Building wooden deck stairs is a great way to enhance your outdoor living space and connect your deck to other parts of your yard. With the right planning and materials, you can create sturdy, attractive stairs that will complement your deck for years to come. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of building deck stairs, from initial planning and design to final construction.
Planning Your Wooden Deck Stairs
The first step in any construction project is proper planning and design. Building deck stairs is no exception. Here are some key factors to consider as you plan out your stairs:
Desired Location
Think about where you want the stairs placed in relation to your deck. Do you need them off the side or back of the deck to connect to a lower patio or yard? Consider sightlines, traffic flow, and accessibility.
Height and Length
Measure the total rise (height) and run (length) needed for your stairs. This will determine the number and size of steps required. As a rule of thumb, each step should have a rise between 5-7 inches and a run of at least 11 inches.
Landing Area
Plan for a landing pad at the top and bottom of the stairs for safer transition on and off the steps. Landings should be as wide as the stairs and at least 36 inches deep.
Materials
Redwood, cedar, and pressure-treated pine are common deck stair materials that resist rot and insect damage. Choose the look you prefer within your budget. Composite materials are also an option.
Stair Style
Straight, L-shaped, or U-shaped? The style you choose depends on space constraints and desired aesthetics. Get creative with the shape!
Railings
Include sturdy railings on both sides for safety and support. Open balusters or completely closed-in panels are two options.
Local Building Codes
Check with your local zoning department on requirements for deck stair width, riser height, handrails, etc. Design to code for proper permitting.
Choosing the Right Materials
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when building deck stairs is choosing your materials. Here are some of the most common options for stair treads, risers, railings and more:
Wood
- Pressure-Treated Pine – Budget-friendly softwood that resists rot, cracking and insect damage. Has an exposed wood grain pattern.
- Redwood or Cedar – More expensive but naturally resists outdoor elements. Has an attractive reddish or pink hue.
- Composite – Made from wood fibers and recycled plastics. Low maintenance, splinter-free, and available in various colors.
Railings
- Pressure-Treated Pine – Use sturdy vertical balusters or an inlaid wood panel. Can be painted or stained.
- Redwood/Cedar – Compliments natural wood stairs. Add cable railings for a contemporary vibe.
- Aluminum – Lightweight, durable metal that won’t rust. Easy to match with other metal accents.
- Wrought Iron – Timeless look that fits many home styles. Black finishes are common but can be painted.
- Glass Panel – Provides safety with transparent views. Use tempered glass only.
Tread Support
- Ledger Board – Secures stringers to an exterior wall as the base of the stairs. Use treated lumber.
- Stringers – These sloped boards on each side support the stair treads. At least 2×12 size recommended.
- Concrete Footings – Required for freestanding stairs. Dig below the frost line at the bottom.
Tools and Materials Needed
To build safe, sturdy deck stairs, you’ll need the right selection of tools and materials on hand. Here’s a checklist of common supplies:
Tools
- Tape measure
- Level
- Circular or miter saw
- Drill and driver bits
- Shovel for digging footings
- Safety equipment – glasses, gloves, etc.
Materials
- Stringers – 2×12 pressure-treated lumber
- Risers – 1x pressure-treated, cedar, or composite
- Treads – 2x pressure-treated, cedar, or composite
- Deck screws or galvanized nails
- Ledger board – 2x pressure-treated lumber
- Railing balusters, posts, and caps
- Concrete for footings
- Gravel or crush stone
- Flashing
- Wood glue or construction adhesive
- Wood filler
- Sandpaper
- Outdoor wood finish/sealer
Having these tools and materials on hand will make the installation process go smoothly. Safety is also key – be sure to wear protective eye-wear, gloves, long sleeves and closed-toe shoes when handling and cutting materials.
Framing the Deck Stairs
With your design plan and materials ready, it’s time to start construction. Framing is a crucial first step:
Install the Ledger Board
- Cut a treated lumber ledger board to length and temporarily brace in place with deck screws.
- Make sure ledger is perfectly level before permanently attaching with 3″ lag screws into deck framing.
Cut Stringers
- Mark outlines for each stringer on treated 2×12 boards based on total stair height.
- Use a circular saw to cut along the outline. Each stringer will have two angled cuts.
- Test fit the angled stringers in place. Make adjustments so tread depth and overhangs match plans.
Attach Stringers
- Position one stringer against the ledger board and check it’s plumb with a level.
- Drill pilot holes and use 3″ deck screws to attach to the ledger and deck frame. Repeat for other side.
- For freestanding stairs, attach stringers to posts concreted below the frost line.
Include Landings
- Frame landing platforms with joists at top and bottom of stringers.
- Match landing width to stair width. Minimum 36″ depth.
Once framing is complete, you have the foundation for installing treads, railings and other components next.
Installing Stair Treads
Treads are the horizontal boards you walk on as you ascend the stairs. Here’s how to attach them securely:
Determine Tread Depth
- Measure depth from the ledger board to the front of the first stringer. Subtract 3/4″ overhang.
- Cut a tread board to this length for the first piece. For other treads, measure stringer to stringer.
Allow Tread Overhang
- Position tread board on the stringers with 3/4″ overhang at front and ends.
- Trace the angle on the back for a precise cut against the riser.
Cut Riser Boards
- Measure space between tread boards. Cut 1x lumber boards to this height for each riser.
- Pressure treated lumber or composite boards work well.
Fasten Treads and Risers
- Place first tread against the ledger with screws into the stringers and frame.
- Set riser boards below flush with tread above. Fasten into place.
- Repeat steps for each tread/riser set until stairs are complete.
Installing Railings for Safety
Sturdy railings on both sides of the stairs are crucial for safety and support. Here are railing installation tips:
Set Railing Posts
- Mark and install 4×4 railing posts at top and bottom of stairs using post anchors or concrete.
- Verify posts are plumb and correct spacing for balusters (max 4″).
Frame Railing Panels
- For closed-in railing, frame panels with 2x4s and cover front with wood boards.
- For open railings, attach balusters into the stair stringers and posts.
Add Top and Bottom Rails
- Cut 2×4 boards to length and attach as top and bottom rails between posts.
- For closed panels, attach rails over plywood faces.
Include Newel Posts
- Install newel posts at railing ends for additional support. Attach securely with brackets.
Finish Details
- Install post caps on top of balusters and newel posts for a finished look.
- Consider adding lighting fixtures or planter boxes attached to rails.
Important Tips for Safe Deck Stairs
Follow these tips and recommendations to ensure your newly built deck stairs are safe and code-compliant:
- Stain or seal all wood to protect from weathering and rot. Use slip-resistant coatings on treads.
- Lightly sand treads to remove branding marks that can be slippery.
- Make sure stringers are securely attached at top and bottom. Add bracing for extra strength if needed.
- Avoid spacing between balusters greater than 4″ for child safety. No more than 6″ spacing for adults.
- Install proper graspable handrails with returns on both sides of the stairs.
- Check local building codes for requirements on tread depth, riser height, railings, etc.
- Inspect stairs regularly for loose treads, unstable railings or other damage. Make repairs right away.
Proper construction and maintenance will keep your new wooden deck stairs in great shape for decades of everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions About Building Wooden Deck Stairs
How much space do I need for deck stairs?
The amount of space needed depends on the total height between levels and desired stair width. As a general rule, plan for each step to have at least an 11 inch run and 5-7 inch rise. Include a 36 inch deep landing at the top and bottom.
What is the standard size for deck stairs?
The standard stair width is 36 inches between railings. Tread depth is usually 11 inches minimum from back to front. Riser height no more than 7 inches. Adjust as needed to fit your specific plans.
How many steps should a deck have?
Ideally no more than 12 steps between landings to prevent a steep, fatiguing climb. For overall rise of 30 inches or greater, introduce one or more landings to break up longer stair runs.
How do I cut angles for stair stringers?
Use a framing square to mark the rise and run on the stringer boards. Connect the points and cut along the line with a circular saw. Test fit and adjust cuts until stringers fit snugly.
What is the strongest wood for stairs?
Oak is the strongest option, offering hardness and durability for frequent traffic. Other good choices are yellow pine, redwood, cedar and pressure-treated lumber. Avoid soft woods like whitewood.
What type of screws should I use for deck stairs?
Use corrosion resistant deck screws or exterior wood screws. For the structural framing, 3 to 4 inch screws provide the strongest hold. Use shorter screws for attaching treads and railings.
Should deck stairs be stained or painted?
Staining is a good option to protect the wood while showing off the natural grain pattern. For added durability, seal stairs after staining. Paint also protects wood while allowing any color desired.
How much do deck stairs cost to build?
Deck stairs cost $25-$75 per step on average depending on materials. Simple open stair treads made of pressure-treated pine cost $25-$35 per step. More complex stairs average $60-$75 per step.
How do I get a building permit for deck stairs?
Building permits are required in most areas for structural projects like stairs. Provide your drawn plans and specifications to the local zoning department for review and permit approval before starting work.
Conclusion
Building a set of wooden deck stairs is an achievable DIY project for most homeowners with some carpentry skills. While the process involves careful planning, material selection and proper construction techniques, the end reward is a beautiful stairway that seamlessly connects your deck to other living areas for years of daily use. Just be sure to follow local building codes, include safety features like sturdy railings, and properly seal and maintain your new stairs. With this comprehensive guide’s step-by-step instructions, you can confidently build deck stairs that blend perfectly with your home’s style and allow easy access to outdoor living areas.