Table of Contents
How do you calculate steps?
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.
How do you build 3 sided deck stairs?
The trick to creating a three-sided staircase is to make bevel cuts on some of the stringers where they meet at the corners. The riser boards also get beveled, and the stair treads are mitered to help it all go together. The stairs have a post-and-railing system that matches the railing assembly on the deck itself.
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 2×10 be used for stair stringers?
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 calculate how many steps I walked?
To determine the number of steps it will take you to walk a mile, divide 5,280 by your step length. To determine the number of strides it will take you to walk a mile, divide 5,280 by your stride length.
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 tall is a 4 step Stringer?
Mendocino Forest Products Stair Stringer 4 step Redwood (Common: 48 in. x 12 in.; Actual: 1.5 in.
How many stringers do I need for deck stairs?
Deck Stair Basics 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 do I anchor my deck stairs to the ground?
How to Anchor Deck Stairs to Concrete Use your jigsaw. Notch out the bottom front of the center stair stringers to accept a 2×4 base plate. Make sure your stringers are level. Fasten the base plate to the stair stringers with screws. Locked in place.
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.
What is the best wood to use for outdoor steps?
Two types of wood widely considered the best for outdoor building of any kind are redwood and cedar. This is because they are both naturally resistant to weather damage, are easy to work with, and have a reputation for being long lasting wood even when not treated, stained, or painted.
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″.
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.
Do I need a rail on my deck stairs?
If your deck is over 30 inches from the ground, then by law you need railings for the deck stairs. Low rise (aka floating) decks are less than 30 inches from grade and are exempt. Guardrails must be installed on a high deck or a balcony. Stair rails are a type of guardrail.
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 .
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.
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.
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 long should a 2×12 stringer 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.
