Time and time again we hear people express frustration concerning how to effectively add stairs to their deck. This element of your design is vitally important as it will anchor your deck to the yard and act as a primary point of access. The first step we recommend is to measure the elevation change you need to accomplish in inches. Once you know this you can calculate the number of stairs you will need to use. IRC code requires a minimum rise of 4" and maximum rise of 7-3/4" as well as a minimum tread dimension of 10". This will give you a good idea of how long the stairs will run. You must try to express this drop in a sensitive way. Where do you want the stairs to connect to the ground? Do you want to land on a specific position like the edge of a patio? To do this you will have to design backwards from the ground up.

Avoid landing stairs underneath a deck frame. This can result in many problems including code violations for a lack of headroom for a person walking down the stairs. Try to keep a compact plan; let the stairs absorb into the form of the deck. Wrap around a corner or add a landing to break up a long run. If in question, use the landscape as a guide. Follow established undulations in the yard’s grade. Use your better judgment and study examples of decks that have successfully achieved a well coordinated stair design.