Decking ideas

[Wendelspanswick]

I hope your going to use Schaeffers Deck Sealant:

Plus you might need a bit of Caulk in your holes!

 

[123hotchef]

pmsl big black colck

 

[123hotchef]

right i need some ideas on how to make the steps at the end the mrs wants them full width yeh that was easy but she now wants them to be able to lift up so we can store stuff under the deck great idea

I had though hinges and some large gas rams like on car boots ect

any input designs ideas all welcomed

 

[tinman123]

unless she is storing galvanised stuff under it its not going to be dry or last too long.
you sure she isnt thinking about your stuff...

you could make them up on their own frame and then as you say install heavy hinges ( personally id only install stainless or galvanized hinges) .
sit the step frame butted up to the end of the decking in such a way when its in situ the hinge is taking no weight and just keeping it in place but yet everything lines up good.
id make it in such a way that when they would be up they would have turned 180 dgs and raised out of the way.
then figure out your gas rams, id opt for stainless ones by right unless you can protect them from the elements.

 

[123hotchef]

no she wants to store the cushions and stuff for the new decking furniture under there in those plastic trunks on wheels.

i could even stop being laxy and just lift the steps up on the hinges but i expect them to be bloody heavy

 

[123hotchef]

I dont think i could get 180 out of the steps due the the way they will be 90 deg yes before they hit the first riser unless i re jig the stairs completly and have the first step the same height as the deck but i think that will look wrong

 

[tinman123]

would you see it tho, if you done it right all you would see is the tops of the hinges it would also support itself when fully raised.
just a thought now.

 

[123hotchef]

the deck ends the first step will be 200-250mm below deck level so a 180 deg rise of the steps is not possible if you get what i mean

 

[tinman123]

it is imo but there id be a bit of work to it.
making up an independent step with the first thread level with the existing decking unit and then hinging it to the face of the deck will work but its not going to be the lightest option.
if you only raise it 90 dgs to me id see it as your loosing a couple of foot of space so now you have to get down under it to push the stuff in.

are you running a riser on the face of the decking to cover it up @ the 250mm before the step?
you could make metal frames and then bolt your threads to them, it id be a lighter affair.
without being there and just going on the picture you could cross the end of the decking level with the first thread, it id make it 8" odd longer but thats about it.

 

[123hotchef]

the step planks will ru at 90 deg to the main deck plan is to make the steps two planks wide and 2 high and just 2 steps, I think the deck would look odd with planks running at 90 deg across the end. I think I have talked the mrs out of having storage underneath in the last half an hour, ok it is a wasted space but i would just fill it full of usefull stuff honest!

so tomorrow i will get on and build the solid steps I think

 

[Burdekin]

That's linked the house and outside fantastically, well done. Your other half must be well pleased, especially with summer coming...

 

[123hotchef]

thanks she loves it that was the plan to make it all one for if the summer comes, once the new outdoor furniture arrives she will be even happier

 

[atomant48]

My 2p worth. Full width (or close to) is definitely worth it. Many of our bbqs people will end up sitting on the steps and it becomes quite a sociable area. As for storage, looking at a lot of effort there to use the steps. Would it be easier and more useful to make some boxes which also serve as benches to sit on top of the decking?

 

[123hotchef]

yeh that was my thoughts with the steps they make great seats

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Can we assume the area gets the sun at the 'right' time of day?

 

[123hotchef]

nope from sunrise to about 2pm but that will be the next project summer house/workshop down the bottom end of the garden,

 

[Burdekin]

What about having the steps on castors?

 

[123hotchef]

i did think about that and some shot bolts or similar to ancor it to the deck

 

[123hotchef]

i think its safer all round to not have storage there, safer for me because i wont store loads of good stuff under there or crap as she calls it! the steps will also be more solid and secure, easier to build, if i do store stuff under there the rats will love living there too I am sure.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

^^ Put your foot down, man!