Table of Contents
How do you build steps for a deck?
Can you use deck boards 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. The stair treads should be at least 36 inches wide.
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.
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.
Should deck stairs have a Lip?
This is a measurement from the nose of the tread to nose of the tread. You are not required to have a nosing/overhang on your stair treads. But if your stairs don’t have a nosing you are required to have a tread that is at least 11 inches long.
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.
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.
How far apart do stair stringers need to be?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Do stairs need level?
Stair treads themselves must also be close to level, as you’ll see in the following standards: 1 – “The walking surface of treads and landings of a stairway shall not be sloped steeper than one unit vertical in 48 units horizontal in any direction.”.
Do I need a concrete pad for deck stairs?
Building codes generally require that exterior stairways have a concrete footing or foundation. Without the foundation the steps will sink, heave or tilt to one side. This article shows how to build a 4-in. thick slab that will serve as a foundation for a set of deck steps.
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.
Do steps need footings?
Contrary to entry steps, a set of lawn steps do not need footings because they are not attached to anything else with footings (eg. concrete sidewalk). If a set of lawn steps move due to frost heave or otherwise, the consequences do not justify the cost of installing footings.
What is a cascading staircase?
Cascading stairs are a popular style of staircase that wraps around the corner of a low deck. This is an attractive and extremely functional approach to deck design and stair construction. Remember that cascading or wrap around stairs are designed to flare out and increase in size towards the ground.
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.
How do you make corner stairs?
The way you are facing determines the direction the stair faces. If you place two stairs facing different directions (eg, one facing north, one facing east or west) they will form a corner.
What is code for stair height?
(1) The rise of every step in a stairway shall be not less than 4 inches nor greater than 7 1/2 inches. (2) The run shall not be less than 10 inches as measured horizontally between the vertical planes of the furthermost projection of adjacent treads.
How thick should stair treads be?
The standard thickness of stair tread is up to 1-1/16” of an inch, although 1” stair treads are extremely common and found at all big box home reno stores. Remember also that stairs must have a minimum depth of 10” and minimum width of 24”. Many stores offer treads that are ¾” thick.
What should the rise and run be for stairs?
The OSHA standard for rise and run of stairs is maximum 9.5″ rise and minimum 9.5″ run (tread depth). The IBC maximum rise of a single stair flight is 12. ‘Jan 8, 2021.
