Decking steps.

[Joe Shmoe]

Hi folks.

As my house it built on the side of a hill, I have 5 brick/slab steps that make up the 6ft drop from back-door to ground level. Its quite steep and require big strides to get up. I'm thinking about constructing Wooden Decking over these steps and instead of following the drop/depth of each concrete step, I could make the Decking steps a little more shallow. By putting in an extra Decking step, I'd make them a little less steep.

Problem is, this area gets no sun….. Ever!! The existing concrete steps are a little murky from where rainwater takes an age to dry. I was wondering if Decking would get really slippery with moss trying to grow etc, and make for dangerous walking ?

Also, I'd obviously be constructing a wooden framework for the decking to sit on, but this framework would be sitting on the existing concrete steps which collect small pools of rainwater. Could the frame-work be suitably preserved to protect it from sitting on damp steps for the vast majority of the year?

I have no experience with Decking/framework at all, so would be grateful for any pointers you guys might have?

Regards
Joe.

 

[MikeG.]

Problem is, this area gets no sun….. Ever!! The existing concrete steps are a little murky from where rainwater takes an age to dry. I was wondering if Decking would get really slippery with moss trying to grow etc, and make for dangerous walking ?
Joe.

Joe,

yes, they will get really slippery and dangerous. I wouldn't even contemplate heading in this direction.........

How about re-building your steps at a proper rising and going, and having decking you can access seperately?

Mike

 

[mailee]

I agree with Mike on this, decking of any type is an abomination when it gets wet. Much more dangerous than solid steps.

 

[Mr Ed]

Properly treated and maintained decking need not be the slippery nightmare that it is being portayed as. I wouldn't use it as a primary access to a house, but as the route into the garden its fine in my view - not quite sure from your post if it is for the main access or not.

I built this arrangement on the rear of a house I had some years ago and it worked well for me;

Cheers, Ed

 

[maltrout512]

Just an idea with the deck steps. If built, some 10mm wire netting stapled across each tread. Done this once or twice where sun light area is poor.

 

[MikeG.]

Ed,

nice decking. Looks good with that sun shining on it....!!!!
-
Get my drift?......
-
-

(Joe said his never saw any sun ever).

Just imagine Joe's wooden steps not being properly maintained and treated for a while, receiving no sun ever, and then a toddler running ahead of mum.......

No, I stick by my initial comment.

Mike

 

[Mr Ed]

Yes you've obviously got to be mindful of the safety issues and a very wet location may not be suitable but I think people are put off using timber in gardens due to wrongly held durability / serviceability issues.

I think it can provide some of the best external surfaces, warm to sit on, child friendly, clean, looks good, allows creativite design etc...etc...

I've built a few decks and found they can really transform outside spaces. I know decking has become a cliche in many ways, but done right its great.

Cheers, Ed