Stair Building Problems, Advice And Tips For Using Wood Cleats Instead of Metal Brackets 

Greg, I'm a DIY homeowner in Japan, and I've gotten enormous help from your video tips, so let me start with sincere thanks for all the work you've put into these videos. I have designed and or built two outdoor stairways, one with notched stringers, and the other with 2x4 PT wood cleat tread supports, (since the stringers there are 4x15 PT lambeams). I fastened the cleats with 12mm SS bolts. I've noticed your criticism of wood cleats particularly due to the potential for moisture and debris to accumulate in the contact between the cleat and the stringer (something that has concerned me as well). I haven't experienced much problem with the wood cleats themselves, but I have had serious rot problems with the treads, despite their being PT wood and the use of preservative stain (Xyladecor). I've already replaced the PT treads on the notched-stringer stairway with WRC, and am preparing to do the same on the other stairway (together with replacing the PT cleats there as well), leading to my question: do you think it would help to use 12mm (1/2") or so of SS washers or spacers between the cleats and stringers to allow water and debris to pass more easily without collecting? Barring that, I'm thinking of either using silicon sealant as suggested in this video, or adopting steel angle-iron brackets--but wouldn't they suffer the same problem of moisture/debris collection? I've got a big decision coming up, and being retired, I'd like to get the work done with least expense. Thanks for any advice.

Great video, Greg !

hello I'm a senior in California in a mobile home and I am in need of a set of 5 step stairs with handrails, could I build this and add some 4x4's with 2x4 handrails?l.....thanks

Seams I've seen this with all 2x12's. Possible?

Try cutting a section out with a router

What do they call these types of stairs ? These don't have stringers . I'm genuinely asking because I don't know thank you to anyone who can answer me .