Temporary Rail for Steps


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Old 04-27-18, 03:26 PM
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Temporary Rail for Steps

My left knee has been acting up and mostly using a walker. I need a railing to help me down the front steps. (Once I get down I can drag my walker... I hope.)

This is a rough diagram. Hopefully the 4x4 post in the yard at the bottom of the steps can be set two feet in the ground. Tree is nearly touching the porch and about 16" in diameter. Porch is to the left of the tree. Three steps approximately 18"-20" High. Gnaly surface root at base of steps I need to step over is why I'm extending as much as I am.
 
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Last edited by ray2047; 04-27-18 at 04:03 PM.
  #2  
Old 04-27-18, 03:55 PM
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A 2' deep hole will be good... you might want to buy a bag of sand/gravel and use that as your backfill. It will pour easily and self compact once you fill it and hose it down.

Hope you have some help digging the hole! Take it slow and easy!
 
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Old 04-27-18, 04:04 PM
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Thanks. No way I can do it. I'm hiring a handyman... fingers crossed.
 
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Old 04-27-18, 04:23 PM
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You might want to use a 2x4 -and- a 2x6 for the handrail. If the bottom of each one is flushed up, the 2x4 will act like a spacer behind the 2x6 handrail so that your hand can glide past the post and tree. (It would also comply with the handrail code that requires that space so there are no pinch points) The tail end can't be as drawn, but I don't know how important complying with code is... but wanted to mention it.

He might want to router (1/2" roundover) and sand the top of the 2x6 for you too... no splinters!
 
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Old 04-27-18, 05:05 PM
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Appreciate the suggestions but at going hourly rates I'm trying to keep it at two hours.

(I actually can qualify for free but the paperwork is a lot harder/stressful than paying for it. Older I get the less I want stress.)
 
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Old 04-27-18, 05:09 PM
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Too bad we don't live closer!

 
 

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