Deck stairs- how to reinforce?


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Old 05-31-18, 05:57 PM
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Deck stairs- how to reinforce?

http://goo.gl/images/6vHBuQHi there

I have stairs shown in the picture and was wondering if this is ok. What my concerns are: are will this wood rot over time (probably yes) but how would I fix this now that its in the ground?

The wood I'm referring to is the stair posts at the bottom that you into the ground. This is not my picture but the same idea.



Could I dig out around the post and simply pour quickrete concrete in?

Thanks
 
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Old 05-31-18, 07:33 PM
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Yes you could probably dig around, under the stairs... there should really be a cement pad under them too, so you step on concrete, not on grass.
 
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Old 06-01-18, 04:47 AM
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It used to be common practice to just put 4x4 posts in the ground or in concrete but those were the days when they used good olde arsenic as a preservative. Modern practice is to use post brackets in concrete to hold the 4x4 and the 4x4 is kept above ground level.

Since your deck already has the posts in the ground I would just wait. Eventually they will need to be replaced but it will be the same amount of work in the future as it would be no so you don't really save much or anything by changing it now.

Do NOT dig around the posts and pour concrete. That will hold moisture next to the posts and cause them to rot quicker. Just do nothing and deal with it in 15+ years.
 
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Old 06-01-18, 01:11 PM
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Thanks

is there a water protecant spray or coating I should apply if I leave it in as is? It's pressure treated wood I should add if that makes a difference
 
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Old 06-01-18, 04:46 PM
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Home Depot sells a product called Coppercoat.
 
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Old 06-01-18, 07:09 PM
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Would I also need a concrete patio stoneon the ground at the foot of the stairs? Or can I leave it as is:

https://www.nachi.org/forum/attachme...5871&d=1338934

Thanks!
 
 

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