garage stairs

[Brett Hartwig]

trying to figure out what to do when we build our house in the spring for garage stairs. We will need a 2 or 3 step unit to get from the garage into the house- is there something I can buy that is prefabbed or should I have my concrete guy pour me some stairs?

 

[Todd Z]

The metal prefab stairs stink..... The cost for a good steel or aluminum commercial set is going to be more money then having the concrete guys form a set...



You can use treated lumber and trex or equivalent with a railing also..



Todd Z

 

[Richard L]

I guess the concrete contractor can build some forms and pour the steps when they pour the slab for the garage/house, but I think the carpenter/framing crew could do it cheaper.



My concern is that the concrete guy might not get the stairs exacly center where the door is and that may really look bad or present a safety issue.



If the carpenter guy does it, he is building the framing for the door and knows exactly where the stairs need to go. He can also build them separately and let them be manually placed where the door is and simply bolted to the wall under the door threshhold.



If there is any chance of the garage flooding, then you are better off with concrete stairs.



...Rich

 

[Christopher Comeaux]

go to lowes and get some concrete one already build

 

[Robert Caffyn]

Concrete is too permanent, metal is unforgiving, have the builder make up a set from pressure treated wood (like Todd sez). You will be happier in the end, especially if somebody runs thier vehicle into them, they will most likely move and inflict minimal damage. Good luck on the new homestead! BC :smile0006:

 

[Gavin Allan]

Be sure to make them wider than needed, and make sure they are designed in the middle of the rise/run standards to make them easy/safe/comfortable to use. Also, good lighting and handrails are essential.



Concrete or wood- either is fine if they are designed properly. I could live with either.



Stairs from the garage are a real pain. I am so glad I finally found a ranch house with a walk-in garage on the main level.

 

[Kevin Palmer]

Very easy to make them yourself or have them made. Even if you are no carpenter, there is an easy and affordable way to do so.



Buy these pre-cut stringers from Lowe's or Home Depot for example.

Then you can install the treads (where you actually step) and the risers (what your foot runs into so you don't slide over the tread).



For strength, once you do that, You can put a flat board without the step notches onto the sides and this will also stop you from sliding off the end of the treads. To make them free standing, build a triangular box that is square to the wall they are against and the floor.



You know have strong but movable steps into the house..



Something like this but finished off and self standing, not attached to the wall for support...

 

[Mark K 2]

For outdoor stairs, forget the risers.

 

[TRACket Paul]

 

[Todd Z]

The building code has changed on Rise/run check our local codes now...... I believe it is a 8/6 or 6/6 or something like that.....



Todd Z

 

[Wes Davis]

Most builders get around this by pouring an elevated concrete pad at the end of the garage. This would also be where your washer/dryer/water heater are installed. One step up and then into the house. Make sure it has a slight slope to drain water if the washer or heater should ever fail.

 

[Thomas Rogers]

Me said:

Most builders get around this by pouring an elevated concrete pad at the end of the garage. This would also be where your washer/dryer/water heater are installed. One step up and then into the house. Make sure it has a slight slope to drain water if the washer or heater should ever fail.

Novel idea. An elevated pad, in the garage, just outside the door to the house, for the water heater, washer and dryer.



I am sure that works great in Florida.



But Freeport is in Illinois, and there is a big difference in what you describe as commonplace between FL and IL, I suspect. Unless the garage is heated, the garage wouldn't be my first choice for such appliances.



TJR

 

[Robert Thomas]

Will I have to clean under wood stairs. Yes

Will I have to clean under concrete stairs. No



Anything that makes my life easier is a no-brainer.



:smile0013: Sitting at home after a hernia operation.