How to Build Deck Stairs
Building stairs for your deck is often considered “the most difficult part of” the construction project. Having the right calculations before getting started can make the task a lot easier.
To simplify the process, we’ve created this deck stair calculator to help you determine the correct measurements needed to carry out your project. Once you’ve calculated the number of steps, you’ll then need to know how to build stairs for your deck.
What Are the Parts of a Deck Staircase?
Knowing the lingo behind the parts that make up a staircase can go a long way toward taking accurate measurements and simplifying the process.
The key components of a set of deck steps are
- 1Treads are horizontal boards that create the footing area for each step.
- 2Risers are boards that cover the vertical distance between stair treads.
- 3Stringers are the notched 2×12 boards that provide structural support for the treads and risers.
- 4Landing pads provide a surface to clear the bottom of your shoes of mud and debris prior to going up the stairs as well as a safe, slip-resistant area when exiting the bottom of the stairs.
Pro Tip:
A shorter rise may be more comfortable to climb with a deeper run. Similarly, a taller rise might work better with a shorter run. Check your local building codes for allowable rise and run.
Use the calculator to add your deck’s measurements for:
- 5Total rise (height from the top of your deck to the ground at the bottom end of the stringer or the total run)
- 6Step Run (horizontal tread depth) for each stair
- 7Tread type (whether you’ll use a single board or two smaller boards to create a stair tread)
- 8Stringer attachment style (whether you plan to use an outside frame or a flush frame)
How to Calculate Stair Stringers
Having a stable, sturdy set of stairs leading to and from your deck is one of the most important—and complex—parts of the deck building process. To calculate the stringer length, follow this formula:
(run)2 + (stair rise)2 = [square root of your total]
Want to learn more? Check out our article, Building Deck Stairs and Steps, to find find and tricks to help make your deck building project run more smoothly.