QA

Quick Answer: How To Build Stairs For A Deck

How do you build and attach stairs to a deck?

What is the standard rise and run for deck stairs?

The stair treads should be at least 36 inches wide. Despite these minimum requirements, we recommend that stairs should be at least 48 inches wide so they don’t feel cramped. The maximum allowable stair rise is 7 3/4 inches, and the minimum stair rise is 4 inches.

Do deck stairs need toe kicks?

The tread (or depth) of your steps should be ten and a half inches. The risers (or toe kick) must be between seven and eight inches high. A handrail is only required if your deck is more than thirty inches off the ground.

Do deck stairs need footings?

SAFE, SUPPORTED STAIRS: Deck-stair construction varies, but the general requirements are consistent: proper footing support, and an adequate landing. Regardless of the stair run and number of treads, the stairway needs a footing at the bottom to support the stringers—they can’t just rest on the ground.

What size lumber is used for stair stringers?

The stair stringers are essentially the backbone of your staircase. Always use straight, high-quality, pressure-treated 2x12s for stair stringers. If you are planning on resting the stringer on the ground, make sure the wood has .

What size boards do you use for deck stairs?

Deck stairs are typically made from 2 x 12 stringers spaced about 12 to 16 inches apart. They rest on a solid foundation and are attached to the deck with hangers. They have risers (also called toe kicks), treads and railings.

How do I anchor my deck stairs to the ground?

Attach the stringers to the deck using angle brackets and 3” galvanized deck screws. Cut a 2×6 board to fit snugly between the two stringers at their base. This will be used to fasten the stairs to the concrete pad. Place the board between the stringers and attach to stringers with 3” galvanized deck screws.

Are stair stringers 2×10 or 2×12?

It is acceptable and within building code guidelines to use either 2×10 or 2×12 dimensional lumber to create a set of stairs; however, a stair stringer should not be less than 3.5 inches wide at its narrowest point to provide adequate strength for the load the stairs will be supporting.

How thick should stair treads be?

According to general specifications, your stair riser thickness should be no less than ½”. In fact, many professionals recommend risers with a thickness of ¾”. It’s also important to note that if you do build a closed riser staircase, your stair treads will need to have a note as well.

What is the code for deck stairs?

Requirements for Deck Stairs Stair rails on decks should be between 34 inches and 38 inches high, measured vertically from the nose of the tread to the top of the rail. Treads must be at least 10 inches deep, measuring from front to back.

What angle should stairs be?

Standard stair angle by application Standard stairs have an angle of 30 to 50 degrees while steep stairs like alternating tread stairs and ship stairs have an angle between 50 and 70 degrees. Ladders have an angle range between 60 and 90 degrees.

How deep should deck stairs be?

The maximum height of a single step is 7.75 inches, and all stair heights must be within 3/8 inch of each other, to keep the stairs regular. The depth (also called tread or run) of each step should be a minimum of 10 or 11 inches depending on the type of stairs.

What is the formula for calculating stairs?

How to Calculate Stairs – Example 1 450mm / 150mm = 3. This tells us that with a riser of 150mm we will need 3 risers/steps. 450mm / 2 = 225mm. Twice the Rise plus the Going (2R + G) should be between 550mm and 700mm. 2 x 150mm + 275mm = 575mm.

What should I put on the bottom of my deck steps?

Like any solid structure, your steps need a stable foundation. There are many options when it comes to footings for your deck steps, from concrete and gravel to patio stones and even grass.Footings with Different Deck Stair Landing Options Concrete landing pad. A wood box-type landing pad. Crushed stone. Patio Blocks.

Do deck stairs have to land on concrete?

Stair landings must be at least as wide as the stair and at least 3 feet deep. On the other hand, solid, flat, and stable materials, such as concrete, flagstone, pavers, or brick, can be installed with a measurable slope and will not usually shift under the weight of an off-balance person completing a stairway descent.

Can you make stringers out of 2×10?

Pressure-treated or cedar 2×10 or 2×12 can be used depending on the depth of the cut-outs you’ll be using. By code you will need a minimum of 3-1/2″ of material left on the stringer after the cut-outs and that area should also be free of large knots which would weaken the stringer.

How far apart can stair stringers be?

Cut stringers can be spaced no more than 18 inches on center, so a 3-foot-wide staircase needs three stringers, and a set of slightly wider stairs (say 3 feet 6 inches) needs four stringers. The maximum 18-inch spacing presumes treads of 5/4-inch wood decking or 2-by stock.

What is the code for stair stringers?

Stair stringers should not span more than 13 feet and 3 inches (4039 mm) for a closed stringer. Cut stringers should not span more than 6 feet (1829 mm). Refer to the American Wood Council’s 2018 Prescriptive Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide for stringer spans.

What is the standard step height for stairs?

Riser Heights In the United States, the step height standard should be between 7 or 7 ¾ inches at the most, and no less than 4 inches. You should follow other measurements if given by local building codes. In Canada, the maximum step riser height is 8 ¼ inches.