Decks do not always come with direct access stairs and the homeowner
may eventually want to add that feature. Sure, they can get a contractor
or repair person to do it, but that can cost a lot of money. To save
money, homeowners who are handy can do this themselves. Here are some
easy instructions on how to build deck stairs within a few hours.
Deck Building
First, determine the length of the left and right boards, or 2x12
stringers, enclosing the stairs. This is done by measuring the length of
the diagonal from the rise to the run of the unit. Multiple this
stringer distance per step by the number of steps and add one step to
give some extra material. Lay out the first stringer and transfer the
run and rise lines to the board with a pencil. Cut the bottom and top of
the stringer board, but do not make the notch cuts.
Hold the board on the steps where it will be located and make sure that
the tread lines are level. Follow the same steps with the other stringer
board to make sure each has a similar appearance. Cut the notches in
the stringers using a circular saw and finish the cuts with a hand saw.
When finished, coat each cut with a preservative or sealer to protect
it. Use the first stringer as a template for the other and preserve or
seal the second stringer.
Determine the distance between the stingers and temporarily attach the
top of each one to the deck. Using a framing square, make sure the
stringers appear square with the deck. Mark the location for each
footing hole or post, move the stringers, then dig the postholes and
install the footings. If the posts will be seated directly into the
holes, wait to pour the concrete.
Attach the stringer tops to the deck by driving screws or nails into the
stringer from the back of the joist. The bottom of the stringers should
then be attached to the landing pad using angle brackets, j-bolts, or a
2x4 wood cleat attached to the pad. The stringers should each be
squared and measure exactly parallel. The top of the risers can then be
installed flush with each horizontal stringer cut. Lastly, attached the
rail posts to the stringers, install the treads, and pour the concrete
for each rail post.
Knowing how to build deck stairs provides the homeowner with a way to
make the back yard easily accessible from the rear of the home. This
project will take about two hours and is easier when done by two people
working as a team. The key is to make sure that the surface is level and
square so it will provide adequate support to all who walk on it.
How to Build a Deck
