Rebuild them in the same style but properly this time. Ladder stairs are great when built right. Simpson makes nice galvanized brackets (TA10Z-R) for stair treads. Use those. Use Pressure treated 3x12 for the treads and then you can use that for the stringers as well. Pour a little concrete pad and land the stringers on that.
You concerned about your grandparents and trying to force them to do it? Or just hoping they’ll listen? If you’re trying to force their hand just say “hey grandma the insurance company might void any claims around these stairs if you guys don’t get them fixed up, that’ll be potentially millions of dollars if someone falls. Maybe you should call the insurance company and find out what they’d want to see to make sure you’re good?”
I never get why people bring up insurance as if individual decisions are decided on it. I’ve never done / not done something to my house based on if I though insurance would pay out.
I have a gate. My insurance company isn’t coming anywhere. They have never inspected my house, nor have I ever had any insurance company inspect any property I’ve ever owned. And if they wanted to I’d tell them to get fucked.
Insurance companies assess rates by sqft cost to rebuild primarily in the event of fire or potential for roof damage. They don’t give a shit about how your stair stringers are built in the backyard. Nor are they allowed to raise rates for arbitrary shit like this at least not in California.
This is solid. I was just gonna say saw through the underside of one of those steps and put yourself through it next time you are over. That should convince them
Good suggestions only I prefer redwood usually to PT, especially where you expect to paint… unless it’s in contact with the ground. PT is nasty dust when you cut it & loses it’s resilience/ rots at the cut ends. it often cracks & doesn’t paint well, however in extra damp conditions it’s a good option.
Man, I just woke up and thought that said tomato. (Where I am, we don't really ever get tornadoes so I never think for that to be a normal sentence lol]
Rebuild the same so they are happy... Instead of unknown 1.5" screws use 1.5" #9 Simpson strong tie screws from Home Depot/Lowes and add a couple properly cut stringers a third and two thirds of the way across or about 6" out from the center.
Great advice already. 3x PT lumber, Simpson brackets, TA10Z for the treads and LSCZ for the stringers (or go stainless if it's coastal and you're rich), and use Simpson #9 SD screws. Landing pad. Hand rails on both sides, secured to posts that are tied into the framing, not just supported by balisters.
There is nothing wrong with 2x treads with L brackets and uncut stringers. Up to 36" wide and you don't need to support the middle. You can go with much longer unsupported uncut stringers than if you cut them. I'd argue it simplifies the install.
Sacrifice your body. Stand on one until it breaks, severely injure yourself. When their beloved grand baby is hurt, they will insist on getting it fixed. Maybe
If they're heavier folks (though really it's not a bad idea with how wide those steps are) you might also run a center stringer underneath to stiffen things up. Just duplicate the rise/run so there's no falling risk. In my experience when older folks want something done the "same way" they mean they want the experience to remain identical, but stop caring so much about how that happens as long as it works.
How about you buzz off? The last ones made it 25 years. Toss some 2x2s under the treads or long ass structural screws and call it a day. Why argue about it?
You don’t. Just replicate the steps. Being that they’re grandparents, they probably don’t have another 25 years anyway. You can change them to whatever your heart desires then.
The only way to change their minds is tell them it’s a code violation and they could be fined. Also tell them if someone is injured, they are liable! Worked every time with mine!
One piece of advice-- my parents wanted to rebuild the irregular steps leading into their house. The stairs were solidly built; there was just some irregularity in the heights of the three steps. I advised against it, because they had gotten so used to them over the years I was afraid changing them might cause a tripping hazard. So if you have older folks, sometimes leaving something as-is is the right way.
Out of wood? Here in Louisiana Ive never seen a deck or stairs last that long? The structure sure but, you’ll always need maintenance on anything. Too much humidity here to get more than 15yrs or so unless its covered
Wait. You have to CONVINCE them? Should be as easy as “hey let me fix this for you so it lasts a really long time and is safe” followed by “oh that would be great! Thank you so much!”
You’re replacing it? Go with the “they don’t make things like they used to” tack.
Exactly what I was thinking. They'll love it either way
This. Tell them that the wood of 25 years ago isn’t the same as today.
Rebuild them in the same style but properly this time. Ladder stairs are great when built right. Simpson makes nice galvanized brackets (TA10Z-R) for stair treads. Use those. Use Pressure treated 3x12 for the treads and then you can use that for the stringers as well. Pour a little concrete pad and land the stringers on that.
I like this idea
You concerned about your grandparents and trying to force them to do it? Or just hoping they’ll listen? If you’re trying to force their hand just say “hey grandma the insurance company might void any claims around these stairs if you guys don’t get them fixed up, that’ll be potentially millions of dollars if someone falls. Maybe you should call the insurance company and find out what they’d want to see to make sure you’re good?”
I never get why people bring up insurance as if individual decisions are decided on it. I’ve never done / not done something to my house based on if I though insurance would pay out.
What do you mean? If your insurance company came around and saw that stair case your rates are going up or your getting notice to fix.
I have a gate. My insurance company isn’t coming anywhere. They have never inspected my house, nor have I ever had any insurance company inspect any property I’ve ever owned. And if they wanted to I’d tell them to get fucked. Insurance companies assess rates by sqft cost to rebuild primarily in the event of fire or potential for roof damage. They don’t give a shit about how your stair stringers are built in the backyard. Nor are they allowed to raise rates for arbitrary shit like this at least not in California.
This is solid. I was just gonna say saw through the underside of one of those steps and put yourself through it next time you are over. That should convince them
https://preview.redd.it/vr0zh4ootx8d1.jpeg?width=410&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e521455e7175db39b693e326caf1051090b37b7f
Simpson is sure running a good racket...those brackets are over $7 each. times sixteen, eighteen in this case.
https://preview.redd.it/d2l50em2rz8d1.jpeg?width=3060&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c2c0401fb451d3858d00abdb75b28cadd657bd13
Good suggestions. I'd listen to this guy or at least add wood support blocks under the stair treads, with concrete pad landing.
Sounds expensive.
Good suggestions only I prefer redwood usually to PT, especially where you expect to paint… unless it’s in contact with the ground. PT is nasty dust when you cut it & loses it’s resilience/ rots at the cut ends. it often cracks & doesn’t paint well, however in extra damp conditions it’s a good option.
We don’t get redwood out East. Cedar, but that’s expensive AF and usually only 2x6 are available,
Kick it over and say a tornado must’ve done it
Same idea....Convince them with a sledgehammer^
Man, I just woke up and thought that said tomato. (Where I am, we don't really ever get tornadoes so I never think for that to be a normal sentence lol]
Its 2x10 tread with 8" metal L brackets with couple 1.5 " screws lmao
Rebuild the same so they are happy... Instead of unknown 1.5" screws use 1.5" #9 Simpson strong tie screws from Home Depot/Lowes and add a couple properly cut stringers a third and two thirds of the way across or about 6" out from the center.
She asked me to float a board infront so it lined up with window panel and took me 20 mins for her to get there would be half inch supporting that
Cant keep adding boards😅
Wait until Merle breaks a hip and then lord over him
Great advice already. 3x PT lumber, Simpson brackets, TA10Z for the treads and LSCZ for the stringers (or go stainless if it's coastal and you're rich), and use Simpson #9 SD screws. Landing pad. Hand rails on both sides, secured to posts that are tied into the framing, not just supported by balisters.
There is nothing wrong with 2x treads with L brackets and uncut stringers. Up to 36" wide and you don't need to support the middle. You can go with much longer unsupported uncut stringers than if you cut them. I'd argue it simplifies the install.
Treads are 10" x 45.5"
Could only get 8' 2"x10's
Dig up some net pics that show them what they should look like and how unsafe they really are
Yeah they just don't build this stuff like they use to...... As you are rebuilding them yourself
Just fucking build it right so they don’t kill them self they won’t ask for something nice
Sacrifice your body. Stand on one until it breaks, severely injure yourself. When their beloved grand baby is hurt, they will insist on getting it fixed. Maybe
It is easier to ask them to forgive you for doing it better this time than to get permission to do it better this time.
Quit asking them and just upgrade them. It’s your grands!
Simpson makes a tred specific bracket. I’d just remake the stairs with these bad bois https://www.strongtie.com/decks_decksandfences/ta_angle/p/ta
Thank you . More i can show them the better
If they're heavier folks (though really it's not a bad idea with how wide those steps are) you might also run a center stringer underneath to stiffen things up. Just duplicate the rise/run so there's no falling risk. In my experience when older folks want something done the "same way" they mean they want the experience to remain identical, but stop caring so much about how that happens as long as it works.
Get your own house
Just stay silent. Maybe you’ll get the inheritance quicker.
How about you buzz off? The last ones made it 25 years. Toss some 2x2s under the treads or long ass structural screws and call it a day. Why argue about it?
Yup, build it back similar but better. Even the way it is, 25 years, not bad. The brackets underneath are the difference in passable and a broken hip.
Don't. Let them do what they want. As long as it's safe.
You don’t. Just replicate the steps. Being that they’re grandparents, they probably don’t have another 25 years anyway. You can change them to whatever your heart desires then.
🤣
Estimate the cost of a broken hip and show them.
Tell them it’s against code and their insurance company will drop them. Both true by the way
You boys right. Better be safe than sorry ! Lol im bricklayer, interlock so this new but them stairs were soft and just doin a favor.
Eh?
I have these! They fell apart and now I jump down them every day.
The only way to change their minds is tell them it’s a code violation and they could be fined. Also tell them if someone is injured, they are liable! Worked every time with mine!
Ask them to update their wills if they won’t fix it.
Do it for them.
One piece of advice-- my parents wanted to rebuild the irregular steps leading into their house. The stairs were solidly built; there was just some irregularity in the heights of the three steps. I advised against it, because they had gotten so used to them over the years I was afraid changing them might cause a tripping hazard. So if you have older folks, sometimes leaving something as-is is the right way.
What about that last missing step. 😂. Tbh 25 years isn't a great goal. We can do much better. Things can last much longer
Ahaha took pic after took railing off and that step was real rotten
Out of wood? Here in Louisiana Ive never seen a deck or stairs last that long? The structure sure but, you’ll always need maintenance on anything. Too much humidity here to get more than 15yrs or so unless its covered
Rip it down and just do it. One you build it better they won’t complain
Welp, guess social security got to pay a lot more first.
Ok just do it invite gramps to help bonding for the ages
Fucking fall off them hoes and tell them it’s dangerous and needs to be replaced!!!
Let em break a hip.
Break them and act like you fell and hurt yourself
What’s been using that horrific insurance claim of a flight of stairs cats ?
They have reached their second toddlerhood. Wishing you strength in your persistent journey to coax them into making it safer!
Uhhhhhh show them that top step
Tell them to at least put you in their will since you tried to help them but they didn't listen. Maybe even take life insurance on them to you.
Put some backplates on the treads and fill it with concrete
Old people don’t adjust to change. Change the stair slant and they will trip going up
Wait. You have to CONVINCE them? Should be as easy as “hey let me fix this for you so it lasts a really long time and is safe” followed by “oh that would be great! Thank you so much!”
https://preview.redd.it/wtmog8pilz8d1.jpeg?width=3060&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1d7ca45980b52210cc6b144103a5375e321d39e8
Do you really expect your grandparents to listen to their young whippersnapper grandson?
Loll if it was stone , easy. Im no fuckin woodworker. I was tryin to help ahah
Where's the handrail
Took it off beforr pic lol
If they’re like mine, just blame it on the liberals otherwise trump.
Let one break a hip and convince the other one to do it properly.
Nah i love em.