Need some advice on building wood stairs outside (railing, paint, stains)

[StoneyTwist]

Hello

I was wondering if anyone with knowledge on either deck building or stairs, could tell me what I might expect to pay for an outdoor staircase that would lead from the property line to my house. It would be approx 150 feet long and would be at basically a 40 degree angle along the hillside that leads down to my home. I would like it to have handrails on both sides as well.

I obviously would like the staircase to last as long as possible, so is there a specific wood that I should use? I'm thinking that because of the steep angle and length of the staircase, I will have to probably have a Geotech report, and will have to (I'm guessing) have whomever is building it for me pour concrete or use concrete pins or blocks under parts of the stairs to keep the wood off the ground.

I'm sure that there are other factors that go into the price as well (obvious labor costs etc) and other things that I'm sure I don't know about.

I'd love to have an educated guess from someone who's either built one or had one build for them.

Thanks in advance for any advice, tips or answers that you give me, that might empower me to make the right decisions.

[Barking Spider]

Less than $100,000.

Pressure treated lumber is the most common material used. Obviously without seeing the property, it is almost impossible to get an estimate that might mean anything to you. And the only estimate that is worth anything is from someone that is willing to do the work, for the price quoted.

Obviously, there will have to be a bunch of concrete footings needed, and the depth and number of them is going to depend on the plan. The plan may very well have to come from an engineer since it is such a steep slope. Knowing the type of soil/rock will have some bearing on the design as well. Will trees have to be removed for the stairs? Another added cost.

I have inspected many lake homes that had long stairs going from the house to the lake. I know one of the stairs cost $25,000.

[QIS]

Hi Stoney,
I agree with Barking Spider to a large extent! You will for sure need a lot of information and several estimates and design concepts.
Without seeing it, I say use sonotubes and saddle brackets with a good 1" clearance off the concrete and stay with 6" off the ground for wood even if it is treated. Depending on where you are, critters may tend to live under it...just a thought.
Do not paint it: stains and cwfs only or you will be very sorry!
I have seen very nice excavated and finished steps as well; again, I would use some sort of footing every once in a while, like sonotubes. Without seeing the slope, I like the idea of excavated steps.
No what you decide as far as the steps go; really put some thought into the hand railings! They must be sturdy, durable, and grippable! DO NOT simply build something out of 2 x 2's.
That is a steep and long slope man! Do you think you can do it without any switchbacks???

[brien51]

You would be wise to go down to your local town office and talk to the building inspector to see what the local codes read about your project. Your zoning laws might not allow you to build anything right up to your proerty line. There are setback requirements in both side yards and rear yards. You wouldn't want to build something that is in violation of zoning requirements because you might have to tear it out and be fined as well..

If you need a exemption, most towns will have a Zoning Board of Appeals with whom you can schedule a hearing and apply for any exemption(s), called a "variance", you may need for the project. Start with you town building inspector and schedule an appointment for him to visit your property and explain your project first to him. You won't go wrong from there.

[car957]

You should consider purchasing this book:

Deck Construction Based on the 2009 International Residential Code®

It's very helpful.

[Gil3]

Originally Posted by brien51

You would be wise to go down to your local town office and talk to the building inspector to see what the local codes read about your project. Your zoning laws might not allow you to build anything right up to your proerty line. There are setback requirements in both side yards and rear yards. You wouldn't want to build something that is in violation of zoning requirements because you might have to tear it out and be fined as well..

If you need a exemption, most towns will have a Zoning Board of Appeals with whom you can schedule a hearing and apply for any exemption(s), called a "variance", you may need for the project. Start with you town building inspector and schedule an appointment for him to visit your property and explain your project first to him. You won't go wrong from there.

excellent advice.