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How to Anchor Deck Stairs to Concrete
Stair stringers should always land on a level and well-drained surface. If you are landing on a concrete pad or a patio, this should not be a problem. However, if you are landing on the yard, you may want to install paver blocks or fill the area with compacted gravel to promote drainage. Make sure you are using .60 retention pressure-treated wood that is rated for ground contact.
You should install footings at the bases of the stringers to prevent frost heave. This is not always required, but we seriously recommend it. With frost footings in place, you can use a concrete anchor, base plate and short post in order to create a solid ground connection. A 3' x 3' level landing area is required at the base of all staircases. The ground may qualify if it meets the requirements.
Below are steps to create a base, if needed:
Notch out the bottom front of the center stair stringers to accept a 2x4 base plate.
Fasten the base plate to the stair stringers with screws.
Use a hammer and drill to install 1/2" x 3" sleeve anchors through the base plate into the concrete pad.
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.
Support Long Stringers
Long stair stringers may need extra support from installing a brace at mid-span.
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.
Handrails
Learn about the code requirements for installing a grippable handrail for your deck stairs.
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 |
How to Anchor Deck Stairs to Concrete
Stair stringers should always land on a level and well-drained surface. If you are landing on a concrete pad or a patio, this should not be a problem. However, if you are landing on the yard, you may want to install paver blocks or fill the area with compacted gravel to promote drainage. Make sure you are using .60 retention pressure-treated wood that is rated for ground contact.
You should install footings at the bases of the stringers to prevent frost heave. This is not always required, but we seriously recommend it. With frost footings in place, you can use a concrete anchor, base plate and short post in order to create a solid ground connection. A 3' x 3' level landing area is required at the base of all staircases. The ground may qualify if it meets the requirements.
Below are steps to create a base, if needed:
Notch out the bottom front of the center stair stringers to accept a 2x4 base plate.
Fasten the base plate to the stair stringers with screws.
Use a hammer and drill to install 1/2" x 3" sleeve anchors through the base plate into the concrete pad.
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.
Support Long Stringers
Long stair stringers may need extra support from installing a brace at mid-span.
Stair Safety Glazing Requirement
It can be dangerous to have windows near deck stairs. Learn about options that you can use to make these areas safer and code compliant.
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 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.
Deck Railing Codes
Learn about the building codes that regulate guardrails. How high do rails need to be? What are the rail infill requirements?
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