Deck Stairs – Planning, Measuring and Fastening Everything Properly

deck stairs

Getting deck stairs right can be tricky, but the key is to take careful measurements and secure everything properly. This will ensure that the finished stairs are safe and long-lasting.

To get started, first find the total rise of your staircase by resting a board on your proposed landing pad and measuring down to the ground. From there, you can determine the length of your stair stringers.

Choosing Your Stairs

The first step in designing a set of stairs is figuring out where you want them. Stairs should be positioned to allow people to move safely between different areas of your deck and outdoor living space.

The best way to get this done is to follow the old handyman adage: measure twice, cut once. You’ll also need to consider how your deck’s design will influence your stair dimensions. For example, if you have a lot of curves in your deck railing you may need to add a landing pad to the top of the stairs to provide a safe place to stop when going down them.

It’s also worth noting that most building codes require stairs to be accompanied by handrails, so it’s important to think about those requirements when planning your stairs. If you’re not comfortable making your own handrails, professional installation is a good option.

Designing Your Stairs

Stairs can add to your home’s curb appeal as well as provide access to your deck and yard. They also can serve as a focal point in your landscaping design. Whether you use traditional open stairs or more modern stair railing, it is important to carefully plan your staircase before you begin construction.

Start by selecting a proposed total run, which is how far from the deck you want your staircase to end at the landing pad. Measure out this distance using a level or by holding a 2×4 vertically against the proposed stair header and plumping it.

Then determine the number of risers and treads you will need. Then work out the distance between each stair stringer to ensure the final dimensions meet your building codes, which can vary by location. Most local governments list their code requirements online. For safety, it’s critical that your stair stringers be evenly spaced. If they’re not, the stairs can become unstable.

Building Your Stairs

Your deck stair design may need to comply with code regulations, but that doesn’t mean it can’t reflect your personal style. From the deck board colors to railing designs, you can add a lot of flair to the way your stairs look.

Start by determining where you want your bottom step to land. You can use a long level or simply set it on the deck and estimate a slope. A 1/4 inch of slope per foot is typical.

Next, you’ll need to determine the number of steps and their heights. The ideal riser height is 6 1/2 to 8 inches. This measurement is taken vertically from the top of one riser to the leading edge of the next.

If you’re pouring a concrete landing, dig a trench wide enough to accommodate your wooden concrete forms. Reference your clamped stair stringers to ensure that your form is even. Fill the form and screed it using a 2-by-4 board, making three to four passes over the entire length of the form.

Installing Your Stairs

Building stairs can seem daunting, but with the right tools and a little know-how, it’s easy enough to do yourself. By carefully planning, precisely measuring and securely fastening everything together, you can make sure your stairs are safe and long-lasting.

Start by determining how many steps you need and what size of landing pad is required by your local codes. A minimum of 3-feet wide is recommended, but some areas may require a wider landing.

Measure the length of each stair using a tape measure. Multiply this number by the height of the stair’s landing to find the total run measurement.

Take the total run measurement to a lumber yard and purchase pre-cut stringers (the wooden frames that form the steps). When you get home, use a framing square to transfer your measurements to a piece of 2×6. Then cut the stringers to length using a circular saw or jigsaw. Double-check the marks you made to make sure they are accurate.



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