Building Box Steps and Stairs for Decks
Box style stairs are popular for very low decks and transitions between levels of tiered decks. Many deck builders use this technique to build a wide set of stairs across the front or side of deck. Box stairs do not use cut out stair stringers like traditional stairs. Essentially, box stairs are a series of pressure-treated wood boxes that are stacked on top of each other to create a short run of stairs. This method is easier to build and sturdier for stairs with up to three steps. Stairs with more than three steps should be built using stair stringers.
The first step is to measure the height of the stairs to determine the number of stairs you need to build. The maximum riser height is 8" and the minimum tread depth is 10". Most deck builders use 2x6 material to frame the stair boxes and use (2) 5/4x6 deck boards for each tread with a 1/2" overhang over the riser board. Cut the sides of the boxes and fill in the interior with blocking every 16" on center for wood decks and 12" on center for composite decks. Finish the stair boxes by installing the decking to create the treads. Use strap ties to connect the individual stair box frames together and secure the stairs to the deck frame using bolts.
We recommend installing frost footings for box stairs that will land on the ground. Just set a 4x4 post on top of the footing and attach it into the inside front corners of the box stairs. These posts can extend past the stair as a rail post. This will prevent the stairs from moving and shifting due to frost heave.
Box Steps and Stairs
Learn how to build a set of box platforms to act as stairs for a low deck. You don't need to cut stair stringers.
Building an ADA Deck Ramp
Learn how to build an ADA-accessible wheelchair ramp onto your deck to meet building codes. Ramps must have a 1:12 slope.
Building Cascading or Wrap Around Stairs
Learn how to build a set of cascading or flared stairs around an angled corner of a deck.
Glass Rails
Installing glass rails will usually require you to build the rail frame first and take precise measurements to custom order the tempered safety glass...
Rail Parts
We discuss the different components that compose a wood deck rail system. Learn about rail posts, top and bottom rails, balusters and a top cap.
Explore Articles by Topic

Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks

Framing
Learn structural framing methods

Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials

Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs

Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code

Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights

Design
The basics of deck design

Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors

Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons

Ledger
Proper attachment techniques

Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment

Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Building Box Steps and Stairs for Decks
Box style stairs are popular for very low decks and transitions between levels of tiered decks. Many deck builders use this technique to build a wide set of stairs across the front or side of deck. Box stairs do not use cut out stair stringers like traditional stairs. Essentially, box stairs are a series of pressure-treated wood boxes that are stacked on top of each other to create a short run of stairs. This method is easier to build and sturdier for stairs with up to three steps. Stairs with more than three steps should be built using stair stringers.
The first step is to measure the height of the stairs to determine the number of stairs you need to build. The maximum riser height is 8" and the minimum tread depth is 10". Most deck builders use 2x6 material to frame the stair boxes and use (2) 5/4x6 deck boards for each tread with a 1/2" overhang over the riser board. Cut the sides of the boxes and fill in the interior with blocking every 16" on center for wood decks and 12" on center for composite decks. Finish the stair boxes by installing the decking to create the treads. Use strap ties to connect the individual stair box frames together and secure the stairs to the deck frame using bolts.
We recommend installing frost footings for box stairs that will land on the ground. Just set a 4x4 post on top of the footing and attach it into the inside front corners of the box stairs. These posts can extend past the stair as a rail post. This will prevent the stairs from moving and shifting due to frost heave.
Box Steps and Stairs
Learn how to build a set of box platforms to act as stairs for a low deck. You don't need to cut stair stringers.
Building an ADA Deck Ramp
Learn how to build an ADA-accessible wheelchair ramp onto your deck to meet building codes. Ramps must have a 1:12 slope.
Glass Rails
Installing glass rails will usually require you to build the rail frame first and take precise measurements to custom order the tempered safety glass...
Deck Railing Codes
Learn about the building codes that regulate guardrails. How high do rails need to be? What are the rail infill requirements?
Glass Rails
Installing glass rails will usually require you to build the rail frame first and take precise measurements to custom order the tempered safety glass...
Explore Articles by Topic

Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks

Framing
Learn structural framing methods

Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials

Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs

Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code

Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights

Design
The basics of deck design

Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors

Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons

Ledger
Proper attachment techniques

Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment

Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights