anchors would anyone recommend if I were to do this on the bare ground in front of my utility building? I don’t have a concrete pad so the concrete screws would not be necessary. Thanks.

[@garylee3551]

How would you compensate if the patio was slightly unlevel? Mine slopes away from the house, and also left to right. All those right angles would leave a gap.

[@AdamDIY]

I guess it depends on how much of a slope. My slab slopes away from the house (like it should) but it's not so much that it is a problem. Lucky for me I didn't have a left to right issue. The easiest way to compensate for uneven concrete would be to add some shims where it meets the ground. As I added material to the bottom in the video 4:00 just add more. Then take your time cutting the facia so that fits the space.

[@InGratitudeIam]

I like that you were thoughtful about airflow. But the gap on the frame was covered up by the decking. Shouldn't the decking have been offset as well to allow for airflow through the frame?

[@KILO993]

Looks great. Simple and clean.

[@TMADstudio]

This is exactly what I need installed at my house. About what would this cost?

[@scotforbes1083]

How would I attach to my house which has vinyl siding? And I do not have a concrete pad, it's grass.

[@paulpgeorge]

Hi Adam,Its a great video.I am a beginner. Two sizes of lumbar you used in this video. Could you please let me know the sizes of the lumbar you used?. Thanks Paul

[@PBS-nm1uu]

well done, very strong.

[@fredodelarosaiii6301]

Awesome tutorial Adam!🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@hremaddox]

How do I do it if they come out to the ground instead of a level patio? Also, do you want a slight downward slope to the treads so that the water runs off?

[@cathysparks923]

Can you make these stairs with out a poured surface below?

[@red47bear]

Just wanted to drop a line, say thank you.

[@ericr2zz]

Great video, but Adam didn't treat the cut ends of the pressure treated lumber. Will rot out over time unless this is on a covered deck.

[@Fiberglasser03]

Are you serious?

[@ericr2zz]

@@Fiberglasser03 Absolutely. The end grain is the most vulnerable part of lumber and absorbs water easily. The cuts need to be soaked in preservative or the board will rot out over time. If the deck is built in a hot,dry place like Arizona/Nevada, this shouldn't be a problem. But in wetter climates, this is a common problem.

[@Fiberglasser03]

Thats a marketing gimmick. I didn't think people actually fell for that stuff. Its a deck, they aren't made to last forever.

[@tayred81]

Awsome build man, Perfect 👍

[@maximkashem1567]

is this deck slippery in winter snow ice? what type of mat should I put on?