Table of Contents
Do deck stairs need to be anchored?
How to Anchor Deck Stairs to Concrete. Stair stringers should always land on a level and well-drained surface. With frost footings in place, you can use a concrete anchor, base plate and short post in order to create a solid ground connection. A 3′ x 3′ level landing area is required at the base of all staircases.
How do you attach stair stringers to deck rim joists?
The simplest way to attach stair stringers to a deck is to attach them directly to the rim joist of the deck using hangers or lag bolts. There are several different types of hangers available, so we’ll go over installation procedures for each type.
Can stair stringers sit on ground?
Since your stair stringers will sit on the pad, and not the actual footings, you’ll want to subtract from the footing height to account for the thickness of the landing pad. Similar to crushed stone, patio blocks placed around the last stair can also work. However, they should only be used on level ground.
How do you anchor stairs?
To anchor stairs you must secure the stair stringers in two locations: to the joist or stud wall of the floor or deck above and at the bottom of the stairs. Anchoring the bottom of the stairs requires installing a kickplate and using a concrete hammer if you’re securing the stairs to concrete.
How do you attach wood stair stringers to a deck?
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.
Can deck stairs land on grass?
Yes, it is a good idea to have a landing at the bottom of steps.
How do I support deck stair stringers?
If your stringers are more than 10′ long, we recommend installing a rigid beam at mid-span to add support to the structure. The strength of stair stringers is considerably weakened by the cuts made to create the stair surfaces, and stairs must be.
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.
Can I 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.
What size lumber are stair stringers cut from?
Selecting stringer stock Stringers should always be cut from 2x12s. Notching smaller stock doesn’t leave enough wood to safely carry the loads of a stair. When ordering stringers, allow about 14 inches of stringer length for each step. Look for straight stock with as few knots as possible.
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.
Do stair stringers need support?
Yes, the stringers need to be supported along their length, but they can span a few feet too, depending on 1) the width of the stairs, 2) the number of stringers, and 3) size of riser board. 1) The wider the stair the more load will be transferred to the stringers.
Can deck stairs rest on pavers?
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 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.
What can I use for outdoor stairs?
Treated lumber is ideal for projects such as deck stairs, basement steps and steps leading to back porches and outbuildings. Treated lumber is strong and long lasting. It is always a smart choice for ground contact because it resists rot better than most wood products.
How do I waterproof my deck stairs?
For waterproofing wood stairs, choose a sealer designed for exterior applications. Look for the phrase “water repellent” instead of simply “waterproof.” A clear water repellant sealer will guard wooden stairs from water, UV rays and mildew. Reapply sealer once every year to maintain its water repelling ability.
How do you support wooden stairs?
One of the easiest methods of reinforcing your wood stair stringers is using 2×12 skirt boards along the outsides of your stairs. A skirt board is pretty much what it sounds like; triangular shaped wood that goes along the sides of your stair and hides all of the unsightly notched stringers and hardware.
