Table of Contents
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 wide should outdoor stairs be?
The passage width can also vary, depending on how heavily you expect the stairs to be used. As a rule, 36″ is the minimum; 48″ is better for a single person, and you may want to go to 60″ to allow room for two people to pass comfortably.
What are standard stair widths?
What Is The Standard Stair Width In America? The average stair width in America is about 36″ wide which is actually the minimum according to most building codes. Though the entire 36″ isn’t used, it is enough to account for handrails which can take up a few inches.
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.
What is code for stairs on a deck?
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 wide are stair stringers?
So, in general, the typical stairway is 36 inches wide. The number of stringers installed at a wood-framed stairway is related to the 36-inch minimum width. If cut stringers are used in the stair construction, then at least three stringers are required. Cut stringers should be spaced no more than 18 inches on center.
How do you measure stairs for a deck?
Easy quick estimate To find the least number of steps for your deck, measure your deck height in inches at the stair location. Then divide by seven point eight seven five. You will get a whole or decimal number. Round down if it is a decimal and round up if it is a whole number.
How wide are deck stair treads?
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.
How wide can steps be without a railing?
The clear width of 48 inches (1219 mm) between handrails is not required for exit stairways accessed from a horizontal exit. The width of stairways shall be determined as specified in Section 1005.1, but such width shall not be less than 44 inches (1118 mm). See Section 1007.3 for accessible means of egress stairways.
How much should deck stairs overhang?
Stairs must have an overhang between 3/4″ to 1-1/4” to increase the depth of the step, making it better for descent while maintaining a clear 10-inch going for the ascent. Treads that are 11-inches deep or greater do not require an overhang.
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.
How far can 2×12 stair stringers span?
A 2×12 stringer has a maximum unsupported span of 6 feet. These stairs (7) are likely to deflect and cause the stringers to either pull loose from the framing or shear along the grain.
How far are steps apart?
A standard number of treads in a stair between first and second floors is 14. One hundred-five divided by 14 equals 7 1/2 . That means the distance from the top of each step to the top of the next step will be 7 1/2 inches. With a riser height of 7 1/2 inches, tread width (run) should be at least 9 inches.
How do I calculate how many steps I need for stairs?
Determining the Rise 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).
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.
Do wide stairs need a handrail?
Under the IBC, there must also be an intermediate handrail for every 60 inches of stair width — at any place on a set of stairs, a handrail must be no more than 30 inches away. Required stair width, in turn, depends on the number of occupants expected to exit the building.
Is it illegal not to have a handrail on stairs?
Handrails. One of the main concerns of building regulations on stairs is the health and safety of those dwelling in a property. Handrails are mandatory. Stairs should have a handrail on at least one side if they are less than one metre wide, and on both sides if wider than this.
Do deck stairs need railings on both sides?
Do I Need Handrails On Both Sides of Deck Stairs? Nope. You don’t need a handrail on both sides, but you may need a railing if your deck is higher than 30″. Many contractors construct a combo handrail and stair rail system, installed on both sides, to cover all safety requirements.
