You finally have that dream deck built on your home, but just when you thought everything was to your liking, you realize you didn’t include the steps. A deck’s stairwell is an essential part of its design since they connect two different areas of differing height. Not only do stairs connect the deck to the ground or other level, but well-built deck stairs also prevent slips and falls.
So on to the most important question: do you know how to build steps for a deck? While it’s easy to believe that you can build the deck steps by yourself, nothing is more reassuring than hiring a professional deck building company.
Nonetheless, if you choose to go ahead with this project, we’ll lay out for you the materials and procedures you need to succeed. Keep reading to find out!
Tools and Materials You Will Need
You will need a handful of tools to build steps for a deck yourself, including:
● Carpenter’s Square
● Chalk line
● Circular Saw
● Clamps with a reach of at least 18 inches
● Corded drill
● Framing Square
● Hammer
● Handsaw
● Level
● Pencil
● Safety Glasses
● Sawhorses
● Stair gauge
As for the wood or metal material, building requirements may differ for stringer placement, riser height, or other recommended reinforcements.
Procedure
A. Preparation
Before starting your project, calculate the total number of risers and planks. You can begin by calculating the total rise of the staircase.
1. Determine the location of your stair landing. It would be best to shoot for an angle of around 40° from the top of the deck to the landing.
2. Put a long level or a wooden board on the top, extending it until it sits right above your landing point.
3. Measure the vertical distance from the board down to the floor. This number will be the total rise calculation used to determine the number of risers and treads in your staircase.
Determine the number of risers needed by dividing the total rise of the staircase by your suitable step height and round to the nearest whole number. The standard size is around 7 to 7¾ inches.
To determine the number of planks, take your total number of risers and deduct one. A staircase build will always have one less plank than the total number of risers.
B. The Actual Build
Now that you’ve prepared your tools and calculated the material you’ll need, you’re ready to construct steps. As we explore the stairways, we will also discuss the recommended parts.
● Stair Landing
A stair landing is a part of the stairs where you start climbing up or finish going down from the stairs, hence the term “land.” You can use a concrete or wooden pad for your stair landing. That will depend on your allotted budget, utility, and aesthetic finish.
● Stair Stingers and Deck Steps
A stair stringer is a structural part installed on either side or in the center of a staircase into which the treads and risers are attached. You can follow these instructions on how to build steps for a deck and the stair stringers.
1. Calculate the Total Run of the Stairs
You must calculate how deep each stair tread will be. Multiply that sum by the number of steps to get the total run of the stairs.
2. Plan Your Stair Stringers
By using your carpenter’s square and pencil, create a stair-shaped pattern on your wood that goes with the stairs’ tread depth and riser height. You will need at least two stair stringers to support the deck stairs.
3. Cut out your Stair Stringers
By using a circular saw, begin cutting out your stair stringer notches per your drawing.
● Cut your deck boards.
● Cut out deck boards to fit each tread and riser’s length and width.
● Screw stair stringers to the deck frame.
● Attach deck risers.
● Screw in your deck treads
Is Your Deck in Murfreesboro, TN, Missing Steps?
Remember, safety and functionality are the most important considerations when building steps for your deck. If you’re looking to replace or add new deck steps, Bucket City Deck Contractors is here to help.
Our team of deck construction experts will assist you through the process and ensure you have the best materials and tools to get the job done right. We serve Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and the surrounding cities in Rutherford County. Call us today to learn more about our deck building services!
