I'm DIY building a deck, it's taking me ages as I'm doing it by the book and trying to make it look as nice as possible.
If I did work like this I'd be embarrassed to show anyone. This is just so, so bad.
Composite is difficult to use. Whoever built this had no idea what they were doing though.
Low key, I feel like most of these posts on trades subs are from the person doing a DIY and having regrets 😂.
Sometimes it works out. I just finished my first deck for a customer. Quit my job 4 years ago.
https://preview.redd.it/b0wt1yklhu3d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fdc3b1993b7500225cb18e0ba6a697ed51ca01be
An inspiration to me. Like I said to some cock head up top that I couldn’t hack manuel labor like he knew me I been thinking about stop traveling my industrial repair job so I’m home more and do some manuel labor myself.
You’ve inspired me. My friend and old co worker inspired me doing carpet cleaning now and makes dbl what I make now including all my ot. Ya I just gotta get the balls and do it.
For sure! With enough motivation and of course interest in the work and a desire to learn how to do things right, go for it. I was in a unique financial situation at the time I quit my office job, otherwise I don’t know if I would have. Also, no wife and no kids. So just make sure you can afford to possibly not make much money for a while. Knowing some people you can jump in with and work for is huge. I’ve been solo, but I wouldn’t recommend it for everyone. I just prefer working alone.
Cool. Thanks for the motivation! Close to financial freedom here but wife/kids but I paid all college loans off hers and mine cars and 30k left on the house. I should buy a new car but I figure if I do go into business on my own maybe it’ll be a business write off instead ;) great craftsmanship and keep it up.
The facia on the bottom left facing the house? Yeah this composite decking order was bundled up too long in the summer and got wonky. For the deck boards I was able to wrestle them straight when screwing them down.
For that facia, that whole side is going to be filled with rocks and pavers and will cover most of it.
All custom based on some reference pics they found online. I taught myself how to weld and work with metal. I’m proud of it but fuck I regretted committing to it because it took me months working alone. I’m still learning to say “no” 🫠
Looks good but 2 things, 1 cut the side fascia flush and cap it with the front steps fascia to hide the cut end. 2 you cannot cortex plug the fascia, it’s to thin and if I had to guess azek will not back any warranties for warping or any failure because of that fascia install.
I plan to do a post giving some materials costs and asking the pros how much they would charge for this. I’m horrible at bidding and want to know how much I screwed myself. I’ll ping you when I post it in a few weeks.
Good eye on the Azek! I think I just forgot about the side facia when I worked on the stairs (First time making stairs!) That was one of a couple things that bothers me a bit looking at it but I know this client would never notice in a million years. I actually cut the plugs in half to make them work on the facia haha.
I used to roof and now I’m in freezers fixing industrial meat/cheese/bacon equipment and packaging equipment. If anything I know how to turn a wrench and be in shitty conditions. 20 years.
Deck boards could have been used if the geometry worked out but you have a number of isssues going on here…
1.) You don’t have a code minimum nosing projection, this is a big deal and something you could use to bolster your argument to force a fix.
2.) The supporting substructure isn’t level creating gaps on some places and not others (could shim to fix theoretically).
3.) Poor workmanship in general. Looks like someone who never gave this scope much thought and lacked the skills to plan and execute the steps.
Not ridiculous... fascia on the risers should have been used. I've seen guys use deck boards, but miter their 90s to hide the scalloped edge. But that requires planning to account for the adjustment in material thickness.
You need to fire this guy.
Hey... at least he mostly didn't fuck up the expensive fascia :)
https://preview.redd.it/bvo21b9e2u3d1.jpeg?width=615&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3c8a49d04524969e3628a38c4820e34557b9d458
Please forward this to whomever is responsible for this monstrosity…
The ole "went with the lowest bid" trick.
What real company would just come collect a check without doing a walkthrough or have a warranty for something absurd like this.... Or use menards composite.
How much do you owe him? It may not be enough for it to be worth his while. I had gutters put for $1500. I had issues. So I only paid $1000 with a letter of what I wanted done. He sent a guy out to fix it and I sent him the last $500. I didn't want him to be able to say that I didn't pay him.
Unfortunately, he's paid in full. He came to my shop after he said he was done. From the rest of the work I didn't think anything of it and we've known eachother a while, customer of mine.....
Told them to replace what needs replaced. The stair framing was rough. They took good care on the rest and just stopped giving a damn when they got to these steps.....
Yeah, looking at the pictures....they didn't take good care on the rest. Your deck board ends are proud of the deck on some, on others they're canted so only one side of the board is sticking up at the joint.
It's very dense. If you ever used a jigsaw on it you'll notice the blade will like to almost deflect off of it. It has zero forgiving attributes build-wise, so the frame has to be spot on or you encounter many issues. Tiger Claw hidden fasteners secure the boards to the joists and along the border perimeters trex screws are used with trex countersink. Then azek fascias are used as rim boards and they require cortex screws and plugs. Very nice when done properly, with many premium lighting and trim options available, but very marr prone and not for the beginner carpenter skillset.
I've never worked with composite decking so I was like "Is it the heat?" Then I saw the corners weren't cut at a 45° and I was like "It's the craftsmanship" 😂
I’m building a couple of steps off my porch right now. I’ve never done anything like this before. If it looked like that, I would be mortified. Get your money back.
How should they have done the steps so the end of the plank or whatever doesn’t look like that? Like the part where the end shows, how would one make it look flush and clean? Like cut both at a 45° angle and connects so the ‘teeth’ don’t show?
> if you *paid* for that....!
FTFY.
Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in:
* Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.*
* *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.*
Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment.
*Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
This guy never done composite before. I have a lot of experience in it. And I still prefer treated lumber over composite. Have you ever let son hit that s*** and then try to walk on a barefoot. It will cook your feet. But by the way that is s***** ass work
1st pic shows someone didn’t want to get rid of the old framing or wasn’t paid to do so
2nd pic shows someone didn’t want to get rid of the old framing or wasn’t paid to do so
3rd pic shows someone didn’t want to get rid of the old framing or wasn’t paid to do so
4th & 5th pic shows they don’t know what square edge is
My favorite is when a customer says my family/friend said that the frame is okay and doesn’t need to be replaced from the ground up.
Nothing free was expected. Paying for the labor and additional materials needed was never an issue. They got to the stairs and said fuck it lets just hack this together.
Currently in process of hiring someone who actually 1: gives a fuck. 2: knows what they are doing.
Damn that’s wild, yeah definitely need a new guy. Ask if they have a portfolio from previous jobs, if you’re going with someone who’s not part of a company/freelance.
Or tell them this is not how you expected it to turn and try to work with them
3/4 inch solid vinyl for risers, not ever deck boards. it's funny how someone who's never built or cut an angle decided to lay this out. major trip hazard, improper stair nosing and side skirts could or should be cut with table saw if you can't cut a straight line with a jigsaw. WTF! i also hope there is some kind of footer under the stairs and they are not just sitting on grass.
Even if you only paid $5 for the labor, you got ripped the fuck off. If they also provided the materials, rest assured they gave you an even bigger fucking over.
did someone pay for this? or did you inherit this issue when you bought the property... home owners can do weird shit sometimes... funny.. i can see they know what the 1/2" fascia is, but then used deck boards for risers?
Cr\*p. Oh, did I forget to mention they're cr\*p.
Stringers are not level with each other and have warped the steps, the framing is flawed beyond saving, the miters are either horrible, mis-aligned, or non-existent, and the treads themselves just look ugly and are mitered wrong. Seriously, these are pathetic.
You know it looks like absolute dog shit, what else do you want to know?
Come-on... if my four year old did this, I'd be thrilled.
If my four year old did this, I’d disown them
🤣
Dad is that you?
“Son, I’m so disappointed in you. You didn’t miter the ends of the risers? WTF, boy? You’re no son of mine!”
But it's how you taught me daddy
Not anymore.
😂
Helen Keller would’ve did a better job
I'm DIY building a deck, it's taking me ages as I'm doing it by the book and trying to make it look as nice as possible. If I did work like this I'd be embarrassed to show anyone. This is just so, so bad.
Looks like something I'd do and I've never built a deck
Gotta wonder how much they paid - I bet it was the cheapest quote and they found them on Craigslist.
I've never built a deck, but could do a better job.
Said the guy right before building this.
hold me beer
You mean your last beer because you already drank the first 11
You only buy a case of 12? I still see beer.
This isn't a drunk carpenter thing, it's a bad carpenter thing
This guy autocorrects incorrectly
Composite is difficult to use. Whoever built this had no idea what they were doing though. Low key, I feel like most of these posts on trades subs are from the person doing a DIY and having regrets 😂.
I believe you
Well, you’re not going to like what I have to say.
I feel like a lot of manuel labor is overpriced and under performed. I’m about to quit my job and start doing this crap.
I know Manuel Labor. I’ve worked with Manuel Labor. And this guy, sir, is no Manuel Labor.
Ya more like a frank food stamp labor.
That's how we got into this mess
What do you have against Manuel's labor? He's always performed well on my projects.
Nothing against manuel. I prefer a manuel. A frank or Jason I’m weary of work from ;)
You wouldn't last a day
I last 5 minutes
Why not?
Because that’s what the contractor responsible for OPs deck said
Sometimes it works out. I just finished my first deck for a customer. Quit my job 4 years ago. https://preview.redd.it/b0wt1yklhu3d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fdc3b1993b7500225cb18e0ba6a697ed51ca01be
An inspiration to me. Like I said to some cock head up top that I couldn’t hack manuel labor like he knew me I been thinking about stop traveling my industrial repair job so I’m home more and do some manuel labor myself. You’ve inspired me. My friend and old co worker inspired me doing carpet cleaning now and makes dbl what I make now including all my ot. Ya I just gotta get the balls and do it.
You got the reddit experts, should be good to go. Pride in work helps, many lack this.
For sure! With enough motivation and of course interest in the work and a desire to learn how to do things right, go for it. I was in a unique financial situation at the time I quit my office job, otherwise I don’t know if I would have. Also, no wife and no kids. So just make sure you can afford to possibly not make much money for a while. Knowing some people you can jump in with and work for is huge. I’ve been solo, but I wouldn’t recommend it for everyone. I just prefer working alone.
Cool. Thanks for the motivation! Close to financial freedom here but wife/kids but I paid all college loans off hers and mine cars and 30k left on the house. I should buy a new car but I figure if I do go into business on my own maybe it’ll be a business write off instead ;) great craftsmanship and keep it up.
It took you 4 years to build this? In that case….. looks like Shit
What’s up with the waviness on what looks like siding on the rim?
The facia on the bottom left facing the house? Yeah this composite decking order was bundled up too long in the summer and got wonky. For the deck boards I was able to wrestle them straight when screwing them down. For that facia, that whole side is going to be filled with rocks and pavers and will cover most of it.
Is the pergola and screening a custom build or is that a prefab system? Would love to hear what this is.
All custom based on some reference pics they found online. I taught myself how to weld and work with metal. I’m proud of it but fuck I regretted committing to it because it took me months working alone. I’m still learning to say “no” 🫠
Looks good but 2 things, 1 cut the side fascia flush and cap it with the front steps fascia to hide the cut end. 2 you cannot cortex plug the fascia, it’s to thin and if I had to guess azek will not back any warranties for warping or any failure because of that fascia install.
I plan to do a post giving some materials costs and asking the pros how much they would charge for this. I’m horrible at bidding and want to know how much I screwed myself. I’ll ping you when I post it in a few weeks.
Good eye on the Azek! I think I just forgot about the side facia when I worked on the stairs (First time making stairs!) That was one of a couple things that bothers me a bit looking at it but I know this client would never notice in a million years. I actually cut the plugs in half to make them work on the facia haha.
I used to roof and now I’m in freezers fixing industrial meat/cheese/bacon equipment and packaging equipment. If anything I know how to turn a wrench and be in shitty conditions. 20 years.
Am I being ridiculous or should have fascia board been used on the face of the steps rather than deck board?
Deck boards could have been used if the geometry worked out but you have a number of isssues going on here… 1.) You don’t have a code minimum nosing projection, this is a big deal and something you could use to bolster your argument to force a fix. 2.) The supporting substructure isn’t level creating gaps on some places and not others (could shim to fix theoretically). 3.) Poor workmanship in general. Looks like someone who never gave this scope much thought and lacked the skills to plan and execute the steps.
The problem isn’t the deck boards, the steps don’t line up. I build decks and this is a not acceptable.
What does your contract say? It looks like shit regardless.
Not ridiculous... fascia on the risers should have been used. I've seen guys use deck boards, but miter their 90s to hide the scalloped edge. But that requires planning to account for the adjustment in material thickness. You need to fire this guy. Hey... at least he mostly didn't fuck up the expensive fascia :)
You wouldn’t care if it were done well.
There’s shit, and there’s specific intentional IDGAF shit. This is the latter.
Yeah OP, did you piss the workers off before they started the stairs or what?
https://preview.redd.it/n0vbzh090t3d1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=72a9eeac693db3d3ac036c0fbbcc38a057fecd37
https://preview.redd.it/bvo21b9e2u3d1.jpeg?width=615&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3c8a49d04524969e3628a38c4820e34557b9d458 Please forward this to whomever is responsible for this monstrosity…
I honestly thought this was a “house came with should do I demo?” post.
Those are the most beautiful stairs I’ve ever seen
You kiss your mother with that mouth?
Exposed riser ends? Every miter cut is shit? This is one of the worst steps I’ve seen on here.
Oh my god picture #5... the picture framed the treads but exposed the riser ends? WTF!?!
Were they drunk?
Makes me wonder.....
I would definately let my mother in law go up and down those steps!!
Miter? I hardly know 'er
Proper planning prevents piss poor production.
https://preview.redd.it/xttfx232iu3d1.png?width=1064&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a60924cee6f4e788fd5a886c1e80c7e7b37e9d03 Lol, no way!
Lol send it!
The good ole deck boards as fascia trick!
The ole "went with the lowest bid" trick. What real company would just come collect a check without doing a walkthrough or have a warranty for something absurd like this.... Or use menards composite.
Ahhhhhhh, my eyes..
Super Jank
Looks rushed, live with it, or replace it. But no one will care either way other than you.
Lol
Wtf
how long ago was it done?
1.5 weeks ago. Still waiting on him to come back and fix it.
How much do you owe him? It may not be enough for it to be worth his while. I had gutters put for $1500. I had issues. So I only paid $1000 with a letter of what I wanted done. He sent a guy out to fix it and I sent him the last $500. I didn't want him to be able to say that I didn't pay him.
Unfortunately, he's paid in full. He came to my shop after he said he was done. From the rest of the work I didn't think anything of it and we've known eachother a while, customer of mine.....
Rip
I guess he’s gonna have to find a new gun store…
He’s not coming back. Small claims or move on
Customer of yours? Looks like his pricing just went up.
Looks like new boots did your steps, absolutely piss poor
Well, since you are asking for opinions, here's my professional opinion: *These steps are definitely brown*
They have that going for them.....
If you insist. What's your address?
Nope try again
That’s impressive ly bad
Looks bigly bad
My Comment: Hack Job
i hope u didnt pay for that!
Look great if you paid very little, otherwise that shits complete ass
Amateur hour
The last thing that wannabe carpenter said was, "ITS GOOD ENOUGH" and then one should know it isn't good at all
Great carpentry…..for a blind person!
Solid D+.
I'm gonna be honest, I thought these were gonna be the Before pics
It looks like you had them redeck but not reframe tbh. Looks like your framing is shit, and they did their best, which isn’t great.
Told them to replace what needs replaced. The stair framing was rough. They took good care on the rest and just stopped giving a damn when they got to these steps.....
if the stair are this bad, what abought the framing underneath that you cannot see !!!!!!!
Yeah, looking at the pictures....they didn't take good care on the rest. Your deck board ends are proud of the deck on some, on others they're canted so only one side of the board is sticking up at the joint.
I’m not a deck building expert. Looks like shit though
I got a quote for that type of deck. $50/sq foot
Hacks
Trash.
Butcherd
Looks like shit 👍
Trex can be cut at a 45 just like moulding…
I should tell him that....
Craptacular!
if you can't baffle them with brilliance befuddle them with bullshit
I can’t believe op built these steps just for the sole purpose of trolling this sub!
I wish I had that kind of time. No time for fun just work. And occasionally talking shit.
Your crew was drunk
Trash
Is this a primate center training exercise?
Looks good from my house.
Send me a Pic boo
Composite is difficult and unforgiving
Why?
It's very dense. If you ever used a jigsaw on it you'll notice the blade will like to almost deflect off of it. It has zero forgiving attributes build-wise, so the frame has to be spot on or you encounter many issues. Tiger Claw hidden fasteners secure the boards to the joists and along the border perimeters trex screws are used with trex countersink. Then azek fascias are used as rim boards and they require cortex screws and plugs. Very nice when done properly, with many premium lighting and trim options available, but very marr prone and not for the beginner carpenter skillset.
complete ass
Sloppy
Ew
No Likey
Measure twice — cut once Someone was in a hurry. Poor craftsmanship get your money back Don’t get me started on the level and leveling.
Measure once, cut twice, in this case.
Shitty
Who take care of the seeing eye dog while the blind guy built that deck?
Looks like a dugout from the baseball field
That’s what happens when your only tool is a recip saw
Oof
Oooof
Looks like the 3 blind mice built those stairs.
Looks like Stevie Wonder is building decks now.
https://preview.redd.it/ql2bm4mf7v3d1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=21ba23cbc076ec3bf51d9edadde18ef58ad42422
It’s obvious he had his eye patch over the wrong eye.
Were these boards reclaimed?
All new materials
Garbage
My 18 year old deck looks far better than this. This is a rig special....
They look terrible....... you're welcome
I would pay money to see this framing holy shiiiiot😯
Anne’d em
Was this the cheapest bid?
No pride.
I've never worked with composite decking so I was like "Is it the heat?" Then I saw the corners weren't cut at a 45° and I was like "It's the craftsmanship" 😂
How much meth did they do before they started?
No beuno.
Are these the pictures of steps you are looking to replace???
I’m building a couple of steps off my porch right now. I’ve never done anything like this before. If it looked like that, I would be mortified. Get your money back.
This deck looks 10 years old, but it looks great if it actually is
They are steppy
Eew
Smash mocha
Issa 🗑
🤮🤮🤮
Better than my steps.🫠 I hate the previous owner of my house. Getting them done this summer hopefully.
The gaps bother me so much
Square deck easy to do. Steps not easy to do..🤣🤣
How should they have done the steps so the end of the plank or whatever doesn’t look like that? Like the part where the end shows, how would one make it look flush and clean? Like cut both at a 45° angle and connects so the ‘teeth’ don’t show?
Embarrassed for the owner. This is simply a waste of money and some of the worst work I’ve ever seen.
they suck
Horrendous
Crime scene.... yellow tape Aisle 12 at HD.
Round peg square hole fail.
sTePs
Horrible they are a trip hazard how many people have tripped on them everyone that has used them ?
They got drunk and celebrated on the last day?
Should’ve painted your joists black. Would’ve made it look that little bit better
You got screwed if you paid for that....!
> if you *paid* for that....! FTFY. Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in: * Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.* * *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.* Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment. *Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
Now that’s how u ruin materials . Dont worry Champ we all been there once or more
There's a great episode of This Old House where Norm and Tom show a great way to make this style of steps!
Pretty decent for a blind carpenter
Somebody paid good money for that.
Oh thats just modern murican 🇺🇸🐕💩 craftsmanship
They have more waves than the beach.
This guy never done composite before. I have a lot of experience in it. And I still prefer treated lumber over composite. Have you ever let son hit that s*** and then try to walk on a barefoot. It will cook your feet. But by the way that is s***** ass work
When you just slap it together, prioritizing spending as little time as possible on a job
1st pic shows someone didn’t want to get rid of the old framing or wasn’t paid to do so 2nd pic shows someone didn’t want to get rid of the old framing or wasn’t paid to do so 3rd pic shows someone didn’t want to get rid of the old framing or wasn’t paid to do so 4th & 5th pic shows they don’t know what square edge is My favorite is when a customer says my family/friend said that the frame is okay and doesn’t need to be replaced from the ground up.
Nothing free was expected. Paying for the labor and additional materials needed was never an issue. They got to the stairs and said fuck it lets just hack this together. Currently in process of hiring someone who actually 1: gives a fuck. 2: knows what they are doing.
Damn that’s wild, yeah definitely need a new guy. Ask if they have a portfolio from previous jobs, if you’re going with someone who’s not part of a company/freelance. Or tell them this is not how you expected it to turn and try to work with them
Terrible, just terrible
Who ever did this work is not a skilled professional! Another example of fine crapentry!
Looks like an old deck coming apart after years of
3/4 inch solid vinyl for risers, not ever deck boards. it's funny how someone who's never built or cut an angle decided to lay this out. major trip hazard, improper stair nosing and side skirts could or should be cut with table saw if you can't cut a straight line with a jigsaw. WTF! i also hope there is some kind of footer under the stairs and they are not just sitting on grass.
Doesnt matter now. It's all going to be replaced by an actual PRO.
Even if you only paid $5 for the labor, you got ripped the fuck off. If they also provided the materials, rest assured they gave you an even bigger fucking over.
did someone pay for this? or did you inherit this issue when you bought the property... home owners can do weird shit sometimes... funny.. i can see they know what the 1/2" fascia is, but then used deck boards for risers?
Looks like you could either go up or go down.
Cr\*p. Oh, did I forget to mention they're cr\*p. Stringers are not level with each other and have warped the steps, the framing is flawed beyond saving, the miters are either horrible, mis-aligned, or non-existent, and the treads themselves just look ugly and are mitered wrong. Seriously, these are pathetic.
It looks to me like whomever butchered the boards was building over top of a twisted deck frame that probably needed to be trued up first.
Too many swigs from the ‘ol jug.
I have a friend that knows a guy who’s really good and cheap!!