Paver Patio Slope Necessary?

I am in the process of building stairs with 2x8 pressure treated. I have to decided to go the block route as it is only three steps and will be resting on a patio of pavers. I am having an issue trying to figure out how to frame the corner as it will wrap around the existing slider that jets out slightly from the house. This is what I have come up with thus far. Nothing is fixed yet. I plan on using structural fasteners. There will be two more block frames, each slightly bigger to accommodate an additional step. There will be another section coming in from the top of the photo similar to the section coming in from the right in the photo. If I go with what I have shown, what is the best way to fasten the angled pieces that will cross to the long angled piece that comes off the main frame? Should I frame the corner differently? Any suggestions will be appreciated. [attach]107011[/attach]

I am staining my porch and I am unable to get a consistent finish on the bare wood before I apply stain. Its an old home we purchased recently. The porch was painted so I removed the paint using a power washer and chemicals. However I was unable to remove all the paint, so I got a “Diamabrush” head for my 4-1/2” angle grinder and used that to remove the paint. now that all the old paint has been removed I am realizing that the bare old is “ugly” and dirty. I applied a little stain (oil-based Stain, Perserva Wood Tacoma Brown) as a test, and the stain looks great on the clean boards but accentuates the finish on the ugly boards. (I can’t figure out how to add a picture on the mobile site at this time.) how do a I get a consistent finish on my porch? I’m wondering if the wood is just too old and damaged and I should replace it all? I tried an orbital sander with 80 grit paper with minimal results. I also tried “skim cutting” the top layer of wood with the diamabrush with mixed results as well. First time home buyer and first time poster so any help is appreciated.