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A two-tier 2x8 platform built to work as garden steps or a stacked bench — 45°-mitered 2x4 top trim and 2x6 treads dress up a genuinely simple stacked-box structure.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L | Material | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom step, long sides | 2 | 1 1/2" × 7 1/4" × 96" | 2x8, 8 ft, ground-contact rated | ☐ |
| Bottom step, ends Swap for 2x6 stock if you want the bottom step to match the top step's height. | 5 | 1 1/2" × 7 1/4" × 18" | 2x8, 8 ft, ground-contact rated | ☐ |
| Top step, long side | 1 | 1 1/2" × 7 1/4" × 96" | 2x8, 8 ft, ground-contact rated | ☐ |
| Top step, ends | 4 | 1 1/2" × 7 1/4" × 18" | 2x8, 8 ft, ground-contact rated | ☐ |
| Top step, sides | 2 | 1 1/2" × 7 1/4" × 21" | 2x8, 8 ft, ground-contact rated | ☐ |
| Top step, back | 1 | 1 1/2" × 7 1/4" × 54" | 2x8, 8 ft, ground-contact rated | ☐ |
| Top step, internal supports | 3 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 7 1/2" | 2x4, 8 ft, ground-contact rated | ☐ |
| Tie-in trim Cut to fit. | 8 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 14 1/2" | 2x4, 8 ft, ground-contact rated | ☐ |
| Top trim Both ends cut at 45°, long point to long point measurement. | 8 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 22 1/2" | 2x4, 8 ft, ground-contact rated | ☐ |
| Treads | 4 | 1 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 54" | 2x6, 10 ft, ground-contact rated | ☐ |
| Item | Qty | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| 2x8, 8 ft, ground-contact rated | 6 each | ☐ |
| 2x4, 8 ft, ground-contact rated | 4 each | ☐ |
| 2x6, 10 ft, ground-contact rated | 2 each | ☐ |
| Exterior deck screws, 2-3/4" | 80 each | ☐ |
Overall cost: $$. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.
Tools: Circular Saw, Drill / Driver. Materials: 2x8, 8 ft, ground-contact rated, Exterior deck screws, 2-3/4"
Build the bottom step box from the 2x8 long sides and ends, screwing together with self-tapping deck screws. If you need the top and bottom step heights to match exactly, substitute 2x6 stock for the bottom step instead of 2x8.
Tools: Circular Saw, Drill / Driver. Materials: 2x8, 8 ft, ground-contact rated, 2x4, 8 ft, ground-contact rated, Exterior deck screws, 2-3/4"
Begin the top step construction with the long side, ends, and internal supports as shown, then attach the remaining boards to complete the top step box.
Tools: Speed Square, Tape Measure
Place the top step on the bottom step and adjust for square.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Miter Saw. Materials: 2x4, 8 ft, ground-contact rated, 2x6, 10 ft, ground-contact rated, Exterior deck screws, 2-3/4"
Attach the tie-in trim and mitered top trim to the steps framing, then attach the treads on top. Finish with materials rated for outdoor and ground-contact use.