A deck’s stairway should be carefully planned so that all the stair rises (the vertical height of the steps) and all the tread depths (the horizontal length of the step runs) are equal. If the bottom or top step is noticeably different in height or length from the other stairs, it will be a tripping hazard. Also, the stairs and its railing must comply with codes, which are designed to keep it firm and safe. Using pre-built stairs will usually not meet code.

First, you must learn the parts of deck stairs. A landing pad is a flat surface made of concrete, pavers or gravel at the bottom of the steps. If a stairway will not be used often and the lawn is flat, a landing pad can sometimes be omitted. Stair treads are the horizontal boards that you step on. Stair treads may be made of a single 2x12, but are often made of two decking boards or 2x6s. A stringer is a wide board, usually a 2x12, that runs at an angle from the landing pad to the deck framing and supports the treads. An “open” stringer has notches that you can see, while a “closed” stringer is a solid board with cleats for the treads, or an open stringer with a solid board attached to the side. Risers are boards installed on the ends to cover the vertical spaces between the treads. Risers are often made of 1-by material, fascia board or decking.

A stair tread is the width (or depth) of a single stair run. A stair rise is the vertical distance from the top of one tread to the top of the next tread. The total run is the overall horizontal distance traveled by the stringer. The total rise is a stairway’s overall change in height, from the landing pad to the top of the deck’s decking.

Now, some common code requirements, along with our recommendations:

• The stair treads should be at least 36 inches wide. Despite these minimum requirements, we recommend that stairs should be at least 48 inches wide so they don’t feel cramped.
• The maximum allowable stair rise is 7 ^3/4 inches, and the minimum stair rise is 4 inches. For recommendations on rise-run combos, see the tip below.
• The difference between a stair’s longest and shortest riser height or stair depth should be no more than 3/8 inch. This is pretty strict, so take the time to plan your stringers carefully.
• An open stringer should not have notches that are too deep, or the stringer will be weak. 
• The stair railing posts should be firmly attached to the deck structure or the ground.
• The stair railing should include a graspable handrail in most cases.
• Openings in the railing should be no larger than 4 ^3/8 inches between balusters, and 6 inches between the bottom rail and the tread, as seen in the illustration.
• Stringers should be spaced close enough to adequately support the treads. This spacing depends on the tread materials. If treads are 2-by lumber, stringers can usually be as far apart as 16 inches on center. If 5/4 decking or composite decking is used, they should be 12 inches or closer. Be sure to check with your building department and follow the decking manufacturer's installation instructions.

 

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