Table of Contents
What is the formula to build 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).
How do you build steps down a slope?
Divide the height of your slope by 7 ¾ inches (or however many inches tall you’ve decided to make the rise of your steps). If, for instance, your slope is 77.5 inches tall and you plan to build steps of 7 ¾ inches, you will need 10 steps.
What is the code for outdoor steps?
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.
How do I calculate how many steps I need?
Divide the rise by 6 or 7 inches (15 or 18 cm) to find the total number of stairs. For larger stairs, divide by 6 and for smaller stairs, divide by 7. The total you get is how many stairs your future staircase will have so you can plan accordingly.
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 .
How do you calculate garden steps?
To work out how many risers you need, divide the vertical height of the flight by the height of your riser. Then divide the horizontal length of the flight into a suitable number of treads. The combinations of tread and riser measurements in the table will make attractive, safe steps.
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.
How do I anchor my deck stairs to the ground?
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 do I build stairs for uneven ground decking?
Although building on top of ground that’s uneven can be challenging, you can succeed if you follow these basic tips: Use a Raised Platform Deck. One solution to building deck stairs on ground that slopes is building a raised platform deck. Align the Stringers Correctly. Cut Your Own Stringers. Use Pressure Treated Wood.
Do you need a railing for 3 steps?
A: Editorial Adviser Mike Guertin replies: Since your stairs will have only three risers, you don’t need to install a handrail. That said, it’s important to count the number of risers accurately.
How deep should outdoor steps be?
The 7-11 rule is one that’s frequently used (maximum riser height of 7 inches and minimum tread depth of 11 inches). Risers should also be at least 4 inches in height.OUTDOOR STEP HEIGHT. When riser height is: Tread depth should be: 5″ to 5-1/2″ 16″ to 17″ 6″ to 6-1/2″ 14″ to 15″ 7″ to 7-1/2″ 10″ to 11″.
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 size should garden steps be?
A general rule of thumb for garden steps is a 15cm maximum riser and 30cm minimum tread depth. This ratio produces a more relaxed angle of ascent or descent, resulting in steps more successfully proportioned to the greater outdoor scale.
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.
What is the maximum rise for a step?
On a main stair, the maximum rise should be no more than 8 1/4 inches and the minimum run should be no less than 9 inches. To determine how many steps, or treads, you need, measure from the top of the finished floor on the lower level to the top of the finished floor on the upper level.
What size wood do you use for steps?
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.
Can you 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.
How thick should a stair stringer 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.
