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Building Cascading or Wrap Around Stairs
Cascading stairs are a popular style of staircase that wraps around the corner of a low deck. This is an attractive and extremely functional approach to deck design and stair construction. However, tall cascading steps can begin to look awkward and present a tripping hazard. If the drop requires more than about five steps, you may want to use a conventional staircase.
SaveRemember that cascading or wrap around stairs are designed to flare out and increase in size towards the ground. Each situation is somewhat unique so make sure you fully think through the details before building. Do the angles present a situation that will allow this style of stairs?
Cascading stairs will require using a large number of short stair stringers spaced at 16" on center. Blocking is usually necessary to support the decking below angled corners. Make sure the ground is level along the entire base of the stairs at grade. If your deck is one or two steps off the ground, you may be able to build two boxes or platforms to form into a stair system to attach to the side of the deck.
How to Build Box Steps for Your Deck
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.
Anchoring Deck Stairs
Learn how to anchor your deck stairs to a concrete landing pad or footings. Follow our step-by-step instructions with photos.
Closed Stair Risers
Learn about the benefits of installing riser boards on your deck stairs.
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...
Best Aluminum Deck Railings: Reviews & Benefits
Aluminum deck railings are a great low maintenance option for any home. Compare different materials and find the best aluminum deck railing system for you.
Low-Maintenance Composite Deck Railing Options
Composite railing systems offer a low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood railings. Learn why composite is the best railing system at Decks.com.
More Helpful Resources
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
Create a free account and get instant & exclusive access to all that Decks.com has to offer:
|
1,000+ How-To articles |
|
80+ Free Deck Plans |
|
Deck Planning Calculators |
|
Free & Simple Deck Design Tool |
Building Cascading or Wrap Around Stairs
Cascading stairs are a popular style of staircase that wraps around the corner of a low deck. This is an attractive and extremely functional approach to deck design and stair construction. However, tall cascading steps can begin to look awkward and present a tripping hazard. If the drop requires more than about five steps, you may want to use a conventional staircase.
SaveRemember that cascading or wrap around stairs are designed to flare out and increase in size towards the ground. Each situation is somewhat unique so make sure you fully think through the details before building. Do the angles present a situation that will allow this style of stairs?
Cascading stairs will require using a large number of short stair stringers spaced at 16" on center. Blocking is usually necessary to support the decking below angled corners. Make sure the ground is level along the entire base of the stairs at grade. If your deck is one or two steps off the ground, you may be able to build two boxes or platforms to form into a stair system to attach to the side of the deck.
How to Build Box Steps for Your Deck
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.
Stair Stringer Length
Learn how to measure the height of your deck and use our Decks.com Stairs Calculator to determine your stair stringer lengths.
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...
Attaching Rail Posts
Step-by-step instructions for installing rail posts to your deck frame.
How to Build a Deck Privacy Screen
In some deck design situations, you may feel that it is important to block certain views to increase privacy. This can usually be achieved by building a privacy wall or fence.
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