How to Build Deck Stairs in 10 Easy Steps

How To Build Deck Stairs in 10 Easy Steps

Building deck stairs can seem complex, but with the right guidance, you can confidently build deck stairs that are safe, sturdy, and attractive. This detailed how-to guide from Deck Guardian simplifies the stair assembly process, covering everything from calculating stair rise and run to framing square layout and final installation.

Materials and Tools Needed

To build deck stairs, gather these essentials: pressure-treated lumber for stair stringers, stair treads, and risers; galvanized nails and deck screws; a framing square with stair gauges; measuring tape; circular saw for cutting stringers; clamps and sawhorses for stability; drill/driver; pencil for marking; sledgehammer; and safety gear such as gloves and glasses.

Getting Started: Materials Needed for Building Deck Steps

Building deck steps requires you to have the appropriate tools for the job. Here’s a list of the basic necessities you should have on hand:

• Lumber: This is used to create the stair stringers, treads, and risers. Ensure you choose durable, pressure-treated wood suitable for outdoor use.
• Fasteners: Includes nails and screws specifically designed for use with treated lumber to ensure a secure and lasting construction.
• Chalk Line: To mark straight, accurate lines on the lumber before cutting, ensuring that your cuts for stringers, treads, and risers are precise.
• Circular Saw: This tool is used to make the initial cuts on your stringers and cut the lumber to the required lengths for treads and risers.
• Clamps (with a reach of at least 18 inches): To secure the lumber in place on the sawhorses during cutting, providing stability and safety.
• Drill/Driver: For drilling pilot holes and driving screws when assembling the stringers, treads, risers, and when attaching the stair assembly to the deck.
• Framing Square: This is essential for marking out the cuts on your stringers. When used with stair gauges, it helps replicate the exact angle and dimensions for each step.
• Hammer: For driving nails when securing the treads and risers to the stringers and for any other nailing needs throughout the project.
• Handsaw: For finishing cuts that the circular saw cannot complete without overcutting, particularly at the corners of the stringer notches.
• Level: Check that all components of the stairs are level and even, ensuring that they are safe and comfortable to use.
• Safety Glasses: To protect your eyes from sawdust, flying debris, and any other potential hazards during cutting and assembly.
• Sawhorses: To support the lumber while measuring, marking, and cutting, providing a stable work surface.
• Stair Gauge: This device attaches to the framing square and helps hold the square at the specific dimensions needed for repeated markings on the stringers.
• Measuring Tape: This tool is used to take precise measurements of the space where the stairs will be installed and the materials to be cut.
• Pencil: This is for marking measurements and cutting lines on your materials.

Having all these materials and tools ready before you begin your project will make the process smoother and more efficient. Each tool plays a crucial role in different stages of the stair-building process, from preparation through to assembly, ensuring accuracy and safety at every step.

Step 1: Measure Total Rise

Place a straight piece of lumber from the deck rim joist to the ground to mark your stair landing. Use a level to ensure the lumber is horizontal. Measure the total rise (vertical height) between the deck floor and ground or landing pad. This measurement guides the number of risers.

Step 2: Calculate Number of Risers and Treads

Divide the total rise by your desired riser height (typically 6½–8 inches) to determine the number of risers, adjusting it to comply with local building codes. Remember, there is always one fewer tread than risers. Multiply the number of treads by the tread thickness (usually two deck boards) to calculate total run.

Step 3: Layout Stair Stringers

Using a framing square with stair gauges, mark the stair stringers on sturdy pressure-treated lumber, matching the risers and treads. Adjust notches for riser height and tread depth taking care for the bottom riser and top tread heights per building codes. Mark run marks clearly for consistent cuts.

Step 4: Cut the Stringers

Cut along the marked stringer lines with a circular saw, finishing cuts with a handsaw to avoid overcuts. Use the first stringer as a template to replicate for additional stringers—typically three for wide decks for stability.

Step 5: Build and Prepare the Landing Pad

Prepare a solid stair landing with a concrete slab or pad form that meets building codes for a secure base. Ensure correct placement and levelness to attach the bottom of the stair stringers safely.

Step 6: Attach Stair Stringers to Deck Frame

Secure the stair stringers to the deck rim joist with deck screws and strong tie connections, ensuring the stringers sit flush and are evenly spaced. Double-check using a framing square for proper angle adherence.

Step 7: Install Risers and Treads

Attach riser boards to vertical faces of stringers, then nail or screw deck boards atop for stair treads, leaving a small expansion gap between boards for drainage. Use pressure-treated or composite decking for durability against weather.

Step 8: Assemble Skirt Boards and Supports

Attach skirt boards along the sides of stairs for a polished look and extra support, securing them to rim joist and stringers with deck screws. Add blocking or bracing underneath as needed for stair assembly stability.

Step 9: Install Handrails and Newel Posts

Install bottom newel posts and stair newel post layout ensuring proper placement for safety and style. Secure handrails to newel posts and deck walls fulfilling building code height and strength requirements.

Step 10: Final Safety Check and Maintenance

Check riser height, tread thickness, and stair slope against local building codes. Confirm all deck screws and hardware are properly tightened. Test fit and ensure no loose boards or trip hazards. Routine maintenance prolongs stair life.

Always double-check your measurements and cuts, and consult more detailed tutorials or seek advice from experienced builders like Deck Guardian when needed.

Deck Safety Considerations For Building Deck Steps

When building deck steps, safety should be at the forefront of your mind. It’s essential to not only ensure that your new deck steps look great but that they also meet all safety standards to prevent accidents. Here are key safety considerations to keep in mind:

• Proper Handrail Installation. Handrails are crucial for preventing falls and should be installed on both sides of deck stairs with four or more steps. Ensure that handrails are sturdy, securely fastened, and at an appropriate height (typically between 34 and 38 inches above the stair treads) to provide support and stability for users of all ages.
• Check for Code Compliance. Before construction begins, familiarize yourself with local building codes relevant to deck stairs. Building codes can vary significantly depending on the location but generally include specifications for the width and height of stairs and risers, tread depth, and handrail requirements. Compliance with these codes is a must not only for safety but also to ensure that your deck steps are legally up to standard should you decide to sell your home.
• Adding Anti-Slip Treatments. To prevent slips and falls, especially in wet or icy conditions, consider applying anti-slip treatments to the stair treads. Options include anti-slip tape, applying a coat of textured paint, or attaching specially designed rubber or composite treads that increase traction. These treatments are particularly important in climates where stairs may become slick due to rain, snow, or ice.

By prioritizing these safety considerations, you’ll create a safer environment around your deck steps, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring that your deck is a secure and enjoyable space for everyone.

Expert Deck Stairs Building with Deck Guardian

Building your own deck stairs increases access and enhances your deck’s curb appeal. Our step-by-step method, combined with expert tips on stair risers, riser height, stair treads, and deck stair stringers provides a solid foundation for success.

For first-timers or advanced DIYers, Deck Guardian stands ready to support your project, guaranteeing compliance with all local building codes and providing expert deck framing and stair assembly.