Table of Contents
How do you frame a deck with stairs?
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Is it hard to build a deck yourself?
Building a deck is not as hard as you might think, and if you follow some basic guidelines it can be a great DIY project. Decks are built to add living space to a home and every one of them should be built nice and level.
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.
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.
Is an 8 inch step too high?
Building codes in many areas define maximum step height and minimum tread width, but in areas where it is not defined, Council of American Building Officials and International Code Council both recommend the rise to be no more than 7.75 inches and runs to be no less than 10 inches.
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 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 .
Do deck stair stringers need support?
To help resist both vertical and lateral loads, stringers require proper support and attachment at these bearing points. Without proper support, vertical loads (gravity) can pull the stringers down from their bearing points, while lateral (horizontal) loads can pull the stringers away from their bearing points.
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.
How many stringers do I need for a 36 inch stairs?
Because of this, you should never space your stair stringers more than 16” on center. This means you will need to install a minimum of four stringers on any stairway wider than 36”. Always check the maximum span for your decking material as it applies to stair treads.
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.
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.
How do you attach 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.
How many steps are in a 4 foot deck?
A four-foot high deck can have a range between 6 and 8 steps.
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 can I use for stair treads?
What Wood Is Best for Stair Treads? Oak Stair Treads. Oak is a common type of wood for stair treads. Hickory Stair Treads. Hickory is another common choice for wood stair treads. Maple Stair Treads. Maple’s tan and white hues make it a popular choice for a range of wood products. Poplar Stair Treads. Walnut Stair Treads.
