Wood stoop - what do I need to know?

We have a stoop that needs repair/replacement. It's a standard stoop with three steps and a platform at the top, handrails and picket on both sides.

The steps and platform aren't in bad shape, but the handrails and sides are looking bad. They're not worth scraping/sanding/repainting.

It seems like a basic job but before I go getting quotes, do you have any tips on what type of wood it should be, things to ask for/look out for, cost?

We were going to do trex but it's just too $$$. We'll only be in this house another 5 years at most, I have to start picking and choosing where we spend our money.

Thanks for any advice you could give me!

Re: Wood stoop - what do I need to know?

just make sure its treated wood and your fine or you will have to just put some water sealer on it. As far as cost not sure. My BIL wants to charge us 900 to install a 4x6 wood porch that is already partially built. The entire porch part is done all you would need to do is put it up and put railings/stairs on it. So we haven't done it and keep fixing the completely rotted one we have now.

I would say a day's rate would be more then sufficient - thinking $200-300

Re: Wood stoop - what do I need to know?

If you just need tom replace the boards and rails it shouldn't be that much. We got a quote for 3500 for a composite stoop with a 6 by 3 ft landing and rails. The thing is there s nothing in place alrady so they would still have to dig all the footings and frame it etc. So we decided to spend the extra $$$ and get a regular size deck. Pressure treated wood is the cheapest. Cedar is a nice choice also. I would just look in the penny saver for a regular handyman type thing if you just need new steps and rails....