I have been tearing apart the steps to my moms deck and now see how they were constructed. The steps (l,m,r) were assembled as a unit by screwing (3-1/2" deck screws) through the stringers into the ends of
2x6s cut to fit between them (like roof freeze blocks) at the top of the stringer and adding steps for rigidity. The whole unit was then moved up to the deck and secured to the deck frame by screwing the 2x6 cross pieces to the deck's 2x6 frame. Seemed to work OK. I'm wondering if I should just repeat the same design or go with stringer brackets.Also, what's the deal with deck screws? This deck is 10 yrs old and a mess. Mom never had any sealing or painting done. The 3-1/2" deck screws are either rusty or rusted through and broken. Unscrewing half of them just spins the heads off or stips the phillips slots.
Does sealing/painting preserve the screws at all? Mom also put on either outdoor carpeting or some kinda cheapo turf stuff. It's mostly rotted away. Seems to me coverings like this would hold moisture and accelerate degradation of untreated wood. Yes?
Although I have a good screw gun, I have no impact driver. I need to put in a lag bolt from 2x6 frame rail to vert 4x4. I assume before cordless drivers, one just pre-drilled and ran the bolt in with ratchet/wrench. Yes/no/maybe?
The deck condition is about half n' half. I'm replacing the steps (PT stringers). The top planks are worn and cracked, but serviceable. The under deck frame, being out of direct weather, is in good shape. Is there anything I can do to save, or at least extend the life of, the deck surface (planks)? An old wood sealer/saver?
I'm also creating a SU drawing of the whole thing. When I get a full drawing, I'll post it one of the freebie picture websites. Any recommendations for one?
nb