Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva builds a safe and solid set of porch stairs. (See below for a shopping list, tools, and steps.)

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Tom Silva removes an old set of porch stairs and builds a new one. The new stairs are a safe, solid, and up to code. One of key the changes included cutting the stringer on an angle to streamline the steps.

Shopping List for How to Build Porch Stairs:
Pressure-treated 2x6s [https://amzn.to/31iPNmM] and 2x12s [https://amzn.to/32yA6rO], for building the new stairs
3-inch deck screws [https://amzn.to/2Q1My1V], to fasten together the stair parts
8-inch structural timber screws [https://amzn.to/2Q3BzVD], for securing the staircase to the house
3-inch masonry screws [https://amzn.to/2Q6HU2N], to fasten bottom frame to concrete walk
PVC trim board [https://amzn.to/2A98f5l] and plugs [https://amzn.to/305jGFT], for making the risers and trimming out the stringers
Composite deck boards [https://amzn.to/2LpxJBT], used as stair treads
Welded-steel handrail [https://amzn.to/2N8S6W9]
Composite railing system [https://amzn.to/2Q76iRL]

Tools for How to Build Porch Stairs:
Wrecking bar [https://amzn.to/2Q3uxQQ], to pry up the old stair treads
Reciprocating saw [https://amzn.to/2LqtLZM], for cutting out the old staircase
Framing square [https://amzn.to/2Ablt1r], to lay out stair stringers
Reciprocating saw [https://amzn.to/2LqtLZM], for cutting out the old staircase
Circular saw [https://amzn.to/2zWYuY0], to cut lumber
Jigsaw [https://amzn.to/2MUH4Uo], for notching stringers
Impact driver [https://amzn.to/2LraKFj], for driving screws
Hammer-drill [https://amzn.to/2N8APfD], to drill into concrete
Miter saw [https://amzn.to/2NRDqdo], for crosscutting lumber to length
Socket [https://amzn.to/2PLTsrN] and ratchet wrench [https://amzn.to/2NWDIjt], to tighten hex-head fasteners

Steps for How to Build Porch Stairs:
1. Pry off the treads from the upper step to gain access to the tops of the stringers.
2. Use a reciprocating saw to cut through the top end of the stringers, freeing the staircase from the porch.
3. Remove and discard the old staircase and any leftover debris.
4. Use a circular saw and jigsaw to cut six new stair stringers from a pressure-treated 2x12. Cut four steps into each stringer.
5. Screw a pressure-treated 2x6 to the existing porch frame to provide extra support for mounting the staircase.
6. Space the six stringers 16 inches on center, then fasten a 2x6 across the tops of the stringers. Attach the 2x6 with 3-inch decking screws.
7. Screw a 2x6 across the bottom ends of the stringers, then attach a 2x6 toekick to the previously installed 2x6.
8. Set the stringer assembly against the porch and secure it with several 8-inch structural screws.
9. Use a hammer-drill to bore screw-pilot holes through the bottom 2x6 and into the concrete walk.
10. Fasten the bottom of the staircase to the walkway with 3-inch masonry screws.
11. Cut four risers from PVC trim boards.
12. Attach each PVC riser to the stringers using specially designed screws. Conceal each counterbored screwhead with a PVC plug.
13. Cut and attach PVC trim boards to outer surfaces of the stringers on the left and right end of the staircase.
14. Cut stair treads from composite decking; screw the treads to the stringers.
15. Install a welded-steel handrail, making sure it’s between 34 and 38 inches above the nose of the stair tread.
16. Assemble a composite railing system, which includes a handrail and balusters, to fit alongside the welded-steel handrail.

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