| When it comes to deck building a deck contractor is often called upon to build a staircase so the homeowners can gain access to their backyard.
The main goal to keep in mind when building new stairs, or replacing existing deck stairs, is to make a safe set of steps that are comfortable to use. Local building codes for decks and deck stairs are in place to ensure that such are not unsafe or dangerous to climb and descend. Building stairs that are too steep can create a hazard, particularly for young children and elderly ones. It is also important that the rise of each step be consistent. All too often, inexperienced do-it-your-selfers throw together a set of irregular stairs that becomes a cause for stumbling or falling.
A well build set of stairs, however, will not only provide easy access to your yard, but they can also add dimension and style to a home's exterior. Adding a simple design to your risers, for example, can make them into a more interesting focal point as with the beach house stairs seen in this picture to the right. |
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Calculate the Stair Stringer |
Determine the Height of the Drop |
Stair Stringer |
The first thing that needs to be determined is the height of the drop. To do this, start by measuring the exact distance between the deck level and the ground - this is your total rise. |
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Riser Height |
The rise of each stair should be around 7" or 7 1/2 inches. Generally, they should not exceed 8 inches; some building codes have a maximum riser height of 7 3/4". Divide the total rise by 7 to find the number of steps. So, a drop of 71 and a 1/4 inches divided by 7 would require ten steps. The remaining inch and a quarter divided evenly into the 10 steps would make the riser height 7 and 1/8 inch. |
Tread Depth |
Each tread or step should be deep enough for the average person to put most or all of the bottom of their foot on it. Usually this would be from 10 inches to a foot (or 12 inches). Check the local building code for the minimum tread depth, in many areas the minimum tread depth is 10 inches. Using two 2"x6" decking boards tight together our tread depth will be 11inches (Lumber is always referred to in it's nominal or pre dressed size. The actual size of a 2"x6" is 5 1/2" wide) Risers faced with boards that are one inch thick will bump out the tread and create a nice 1" overhang. The overhang should be from 1/2" to a full inch. If you are going to leave your risers open then you should make the tread depth on your stringer 1/2" to 1" smaller to allow for an overhang. |
Mark and Cut the Stringer |
Use a framing square to mark the height of the risers (7 1/8") and the depth of the stair treads (11") along the 2"x12" stringer in a step pattern. Start the cuts by notching the lines with a circular saw. The cut will not come down to the same pont on the back of the riser board because the blade is circular. You will then need to finish the cuts with a hand saw or jigsaw. |
Deck Stair Layout Diagram |
Stringer Length |
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There are two adjustments that will need to be made to the stringer.
1) When you attach the stringer to the deck band, the side of the deck band then becomes the face of the riser for the top tread. To prevent your top tread from butting out an extra inch you will need to cut the thickness of your other riser boards (one inch) off the top end of stringer.
2) The stringer will also need to have the thickness of the tread material cut from the bottom of it. Before you make the cuts, mark them and place the stinger in place to test for accuracy. |
Cut the Remaining Stringers |
Once you have the first stringer cut perfectly to size you can use it as a template for the other deck stair stringers so that all of the stringers match exactly. The stringers give support to the stairs. By placing stringers on each end and in the middle so that they are spaced about 16" apart you will add more strength and stability than just using two stair stringers on each end. Lack of support under the stair treads will lead to sagging, unsafe steps. |
Installing Deck Stairs |
Install the Stringers |
Attach the stringers to the frame of the deck with decking brackets (L-brackets). Secure these even further by driving 3" decking screws through the deck frame and into the back of the stringers. |
Attach the Risers and Treads |
Use 3 inch decking screws to fasten all of the risers to the stringboard. Then attach the two decking boards to the stringers for each step with decking screws. Butt the two 2"x6"s together to create the 11" tread depth with the 1" overhang. |
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Get Profession Help from Skilled Deck Contractors! |
| Well built stairs are an important step to enjoying your backyard! Get help building your deck and deck stairs from our professional deck builders. |
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