Box Steps for the Incompetent Carpenter - The Freelance Files MMCCLXVI

Framing Box Steps

Hi again: it's been a while since we've taken to the 'net to flog greedy freelancers for their ignorance of their topics. Yet here we are again, this time giving the literary equivalent of the golf clap to yet another eHowian, one making his second appearance on the pages. Please give a... well, not warm but, tepid?... welcome to the pride of HomeSteady.com, Rick Paulas, this time gifting his attempt to explain "How to Build Box Steps" on the internet. Sadly, the one-time telecommunications major's knowledge of box steps is about the same as his knowledge of sprinkler systems – slim to none.

Paulas opened his post with an introduction that made it clear that he believed all box steps are intended to improve access to backyard decks. He's probably right... but his ignorance of the whole process of adding a deck is crystallized in one sentence:

"After the completion of the deck, homeowners may wish to add box steps for easy access from the deck to the backyard."

He said "may wish"? Well, whether the homeowner adds steps or not is dependent on the height of the access point above the ground. Building codes may not allow box steps if the elevation difference is more than a foot, and building a set of stairs is whole different animal. Thankfully, Rick wasn't asked how to perform the latter... because he did a pretty poor job of describing building box steps.

First, Paulas didn't seem to know that there are different sizes of what he terms in his blasé  manner "wood." According to Rick, you build a box frame like this:

"...you will need to cut two pieces of lumber six inches in length and six inches in height, and another two that are ten inches in length and six inches in height, to create the frame. "

First, Rick seemed unaware that traditionally, frames are built of 2-by dimensional lumber; since he never mentioned thickness of his "wood." Second, those dimensions would make a frame six by ten inches, far too small for a safe step. Paulas also instructed his readers to use "nails and a hammer to nail the pieces together"; a non-optimal suggestion. At the very least, the frame should be assembled with exterior-rated deck screws; and local building code may require galvanized corner braces for structural stability.

Once you've built your box frame, according to Paulas, you add the decking:

"Attach the top of the step. [For] the example... you will need a piece of wood that is ten inches in length and six inches in height [sic]. Use a hammer and nails to connect the top of the step to the box."

Once again, Rick's ignorance of deck construction was clear. He said nothing about the thickness of the decking (usually 5/4 or 2-by lumber) and told people to use nails again. Nope: deck screws... and while we're at it, how does one "connect the top" of a board to anything?

And finally, Rick's sole reference mentioned using "blocking" for wide boxes; a concept of which he seemed rather uncertain. You certainly wouldn't need any for his six-by-ten Barbie-sized box step, but – according to Paulas; "While most box steps are 10 inches horizontally, if you want them longer, you will need to use blocking boards to keep the steps from collapsing." We have no idea where he came up with the notion that "most box steps are 10 inches horizontally," since that's both ambiguous – does "horizontally" refer to length or width? – and utter bullshit. But if Paulas thinks that additional support runs lengthwise, he's full of it

Come to think of it, our Dumbass of the Day is certainly full of it, and you're advised to find someone who's actually built box steps (and lots of 'em) to tell you how to complete your project. Paulas' HomeSteady post sure ain't the place!

DDIY - STAIRS