bladeofglass OP t1_iy1fhxm wrote on November 28, 2022 at 12:38 AM

Reply to comment by ChunksMcGoo in Help me plan this deck repair by bladeofglass

Thanks. Dumb question: how to get the bottom riser off? Pry it off, or remove the tread and then pry it off?

Also, the treads and the deck flooring is of something composite material secured with square slotted screws. Is removing the tread just removing the screws and lifting the tread off? Sorry for this basic question, but I am really new to how deck stairs and railings are done.

ChunksMcGoo t1_iy1gpw0 wrote on November 28, 2022 at 12:48 AM

You would want to check to see if it's either screwed in or nailed in. If it's nailed in prying it off is the answer, but if it's screwed then you have to remove the screws.

As far as the composite tread, in theory, it's that simple, yes. Just be careful if you do have to pry it, composite material is notoriously soft and marks easily. Also, does the 4x4 post extend through the tread?

bladeofglass OP t1_iy1hfwp wrote on November 28, 2022 at 12:53 AM

Thanks for the explanations.

Yes, newel extends through the tread. The treads are cut around the newel.

Sawdust-n-Gaming t1_iy2ve7g wrote on November 28, 2022 at 9:23 AM

The square slotted screw is probably a Robertson drive type. They are popular for decks as they don't strip out as easily.

bladeofglass OP t1_iy3g815 wrote on November 28, 2022 at 1:39 PM

That is good to know. Should I need to put in new screws, I now know what to get.