How to Build Deck Steps and Stairs?
Building deck steps and stairs is a crucial step in enhancing the functionality and aesthetics of your deck. It is a challenging task that requires precise calculations and construction. Any misstep can lead to safety hazards or the need for rework. More importantly, building deck stairs must be carefully followed by local building codes to make sure they are safe and legal in the long run.
Building steps and stairs for a deck might sound hard, but it’s not if you follow the right steps. This article tells you everything you need to know to build deck stairs. It gives you the basic information and step-by-step instructions you need to build a strong and attractive deck ramp.
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Table of Contents
Understanding the Components of Deck Stairs
Before picking up your tools, you need to fully understand the various parts of deck stairs.
- Stair Landing: The stair landing refers to the sturdy, level surface at the bottom of the stairs. It is typically constructed from concrete, paving stones, or compacted gravel. Its main job is to provide a safe, stable transition area so that people don’t lose their balance as they go down to the last step.
- Stair Tread: The stair tread is the horizontal plank designed for stepping. It defines the landing point for each step. A tread can be constructed from a single 2×12-inch board. It is better to put two deck boards next to each other with enough space between them for water to drain.
- Stringer: This is the “backbone” of the staircase, a diagonal member supporting the entire stair structure. It is typically made from 2×12-inch pressure-treated lumber. Stringers are primarily categorized into two types: open stringers and closed stringers.
- Riser: A riser is the vertical panel installed between two treads to cover the vertical space. It enhances the appearance and conceals the structure beneath the stairs. More importantly, it prevents small objects from falling, adding a sense of security. Risers are typically made from fascia board or the same material as the decking.
- Stair Tread: Refers to the complete structure of a single step, including its width or depth.
- Riser Height: The vertical distance from the top of one tread to the top of the next tread.
- Total Height and Total Run: The total height is the total vertical distance of the stairs from the bottom level to the top landing. Total run is the total horizontal distance that the path goes from where it starts to where it ends.
Tools Required for Building Stairs and Steps
Before starting construction, gather all materials and tools. Use the following checklist as a guide:
- Measuring and Marking Tools: Tape measure, speed square, square, level, pencil, chalk line, wooden stakes.
- Cutting Tools: Circular saw, jigsaw, hand saw, utility knife.
- Fastening & Installation Tools: Drill, hammer, clamps, pliers.
- Safety Gear: Safety goggles, gloves.
- Primary Structural Decking: Matches main deck material, e.g., pressure-treated lumber, composite wood deck.
- Connectors & Fasteners: Structural screws for joining key structural components. Deck screws for securing treads and risers, corrosion-resistant. Fascia screws for attaching fascia boards, etc.
- Protective Materials: Beam and joist tape. We recommend using waterproof tape.
Planning Deck Steps and Stairs
To ensure the final construction outcome, meticulous planning is essential. Key considerations include:
Cost Considerations
The average cost to build a deck staircase ranges from $1,500 to $2,000. Specific expenses depend on dimensions, materials, and design complexity. When budgeting, factor in:
- Stair Dimensions: More steps and greater width increase costs.
- Wood Type: Pressure-treated pine is most economical, while tropical hardwoods are pricier. Composite decking materials have a higher initial cost but offer better value over time.
- Railing Material: The coordinating railing system represents a significant expense.
Understanding Building Codes
Constructing deck steps and stairs requires compliance with local building codes. This maximizes safety by preventing accidents like tripping or falling, protecting you and your family. Always check with your local building department for all the rules that apply before you start any work. Common key requirements include:
- Minimum Stair Width: At least 36 inches. However, a width of at least 48 inches is strongly recommended for comfort and ease of use.
- Maximum Stair Riser Height: Must not exceed 7¾ inches.
- Minimum Riser Height: Must not be less than 4 inches.
- Tread Depth: Typically has a minimum requirement (e.g., 10 inches). Refer to local codes for specifics.
- Handrail Safety: Spacing between handrail posts must not exceed 4 inches. No gap between the bottom rail and the tread, or anywhere else, should allow a 6-inch sphere to pass through. This primarily prevents children from getting their heads stuck or falling through.
Determining Staircase Location and Access Points
Place the stairs where they will be easy for people to use to get on and off the deck. Ensure it does not obstruct primary activity areas. Also, make sure that the stairs can be used as an easy way to get out of the building in case of an emergency.
Preparing Detailed Construction Drawings
Make detailed floor plans and elevations for stairs based on measurement data and specification needs. Drawings should make it easy to see the total height, total run, location, size, and other important information. Before commencing construction, verify all measurement data to ensure absolute accuracy. Even minor calculation errors can be amplified during construction, leading to severe consequences.
Steps for Building Deck Steps and Stairs
Once all planning is complete, construction can begin. The specific steps are as follows:
Accurately Measure the Total Deck Height
First, find out where you want the stairs to land by measuring the total height of the deck level. The ideal stair slope is around 40 degrees. Place one end of a long plank on the edge of the deck, extending the other end to the area above the planned landing point.
Use a level to ensure the board is perfectly horizontal. Then measure vertically from the end of the board to the ground. This vertical distance is the total height of the stairs.
Estimate the Number of Risers and Treads
Take a long piece of lumber as a riser gauge and mark it at 7¾-inch intervals. Place the floor rod next to the deck and count how many gaps there are between the ground and the deck. This count provides a preliminary estimate for the number of risers.
Alternatively, divide the total height by 7¾ and round the result to the nearest whole number. However, this is only an estimate. We will refine it precisely in subsequent steps.
The number of treads is always one less than the number of risers. This is because the deck surface itself forms the tread for the first step. The bottom landing platform replaces the tread for the final step.
Calculating Distance to Deck Landing Point
This distance determines the staircase length. First, determine the depth of each tread. Typically, treads extend ¾ inch beyond the front edge of the stringer. Then multiply the number of treads by the depth. This distance is the distance from the edge of the deck to the end of the ladder beam.
Calculating the Precise Riser Height
This is crucial for ensuring consistent step heights. Riser height must fall between 4 inches and 7¾ inches. If outside this range, add or remove one riser and recalculate the height. After calculating all dimensions, compile the final data into your construction drawings.
Mark and Cut Stair Stringers
Take a 2×12 lumber piece and trim one end to a perfect 90-degree angle. Mark the riser height on the side of the board. Mark the tread depth at the top of the board. Connect these two points with a diagonal line. This line will be the top cut line for the stringer.
Next, use this template to trace the shape onto another 2×12 board. Cut along the marked lines with a circular saw. Stop short at the corners to avoid weakening the wood. Finish the corners with a hand saw for a clean, strong groove.
Installing the Step Beams
Position the cut step beams against the deck edge. Verify they align flush with the deck framing and rest level on the designated landing area. Use a level to check the groove’s horizontal alignment, ensuring future tread installation will be level.
Establish and Prepare Landing Area
Mark the landing area with stakes and string. Minimum dimensions are 36×36 inches. Excavate to the required depth, then lay and compact a gravel base. You can build a temporary formwork from lumber to define the shape and height of the concrete landing. Install railing posts along the landing perimeter if needed. Mark and excavate post holes.
Install Decking and Secure Stair Runners
Using the stair runners as a guide, mark the stair outline on the deck’s outer decking. Cut the decking precisely to match the stair slope. Securely fasten the stair runners to the deck framing using structural screws. Spacing between runners must meet the load-bearing requirements of the tread material.
Connect the Stringers to the Deck Edge Joists
In addition to being fastened to the deck framing along the sides, the heads of the stringers need to be structurally connected to it. Use special stair stringer connections and structural screws to bolt the top ends of the stringers securely to the deck’s edge joists. This is a key connection point that stops downward and outward forces on the staircase.
Install 2×6 Support Braces
Horizontal and vertical braces must be put between the riser beams to make the stairs more stable on the sides. Typically, a 2×6 lumber piece is horizontally mounted on the back of each riser beam. Then, short vertical blocks connect it to the deck framing, forming a sturdy triangular support structure.
Check All Components for Squareness and Stability
After installing the first riser at the bottom, measure the entire stair frame diagonally. Measure the distance from the top left corner to the bottom right corner, and from the top right corner to the bottom left corner. If both diagonal lengths are equal, the frame is square. If unequal, gently push the frame to adjust it until square. Then tighten all screws.
Install Stair Risers and Treads
Beginning at the bottom, install risers and treads sequentially upward. First, install the risers, securing them to the stair stringers with screws. Then install the treads by placing them into the stringers’ slots, ensuring they are level.
Secure them from the front downward using deck screws or a hidden fastening system. Leave approximately 1/4-inch gaps between treads for drainage and thermal expansion. Repeat this process until reaching the topmost level. The top tread should typically be flush with or slightly protrude beyond the deck boards.
Pouring Concrete Platform and Securing Stairs
Pour concrete into the formwork for the platform area, using a 2×4 board to screed the surface level. Then use a magnesium trowel for final smoothing to achieve a level, durable platform surface. Remove the formwork after the concrete has fully cured. If the platform includes railing posts, install and secure them at this stage.
Upon completing all these steps, your deck stairs are now constructed and safe for use.
Conclusion
Building deck steps and stairs is a project that requires patience and precision. During installation, please take accurate measurements and ensure that structural connections are secure. By strictly following the steps outlined above, you can create a deck staircase that is both aesthetically pleasing and safe.
Of course, if the job is too big for you to handle, it’s always a good idea to hire a professional contractor with a lot of experience. You can also get in touch with us to find out more. EVODEK provides high-quality composite decking materials and is here to answer any questions you may have.
FAQ
Can My Stairs be Placed Directly on Grass or Soil?
Absolutely not. Placing the bottom of the stairs directly on soft soil or grass is extremely dangerous. The foundation becomes unstable due to rain erosion, freezing, and thawing. This leads to stair settlement, tilting, and ultimately structural failure and accidents. So, you need to build a solid platform to make sure the base of the staircase has lasting, stable support.
Should I Choose Open Risers or Closed Risers?
This primarily depends on personal aesthetics and functional needs. Open risers offer a more traditional appearance. Their open structure allows light to pass through and facilitates the drainage of rainwater and debris. This reduces the risk of water accumulation and rot, while also simplifying cleaning.
Enclosed stair stringers present a more modern, streamlined appearance. They completely conceal the structure beneath the stairs. In addition, they have a bigger surface area for side support, but they need extra wooden blocks or metal frames to hold them in place. Note that enclosed structures may compromise ventilation and drainage. For DIY beginners, open stringers are typically easier to construct and adjust.
Why Do Treads Need Gaps?
Gaps between treads allow rainwater to drain quickly, preventing pooling on the steps. This significantly reduces slip hazards and wood decay. Furthermore, boards expand and contract with changes in humidity and temperature. Gaps prevent boards from warping or damaging each other due to compression.
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