QA

Question: How To Build Wooden Stairs Outside

How do you build exterior wood stairs?

How much does it cost to build outdoor wood stairs?

The most common cost of wood deck stairs is $115 to $210 per stair when professionally installed, or $440 to $1,350 for the most common deck stair projects. When decorative aluminum stringers or fiberglass or composite treads are used on decks, cost rises closer to $170 to $250 per stair.

What kind of wood do you use for outdoor stair risers?

Cedar treads and risers give steps a slightly more refined look. Rough cedar will last almost as long as treated wood. Smooth cedar has a more sophisticated look and is typically more expensive. It is slightly softer with a nice red tint and is prized for its luxurious grain.

What is the code for exterior stairs?

Exterior Stair Construction The rise of the stairs should be between 125 mm (5”) and 200 mm (8”). This is measured from top of a tread nosing to the top of the next tread nosing or landing. The run should be between 210 mm (8 ¼”) and 355mm (14”). Unit run is measured from face of nosing to face of nosing.

What is a floating staircase?

What are Floating Stairs? Floating stairs are a type of straight staircase that is self-supported. Because of the self-supported design a floating staircase requires no extra support between the underside of the staircase and the floor below or a wall.

How long do wooden stairs last?

You can expect exterior wood stairs and steps to last 15 to 35 years, with an average of 25 years.

How much do prefab stairs cost?

Prefab Concrete Steps Pricing. A precast set of stairs between 3 and 15 steps costs between $300 and $2,000 to purchase.

What is the best material to use for outdoor steps?

Concrete stairs Concrete is the most durable and popular material used to build outdoor stairs. Besides the fact that concrete stairs require little maintenance, they are very good looking. Many homeowners prefer concrete to other materials for their staircases.

Can I use 2×12 for stair treads?

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.

Can you use pressure treated wood for stairs?

Materials for stringers, strongbacks and treads will include approximately 204 board feet of lumber. In my humble opinion, any exterior wooden stairs should be constructed with pressure treated lumber.

Do outdoor stairs need a landing?

Outdoor stair landing code Outdoor landings must comply with the requirements of section R311. 7.6 Landings for stairways. There shall be a floor or landing at the top and bottom of each stairway and the width perpendicular to the direction of travel shall not be less than the flight served.

How wide do outdoor stairs need to be?

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.

Do exterior stairs need a landing?

Stairways must have a landing, top and bottom, equal to the width of stairs. The minimum dimension measured in the direction of travel shall equal to the width of the stairway, but need not exceed 48” where the stairway has a straight run.

What is the formula for building steps?

You divide the height by 7 inches; if, say, the floor-to-floor distance is 8 feet, 10 inches (or 106 inches), then you’ll need 15 treads (106 divided by 7 equals 15.14). Next, you divide the height by the number of treads (15 into 106), producing the exact tread height (7.06 inches).

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 supports a floating staircase?

Metal Stringers work by providing the backbone to the entire floating stair configuration. Traditional staircases typically use two wood stringers, one on either side of the flight of steps. Floating staircases, on the other hand, utilize a metal stair stringer, which supports the staircase from the bottom.

Are stairs self supporting?

The straight middle section of a staircase is nearly always self supporting, hence why you can remove the spandrel section, as it’s where the top and bottom parts of the staircase anchors is the critical part.

Which wood is best for stairs?

7 AMAZING SPECIES OF WOOD THAT MAKES EXCELLENT STAIRCASE PROJECTS Red Oak. The most common species for wood stair parts in the U.S. is red oak, due to being plentiful and its forgiving nature. White Oak. Ash. African Mahogany. Cypress. American Cherry. Brazilian Cherry.

What wood should I use for stairs?

Oak is a common type of wood for stair treads. It has a lot of positive qualities that make it a good option. Oak matches virtually any home style and is among the most durable of wood species. It’s also available with several additional options.

Are concrete steps better than wood?

Durability and Maintenance Concrete is generally more durable than wood because it isn’t as vulnerable to scratches and weathering. Wood porches require sealing and painting annually to prevent moisture from penetrating the wood, and to maintain the porch’s appearance.

Can you buy premade wooden steps?

You definitely can buy premade deck stairs. Whether you’re looking for a large project option or a quick fix, there is an option for you out there. On the other hand, a cheap and fast option would be buying a prefabricated staircase for your deck somewhere like Lowe’s.

Can you put wood over concrete steps?

Covering your concrete steps with wood can add protection and beauty to your steps. The layer of wood you place over the top of the concrete steps can also make them stronger. You must use a hardwood (like pine), though, or you will soon see plenty of wear and tear on the new steps.