Deck Stairs

Deck stairs are an essential component to aboveground or multi leveled decks. Stairs are not only a safety necessity, they also enhance the appeal and design of a deck. It is important that the legal and safety requirements of the deck's stairs according to building codes has been verified before building or planning has started.

Deck stairs can have two long curved steps or for a higher deck they may be long with a platform with an opulent railing system.

Deck stairs have a rise, which is essentially the distance between steps. The stair's rise must be the same from step to step. Deck stairs also have a run which is the depth of each step's tread. A stair's run should always be a bit longer than the rise to make it much easier to walk up. The rise and run affect the stairs steepness and the ease of which people can walk up or down. A stair often has a riser that is a board that covers the vertical openings in the rise of the stair.

Stairs also have a stringer , which is the side board that is cut in a zigzag which supports the entire structure. Some stair stringers are solid (straight boards from a side angle) which hold the tread in place using metal brackets although these stairs don't have risers. Stair stringers need to be sturdy to support the staircase and need to be firmly mounted into the deck's joists. Most deck stairs have the top stair at the same level as the deck floor for safety reasons.

Landing pads are another important required component to a deck's stairs. A stair's landing pad is made of concrete. The landing pad also serves to support the stair's construction as the stairs need to be firmly mounted on the pad.

Deck stairs need strong and stable railings . Some that have less than three steps may not require them. Stair railings have posts that need to be properly spaced for structural purposes. In between the posts are balusters that are smaller posts that cover the entire rail length so nothing can pass through

Stairs cannot be too long and straight or they will not offer enough support. A stair landing or a platform is often placed in between the stairs if they are too high. Stair landings look like a small deck that also sits on beams which is secured to a foundation complete with concrete footings and piers. Stair platforms can make the stairs turn in another direction which minimizes space, enhances the stair's look and adds a required structural element.

If you are considering building your deck stairs, research all current building code requirements to learn about deck stair and stair railing requirements as they differ from region to region.