I've built a set of cinderblock stairs!

[Syonyk]

I've built stairs!  And they passed the inspections needed to get me an occupancy permit!





Build details: http://syonyk.blogspot.com/2016/04/building-temporary-stairs-with.html

[elaine amj]

I really enjoyed the read :) congrats on your new stairs!


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[Frugal Lizard]

I like the look

[ender]

Did you sand the edges at all?

I've always found cinder block edges to be really easy to scratch/cut myself on. I'd be concerned with them as stairs for this reason.

[Syonyk]

No sanding. Not a bad idea though!

[Rezdent]

These are awesome.

[Miss Piggy]

Nice. Seems like the open spaces in the front of the second level could be a trip hazard, though.

[Syonyk]

Nice. Seems like the open spaces in the front of the second level could be a trip hazard, though.

I've thought about that.  If it's an issue, I'll just stick a 2x6 in front.

[Miss Piggy]

Nice. Seems like the open spaces in the front of the second level could be a trip hazard, though.

I've thought about that.  If it's an issue, I'll just stick a 2x6 in front.

Seems like a good solution. There's plenty of room on the first level to do that.

[Jack]

Looks good. Why concrete blocks instead of wood framing?

[lthenderson]

They wouldn't last very long in my climate with lots of freeze thaw cycles in winter being dry stacked. The moisture would move them around in short order. I would have to have some sort of edging around them to keep them in place. I would also be concerned with vermin creating homes in my stairs.

[Syonyk]

Looks good. Why concrete blocks instead of wood framing?

The other side is wood. I'll be detailing hat build next week.

Mostly because some people who have lived out here forever suggested this style of construction. It's a very dry area.

I'll see about critters. I don't think it will be a large problem but I'll see. There are many better places for critters to be disturbed less.

[Fishindude]

If you are happy, I am happy.

Comments:

Those open cores could be great habitat for snakes, mice and critters.
Blocks are not made to be laid on their side and used like this.  They are relatively porous material and will absorb moisture and deteriorate over time much faster than poured, troweled concrete.  May not be a problem in dry climate?
An immediate step down outside a door is kind of dangerous.  If those are high traffic, I think you would be much happier with a top landing pretty close to floor level.

[Syonyk]

We get something like 8" of rain a year here - it's not a moist climate.  I definitely wouldn't do this in Seattle.  It's a common enough style of DIY step out here - if anything, mine are radically over-engineered compared to many I've seen.

The requirement is for a landing outside the door, with less than 7 3/4" drop.  Which I meet. :)

I agree that a flat deck landing even with the house floor might be a bit nicer, and when I replace these, I'll probably do something like that.  But that's a longer term project once we decide what to do.

[lthenderson]

when I replace these, I'll probably do something like that.  But that's a longer term project once we decide what to do.

It definitely was a 'priced right' solution until you figure out how things go in the future. Nothing worse than pouring a lot of money into something only to have to tear it out and redo it again later to suit how you really wanted it.