Stair Tread Nosing
When building your stairs, it usually works well to use two deck boards to build the stair tread. The tread is the part of the stair that you walk on and is held in place by fasteners mounted to the horizontal surface of the stair stringers. When installing the tread, many builders project the front end of the deck boards over the stringer by the thickness of the riser as well as about an inch as a nose. This projected step helps protect the riser from becoming loosened over time. It is a nice detail that adds definition to the stairs. It is usually most attractive to use a radius edge or bull nose face for the stair nosing. Most 5/4 wood decking is sold as radius edge. If you are using 2x6 that has a square corner, you can use a router to round over the edge.

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.
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...
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.
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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
Stair Tread Nosing
When building your stairs, it usually works well to use two deck boards to build the stair tread. The tread is the part of the stair that you walk on and is held in place by fasteners mounted to the horizontal surface of the stair stringers. When installing the tread, many builders project the front end of the deck boards over the stringer by the thickness of the riser as well as about an inch as a nose. This projected step helps protect the riser from becoming loosened over time. It is a nice detail that adds definition to the stairs. It is usually most attractive to use a radius edge or bull nose face for the stair nosing. Most 5/4 wood decking is sold as radius edge. If you are using 2x6 that has a square corner, you can use a router to round over the edge.

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.
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...
Steps To Build & Secure A Deck Railing Planter
Railing planters are an easy way to add some color to your deck without taking up space. Follow these simple steps and get started on your railing planters today.
Installing Deck Stair Railings
Step-by-step instructions for how to install deck stair railings. Learn about the code requirements and construction tips with images.
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