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Before you begin building your deck stairs, you will need to know how tall your staircase is. To determine the height, measure the distance between the bottom of the deck and the ground. Then, divide that height by seven or eight. Then, multiply that number by 9.5 inches to get the total length of your stairs, including the stair stringer and the feet. Once you have a good idea of how high your stairs need to be, you can cut the wood and start construction.
Basics of deck stair construction
The first step in the Basics of Deck Stair Construction is determining the Total Rise of your stairs. The most common way to measure this is to place one end of a level on the deck and extend it over the lower landing. Next, you’ll need to measure the distance between the bottom of the level and the top of the first step. Repeat for each stair, ensuring that all risers and treads are level.
The stringers are the horizontal members of the stairway. These are typically made of 2×8 to 2×12 lumber with notches cut at the appropriate angle. They are spaced at least 12 inches center to center. Stringers support the treads, which are typically ten inches wide and an inch thick. Depending on the number of treads, stringers may be longer than the rest of the stair.
You can also attach your deck stairs to a right-angle triangle that runs between the two stringers. For a more decorative look, you can attach the stringers with two deck screws. Remember to space them at least 36″ apart from the outside joists. Afterward, screw the top riser to the bottom two stringers. Then, attach the remaining 2x6s evenly between them, and be sure to install corner bracing to avoid uneven pressure points.
The first step in the Basics of Deck Stair Construction is to determine the height of the steps. Use a carpenter’s square to mark a stair-shaped pattern on the wood. Next, use a circular saw to cut the stringers, and a handsaw to finish the cuts. In most cases, the stairs will need to be at least 48 inches wide. Once you have determined the height, you can begin the construction.
A final step in the Basics of Deck Stair Construction is to install the form, which will support the tread. A good stair form will have equal rises and tread depths. If they’re not built properly, they can become a trip hazard. Building codes can also be a challenge, so make sure that you check with your local building department for any local regulations on stairs. You can also use a stair calculator to check the dimensions of your form and ensure that it aligns properly with your deck.
Code requirements for deck stair width and riser height
When building stairs for your deck, ensure that the tread and riser heights are equal. Stairs with uneven rises and treads can pose a tripping hazard. Moreover, the deck stair design must adhere to the required Building Code requirements. Before beginning, make sure to read and understand the guidelines before making any decisions. There are numerous resources online that can provide information about the requirements for deck stairs.
As a general rule, the tread depth must be at least 10 inches. However, the tread depth is not limited. If the riser height is less than 11 inches, the opening between adjacent treads is not restricted. To comply with Code requirements, the tread depth should be 10 inches. To measure the depth of a tread, take the measurement of the sloped plane that adjoins the tread’s nose. The riser height must be at least 6 feet 8 inches.
Handrails must meet IRC R311 Means of Egress. This code covers all stairway requirements. Among them, the deck stair width and riser height are specifically defined in Section R311.
Stairs should have an adequate height and tread depth to prevent tripping hazards. Stairs must be at least three-quarters of the height of the lowest stair riser. An overhang of more than 3/8-inch on either side may interfere with the stair user’s rhythm. Generally, the height of a staircase’s risers is influenced by the size of its landing area. If this is the case, the finish framing contractor will have to adjust the rough stringers to meet the tolerance.
A typical wood-framed stair has between ten and fifteen risers. Each riser is seven and a half inches wide. The width of the treads, is the vertical portion of each step. The riser height translates to the distance between each step, which should be seven and a half inches. To comply with Code requirements for deck stairs, it’s best to check with your local building code officials before beginning construction.
Calculating stair riser height
When building deck stairs, the first step is to calculate the riser height for each stair. In general, the riser height should be approximately 36 inches apart. A deck with four feet of height will require six to eight steps, depending on the stair design. If you want to avoid uneven top and bottom steps, make sure that you measure each stair riser carefully. This will ensure a safe, stable and attractive set of deck stairs.
Start by measuring the distance from the top floor to the second floor. Once you have determined the height, cut a 2-x-6 stringer at the required length. Mark the top riser perpendicular to the back of the top tread. After that, nail the stringer to the horizontal 2×6. You may need to trim the top riser to achieve the desired height. Also, remember to leave a 1/4-in. gap between each riser and tread.
To calculate the height of the risers, you need to measure the length of the stringers. Most stringers are cut from a single 2×12 stock board. Be sure to leave approximately 7 inches at the head of each stringer for the final riser. Then, trim them as necessary later to make them fit. If you mistakenly position the square, the measurements will be reversed.
Once you know the length of your stair risers, you can proceed to measuring the length of the treads. Generally, the riser height is six to eight inches. If you want to build deck stairs with the same riser height as the rest of the deck, it is wise to measure the distance from the deck landing point. If the deck is sloped, you may need to adjust the riser height to accommodate the slope.
To calculate the stair riser height, divide the deck width by the riser height. Then, take the square root of the result to calculate the length of the stringer. Lastly, cut the stringers into the first notch. Once you have the stringers, cut the treads and risers. Once you have calculated the stringers, measure the height of each one. After that, you can build the rest of the stairs by following the same steps.
Installing stair railings
Before you install stair railings on your deck stairs, make sure that you have followed the building codes. In addition to safety, installing railings will also eliminate the possibility of hung purse straps and clothing. If you don’t plan on hiring a professional to install the railings, you can also install them yourself. You can save money and time by installing your own railings.
If the deck is higher than 30 inches above ground level, you will have to install railings on your deck stairs. In some regions, you can install railings on only one side of the stairs. However, if the stairs are against a structure, then you should install railings on both sides. You can also install railings on deck stairs that are built in or free standing. To install railings on your deck stairs, follow these steps.
First, you must place the posts of the stair railings against the 4×4 posts. Make sure that they are level and have no space between them. If you have not drilled holes in the posts, you can use temporary braces to hold them in place. Also, you should use a spirit level to check for a level surface before you install the posts. After you’ve done that, use carriage bolts to secure the railings to the posts.
You must also install the rail posts on the stairs before you install the handrail. The top rail post should be set at the back of each tread. The bottom rail post should be similarly aligned. Remember to also pay attention to the height of the stairs and the direction of the steps when installing railings. Whether you choose a round or non-round handrail, be sure to follow the building code requirements.
When installing deck railings, remember to use a stud finder to locate the studs above the stairs. You should place a 1-1/2-in. masking tape at these locations. Make sure to center the studs at 36 inches above the stairs. Measure the length of the railing from the front edge of the stair to the wall and at the bottom tread. Once you have measured the length of the railing, attach it to the first step of the outer stringer using two 1/2″ carriage bolts.
