Two platforms for our major entry doors which will accept bluestone treads and in the breezeway rear exit, to accept pre-formed concrete steps are made out of treated 2 x 8 lumber screwed together and the corners reinforced with metal "L" brackets that are nailed in. The top of the 2 platforms for the bluestone treads are about 6 inches below the entry porch; the bottom of the platform has some crushed driveway rock pounded down with a sledge hammer. The bases are packed with 2-4 inches of crushed rock and have a .25 inch slope away from the porch so the tread will shed water. The tread for the main entry is 6' long, 16" deep, and 6" thick with a classic bluestone color; the one for the rear entry is 4' long, 16" deep, and 6" thick with a dark gray color; the concrete steps are 3' wide, 2' deep and include 2 steps with a total height of 15 inches. The platform for the steps has a full tractor load of crushed rock inside it, so the steps should have a very firm foundation.
The final grading around the house is complete; the walkout to the basement is a much less steep climb than before.
Yesterday Doug performed some cleanup and installed a set of stairs for the bumpout door to help us pass the building code inspection. He also installed two screen doors (bumpout and rear breezeway entries).
