How to Build Deck Stairs

deck stairs

Adding deck stairs can make it easier to access your yard, pool and fire pit. But it is crucial to plan and build them properly. A few miscalculations can lead to unstable stairs that are dangerous to use.

Start by calculating the length of your staircase stringers. This is done by finding the sum of the squares of your run and rise measurements.

Design

A well-designed set of deck stairs not only complements a home’s architecture but also creates a safe and accessible way to move about the outdoor space. To make sure your stairway meets building code requirements, first determine the number of steps required by considering foot traffic on your deck and where people naturally enter and exit.

Once you’ve figured out your stairs’ rise and run, use a carpenter’s square to mark a stair-shaped pattern on the side of each 2×12 stair stringer. Double-check your measurements before cutting and sawing to ensure you’re making accurate cuts.

Then, attach the bottom of each stair stringer to a concrete landing. A precast concrete slab is an option, but piers are often preferred to reduce the chance of frost heave. To help anchor the piers to the concrete, install metal framing connectors called post anchors.

Materials

In order to construct deck stairs, it is important to have high-quality materials. Stairs should be made of a strong and durable material that will be able to withstand heavy traffic and weathering. They should also be made of a material that will blend in with the overall look of your home’s exterior. In addition, they should be safe and meet all building codes and safety requirements.

First, you will need to calculate how many steps your staircase will have. To do this, you will need to measure the height from your deck to the landing location. To make the process easier, you can use a long level or board to mark the spot where the stairs will be placed.

Next, you will need to purchase stair stringers. These are notched boards that will form the two sides and center of the stairs on which the treads will rest. Most home centers carry a variety of pre-cut stair stringers. You will need to select the one that is right for your stair layout.

Preparation

Before building a stair, it’s important to draw up a plan and compile the necessary materials. This process will help ensure that the finished product is precise, which is key to safety. Double-check all measurements before cutting any lumber and follow local building codes for stair height and riser width.

Begin by laying out the stringers, which are notched framing members that support treads and risers. They should be a minimum of 36″ wide and 8 5/16″ deep. If the total run of the stairs is greater than 42″ (Stair Calculator results – Stringer Position [H]), you must also build a middle stringer to support the stair.

Set the stringers on a concrete landing using 2×4 blocks and concrete anchors. Then install a 2×4 fascia on the outside of each stringer, which will later cover the mitered ends. You can use either a solid or notched stringer, but notched is more common as it provides a cleaner appearance.

Installation

Building deck stairs requires precise measurements, accurate cutting and installation to meet codes. This can be a challenging project for the DIYer but the payoff is a functional staircase that is safe to use.

Start by choosing a proposed total run–approximately how far from the deck you want your stairs to land. You can use a story pole or a straight piece of wood, such as a 2×4, to locate the proposed landing point. Rest the board on the deck at the location of the proposed stair landing and mark with a carpenter’s pencil where the top of the support stringer will sit on the board.

Plumb the end of the 2×4 by dropping a line level from the top of the stair header to the ground. Make sure the bottom of the 2×4 sits on the deck to prevent sagging and cracking of the stringers over time.



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