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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.
Remember 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.
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.
Closed Stair Risers
Learn about the benefits of installing riser boards on your deck stairs.
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.
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...
How to Choose the Right Deck Railing
As one of the most visible elements of a deck, railings add support, safety and style. Get tips for choosing the right deck railing at Decks.com.
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.
Remember 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.
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.
Cutting Stair Stringers
Step-by-step instructions for cutting your 2x12 deck stair stringers with a circular saw.
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...
Composite vs Aluminum Railing
Composite and aluminum railings are great low maintenance alternatives to traditional wood. Learn the differences between these materials with Decks.com.
How to Build & Install an Outdoor Deck Gate
In this easy-to-follow guide, we explain the process of building a deck gate and installing it on your deck.
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