I'm looking to replace my aging concrete steps, which are about 50 years old and starting to fall apart. I like the idea of building box frame steps as a DIY project, but all the guides I've seen show them being only 4 steps high. My plan involves a much taller setup, around 9 feet. Is it possible to construct box frame steps that high without making them unstable?
3 Answers
Honestly, for a 9-foot rise, box frame steps could be a bit much unless you have extra lumber and tools at your disposal. It might be more efficient to go with a more traditional design, using proper risers and a strong ledger board setup. Just keep in mind that replacing those old concrete steps itself is going to be a big project!
As long as you tie everything together properly, you could certainly build them up that high. Just remember, the higher you go, the more challenging it could be. With a 9-foot height, your bottom step might end up 16-17 feet from the house, so planning your support structure will be key to avoid a wobbly setup.
It sounds like a big project! While you can potentially build box frame steps that high, the materials and stability might be a concern. If you've managed to build multi-story homes before, you could definitely tackle this. Just consider if you want a straight rise or switchback stairs since 9 feet will need around 18 steps, which could spread out a bit from the house too. You might also want to place posts under every 3rd or 4th step to keep them stable and avoid wobbling.