I got my pressure treated stringer boards, today. I had no idea they would be so heavy. I bought 16 footers, cut in half for easy transport. Damn, I must be getting old. The finished stringers will be no more than 48" in length. In light of the increased weight of the stringers, I'm even more concerned on the method of mounting the steps to the deck. I've noticed several methods, of which I'll try to relate.
One is this obvious method of a right angle bracket. I assume there is one on each side of the stringer, staggered, of course (yes/no?):
My lumber man offered another method usng long 2" wide galvanized straps. I thought he said the straps were secured to the deck and hung down and secured to the back and underside of the stringer, using short strap nails. I'm still vague on this method. Maybe someone can elaborate.
Again, considering the surprising weight of the PT stringers, along with the aged wood of the old deck, I am looking for most secure method of mounting these monster steps. I'm thinking the right angle brackets along with the notched stringer ON the ledger might be more than enough support.
Also, the lumber guy commented on how deck screws are brittle and tend to break in any application other than downward. When removing the old treads, I noticed several deck screw heads had rusted through and just spun in their holes. In fact this old deck is assembled soley with 3" deck screws and a handfull of lag bolts on stress-bearing joints. I guess this is why the lumber guy recommended short fat strap nails. Being an old pre-nailgun 16 box n' hammer man, I'm kinda enamored with this newer kinder (I'm in no hurry) screw gun technology. Since I've got a hot new screw gun, what might be more appropriate fastener for secureing the vert surfaces in this application?
Any and all advice will be much apreciated. Thank you.
nb