Tue, 27 Aug 2024

This week I learned…

… that there are lumber options beyond 4X4s that are treated for ground contact.

It’s like this… About 10 years ago, Robert and I built a treehouse or platform in the backyard.

I thought the stairs would be OK as long as the risers were resting on 4X4s even though the 2X6 (which was treated) was not meant to be in contact with the ground.

Becuase it wouldn’t be in contact with the ground, it was going to rest on those 4X4s.

But it turns out…

That’s a damp part of the backyard.

And I think when it rains hard enough, there is some pooling there.

Which, I think, led to the stairs getting dangerous.

Something I didn’t realize until last week.

Steve and Helen were visiting and they invited over one of Helen’s cousins who was moving into the neighborhood. And his family has three kids.

Who were happy to check out the treehouse and zip line in the backyard.

After seeing them playing, I thought it would be good for me to take a look, as it’s been a long time.

When I saw the condition of the stairs, I was glad no one was hurt. Clearly those were unsafe.

With my new found free time, I was happy to tackle replacing those — and this time using 2X8 risers (which are treated for ground contact).

I know it gets very little use, but I feel much better knowing it’s safer (and I really didn’t want to contemplate taking it down.

The rest seems fine, though I will replace a couple of the deck boards when the weather cools off a bit.

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