In this episode of our deck building series, we’ll show you how to figureyou’re your stair dimensions and build solid set of steps. Now, if you haven’t installed your decking, you’ll need to take care of that first. Watch the previous video in this series, Framing and Decking, at Lowes.com/Videos.
There are several methods for building deck stairs now were going to cut Stringers 2x12 but you could also buy precut stringers from Lowes. Whatever method you use just make sure you follow your local building code. Now we've set post to support our stairs, to learn more about setting the post and other options for building stairs check out the printable instructions at Lowes.com/Videos.
Now building stairs requires some math, we need to figure out some dimension such as the run which is the horizontal depth of the steps. Most codes call for a minimum run of 9” but 1-12” may work better. We also need to figure out the rise the vertical distance between the treads which ideally is about 7”. Now think about your steps this way . A shorter rise is typically more comfortable with a deeper run, and a taller rise works better with a shorter run. A good rule to follow is the sum of the rise plus the run should equal about 17-½". Here’s what we’ll need to calculate the rise and run of our stair. Some paper, a pencil, a level, a framing square and a tape measure.
Start by calculating total rise of the stairway directly over the landing extend a level or straight 2x4 from the deck surface and take the measurement for us 34”. Divide this measurement by 7", the ideal height for each step. Round this number
to the nearest whole number to get the number of risers for us that’s five. We divide 34" by 5 to get the actual height of those risers, in this case, 6-7/8". If the result is too short, reduce the number of risers by one and calculate again.
Now for our treads were going to use two 5/4x6 decking planks so our run will about 11” and we use toe-kicks on the back of each step for a cleaner. With our rise and run determine we can figure out the length of our stringers by matching a rise and run dimension to the appropriate marks on the framing square. To see how to do this check out the printable instructions at lowes.com/videos, now were going to mark and cut the stringers.
To do that we’ll need stair gages for our square, 2x12 planks and 5/4 decking, saw horses, a circular saw and a hand saw, a dust mask, work gloves, and safety glasses. Set gauges on the framing square at the height of the rise and length of the run. Hold the square at the corner of the plank and mark the top step. Slide the square along the plank and mark the next step. Continue marking until you have your number of steps. At the top step, hold the square under the mark like so and strike a perpendicular, this is where the stairs attached to the deck. At the bottom step hold a piece of you tread where the stairs will rest on the ground. Mark this line which will shift the entire set of stairs down by the thickness of the tread. Now when you attach the top tread to the stairs it should be flush with the decking. Now cut the stringer, then use this cut stringer as a template to mark the other planks and cut those too.
Okay, now we can start assembling the stairs. For this part we’ll need brackets, a drill with bits, a socket wrench and sockets, carriage bolts washers and nuts, a three pound hammer, screws and nails. Follow your building code mark on the joist where the steps will attach to the deck, now our stairs will be 48" wide, and supported at the deck with brackets and at the bottom step with posts. Secure the stringers to the deck flush with the top of the joist, conceal the brackets by attaching them to the inside of the steps.
Cut all toe-kicks and treads at ones to save time, attach all the toe-kicks with screws. And if attaching the steps to the posts like we are use carriage bolts to as you did with the beams, then attached the treads leaving a drainage similar to the decking. So the steps are in place and there are just a few more things needed to finish this deck. Next we’ll install the railings and skirting check out the next episode in our deck series finishing a deck at lowes.com/videos.
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