QA

Quick Answer: How To Layout Deck Stairs

How do you lay out deck stairs?

Step-by-step Clamp a guide to the square. Find the crown. Lay out the first tread and the second riser. Lay out the second tread and the third riser. Mark the back of the top tread. Mark the plumb cut at the top of the stringer. Lay out the bottom riser. Adjust the first riser height.

How do you layout a set of stairs?

How do you calculate stair stringers for a deck?

How do I calculate a stair stringer? Start by finding the overall height that the staircase will be. Decide the height or “rise” you’ll want for each step. Divide the total height of the staircase by the height or “rise” you want for each step.

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.

Can I use 2×10 for stair stringers?

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.

What is 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.

How many steps is a 4 foot high deck?

A four-foot high deck can have a range between 6 and 8 steps.

What angle should a staircase be?

Rise (r) : must be between 150 and 220mm. Going (g): must be between 220 and 300mm. Pitch angle : anything up to a maximum of 42 degrees.

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.

How high should outdoor steps be?

The recommended range for riser height, in an outdoor set of steps, is a minimum of 4.5 inches to a maximum of 7 inches.

Do deck stairs need a landing?

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.

How many stringers do I need for a 36 inch staircase?

If cut stringers are used in the stair construction, then at least three stringers are required. Cut stringers should be spaced no more than 18 inches on center. For example, a 36-inch-wide stairway should have three stringers. If the stairway is wider than 36 inches, four stringers should be installed.

What size board do I need for stair stringer?

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 should I put on the bottom of my deck stairs?

Your stair stringers will rest on your landing pad, but you should include a base plate. A bearing block is typically a 2×4 that connects your stringers.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.

Do I need a concrete pad for deck stairs?

Building codes generally require that exterior stairways have a concrete footing or foundation. Without the foundation the steps will sink, heave or tilt to one side. This article shows how to build a 4-in. thick slab that will serve as a foundation for a set of deck steps.

How do you design steps?

THE DESIGN PROCESS CONSISTS OF 6 STEPS: Define the Problem. You can’t find a solution until you have a clear idea of what the problem is. Collect Information. Collect sketches, take photographs and gather data to start giving you inspiration. Brainstorm and Analyze Ideas. Develop Solutions. Gather Feedback. Improve.

Can I use 2×12 for deck stair treads?

Stair treads may be made of a single 2×12, but are often made of two decking boards or 2x6s. A stringer is a wide board, usually a 2×12, that runs at an angle from the landing pad to the deck framing and supports the treads. The stair treads should be at least 36 inches wide.

How far apart should stair stringers be?

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. The stairs should be at least 36 inches wide.

How long should a 2×12 staircase be?

How to Use the EZ Stair Calculator. We suggest 10.5″ for 2×12 or 2 – 2×6 Treads. Treads may be cut to suit other widths.

How big of an opening do I need for a staircase?

The generally accepted minimum width for a stairway is 36 inches. The width of the stair opening is 36 inches or the actual width of the stairway, whichever is greater.

Can I use joist hangers for stair stringers?

This will reinforce the stair stringer to rim joist connection and distribute the stair weight more evenly onto the deck framing. Cut them to fit the space perpendicularly between the rim joist and the next interior joist. Use joist hangers to fasten the blocking.

How do you attach stair treads to stringers?

Squeeze a second bead along the back side of the tread, the side that will be butted up against the riser. Set the stair tread in place and tap the front edge with a rubber mallet to form a bond with the glue and the riser. Tap along the top of the tread at the stringers to form a bond with the glue there.