Build Deck Stairs

By Chris Denny

Deck stairs are built just like the rest of the deck. When adding deck stairs, you simply fasten deck boards (steps or treads) to the tops of stair stringers and attach the stairs to your deck. You can make the stair stringers yourself or you may be able to find pre-made stair stringers but even the pre-made stringers will need some customizing based on the height of your deck.

Calculating the Number of Steps

The easiest way to figure out how many steps your stair stringers will need is to use the very simple rule of dividing the height of your deck by the riser height of your steps (and round to the nearest number). Risers are usually 6 to 8 inches high. The height of your deck is measured from the ground to the top of the deck board where you will step onto the deck.

So, if you want 7 inch risers and the height of your deck is 48 inches then 48/7 = 6.86 steps. After rounding, you will build 7 steps.

Materials Required to Build Deck Stairs

The two main components required to build deck stairs are stair treads and stair stringers.

The treads are usually made using 2x6, 2x8, or 2x10 while the stair stringers are almost always made from 2×12's, which are actually 1.53x11.253. You might want to use pre-cut stair stringers to save yourself some time on measuring, layout, and cutting.

Building and Attaching Deck Stairs - Build from the Ground Up

It is easier to build deck stairs on the ground before attaching them to the deck but they get heavy once all of the stair treads are attached to the stair stringers, which makes them difficult to properly and safely maneuver into position at the deck. The best compromise is to attach your stringers together first and put only a few stairs treads on before attaching the stairs to the deck. Make sure to use strong hardware such as lag screws or hex bolts when attaching your deck stairs as the consequences of failing steps can be disastrous (hopefully this is obvious).

You can find more information, images, and links at LumberTalk.com.

Chris Denny has been working with construction professionals since 2001 and started http://www.LumberTalk.com as a resource for professionals and DIYers alike. You can learn more about building deck stairs at LumberTalk.com.

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