How far apart should deck stair risers be?
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.
What should I put on the bottom of my deck stairs?
Footings with Different Deck Stair Landing Options
- Concrete landing pad.
- A wood box-type landing pad.
- Crushed stone.
- Patio Blocks.
How do you plan a stairway for a deck?
A deck’s stairway should be carefully planned so that all the stair rises (the vertical height of the steps) and all the tread depths (the horizontal length of the step runs) are equal. If the bottom or top step is noticeably different in height or length from the other stairs, it will be a tripping hazard.
What are the different components of a stair system?
Knowing what the different components of a stair system are will help you in designing your deck stairs — as well as building them if you’re considering DIY-ing the design. ✓ Treads are the horizontal deck boards of each step. ✓ Stringers are the wide boards beneath the stairs that run at an angle from the deck to the landing.
How does the shape of your deck affect your deck stairs design?
The shape and height of your deck will naturally influence your deck stairs design in several ways, including: Typically, if your stairs include four risers or more (or are 30” above ground level), they require a railing. Always check local building codes to decide whether your deck stairs design needs a railing.
What is the best railing for a deck staircase?
For medium-sized decks below 12’ tall, a straight staircase emphasizes its surroundings with an understated — but by no means mundane — design. Choose black metal railing for your design for a sleek, minimalist perimeter that keeps your eyes on the view.