Fabricating deck stairs is not difficult to do. Anyone with fundamental building knowledge or a healthy sense of adventure can construct a secure and attractive set without leaning into too many problems. This guide gives information on how to make deck stairs yourself to save on the fee for a contractor.
Preparation for design and construction:
The Total Run is the total horizontal distance covered by the staircase, from the corner of the deck to the edge of the staircase
The Total Rise is the entire vertical length from the surface of the landing to a spot level with the surface of the upper floor
Run is the horizontal length from the leading edge of one tread to the leading edge of the next tread.
Rise is the vertical length from the surface of one tread to the surface of the next tread.
The ratio of the total rise to total run defines the incline of the stairway. This may constantly fall in the range of 30 and 35 degrees. Typical riser height is around 7 "with an 11" run (standard lumber stock width)
The width of the staircase may be around 48 to accommodate one person and around 60 for two.
Staircases are constituted of four parts:
1) Stringers – sloped members that support the stairway commonly constructed from 2x10s with no large knots that are made from redwood or cedar, to defend against decay.
2) Treads – horizontal planks that you walk on. When constructing deck steps they are made from identical material as the deck.
3) Risers – vertical boards behind every tread.
4) Railing – built from posts, a cap rail and vertical balusters between each post. 4×4 is the most common post material with a 2×4 handrail.
Planning the deck stairs
Find the entire rise and divide the figure by 7 to find the number of steps you will need. If the result is a fraction approximate to the nearest whole number
Divide the entire rise by the resulting whole number to find the height of each riser.
Building the deck steps
Step one: find the total rise and divide the figure by 7 to find the number of steps you will require. If the result is a fraction approximate to the nearest whole number
Divide the entire rise by the resulting whole number to find the height of each riser
Building the deck stairs:
Required Tools / Materials
2×10 Stringers
5/4 "or 2" Tread Material
Angle Iron
Hex Bolts
8d Galvanized Nails
Hammer
Measuring Tape
Joist Hangers
1×8 Risers
2×6 Pressure-Treated Cleat
Anchor Bolts
16d Galvanized Nails
Baluster Material
Carpenter's Square
Adjustable Wrench
Instruction
Step one:
Notch the stringers for the treads and risers. Secure two stair gauges to a carpenter's square to the specifications of the rise and run you have calculated (for instance, set the square on the stringer so the gauges are flush against the edge and trace the notch on the border of the square).
Step two:
Continue working to the stringer, until you have set out the correct number of notches. Use the carpenter's square to position the top cut on the stringer.
Step three:
Place the stringer on the lower floor by bolting it place with a piece of angling iron.
Step four:
Once the stringer is in place, cut the notches partway employing a circular saw and complete the cuts with the handsaw.
Once you have one stringer completed, put it in position to make sure it is cut correctly, then use it as a guide to lay out your cuts on the other stringers.
Step five:
Measure the distance from the face of the riser to the edge of the notch cut, then tear the treads to breadth so they range 1 "to 1-1 / 8" beyond the edge of the notch. If you're using two boards side by side as treads, rip half the dimension from each plank so both will be the same width. Cut the treads to length and nail them to the stringer with 16d galvanized nails.
The square root of the result yields you the required stringer length; approximate to the nearest standard lumber length, then multiply by the number of stringers you'll need.
Tips and Warnings
Local building codes regulate the width and incline of a staircase, as well as how the assembly is supported and braced, how the landing is built and whether railings are necessary.
Constantly check with local construction agencies to ensure that you have the correct licenses and are in compliance with all codes.