How to build outdoor steps
What is the easiest way to build steps?
What is the formula for building steps?
You divide the height by 7 inches; if, say, the floor-to-floor distance is 8 feet, 10 inches (or 106 inches), then you’ll need 15 treads (106 divided by 7 equals 15.14). Next, you divide the height by the number of treads (15 into 106), producing the exact tread height (7.06 inches).
How do you build exterior porch steps?
What can I use for outdoor steps?
Treated lumber is ideal for projects such as deck stairs, basement steps and steps leading to back porches and outbuildings. Treated lumber is strong and long lasting. It is always a smart choice for ground contact because it resists rot better than most wood products.
What is the standard height for outdoor steps?
5 ½ to 7 inches
You can choose what’s comfortable for you but generally outdoor steps have a rise of 5 ½ to 7 inches and a tread of 12 to 18 inches.
How thick should wood steps be?
Wood is the most common stair tread and must be at least one-inch thick on stairs supported by risers. Wood must be at least one-and-a-half inches thick when used with open risers. Building code states that stair treads must be thick enough to support a person going up or down the stairs.
How do you figure rise and run for stairs?
How do you calculate stair stringers?
Choose a stair rise somewhere between 7 and 7-1/2 inches. Take your total height divided by that stair rise number. This will almost always give you a long decimal number. Round to the nearest whole number – this will be the number of steps you will have in your staircase.
What is a comfortable step height?
In the United States, the step height standard should be between 7 or 7 ¾ inches at the most, and no less than 4 inches. You should follow other measurements if given by local building codes. In Canada, the maximum step riser height is 8 ¼ inches.
How far apart should stringers be for stairs?
Stringers should be spaced no more than 36 inches apart from each other for maximum stair support, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. However, local residential codes may vary slightly, so check the building codes before building a staircase.
How do you layout steps?
What angle should stairs be?
30 to 50 degrees
Standard stairs have an angle of 30 to 50 degrees while steep stairs like alternating tread stairs and ship stairs have an angle between 50 and 70 degrees. Ladders have an angle range between 60 and 90 degrees.
Can you use joist hangers for stair stringers?
Use joist hangers to fasten the blocking. Pros: Allows for the use of all types of stair stringer hangers. The top of the stair stringer acts as the first tread instead of being flush with the deck’s surface.
How much should a step overhang?
Stairs must have an overhang between 3/4″ to 1-1/4” to increase the depth of the step, making it better for descent while maintaining a clear 10-inch going for the ascent. Treads that are 11-inches deep or greater do not require an overhang.
Can I use 2×10 for stair treads?
It is acceptable and within building code guidelines to use either 2×10 or 2×12 dimensional lumber to create a set of stairs; however, a stair stringer should not be less than 3.5 inches wide at its narrowest point to provide adequate strength for the load the stairs will be supporting.
How do you secure deck stairs to the ground?
How to Anchor Deck Stairs to Concrete
- Use your jigsaw. Notch out the bottom front of the center stair stringers to accept a 2×4 base plate.
- Make sure your stringers are level. Fasten the base plate to the stair stringers with screws.
- Locked in place.
How do you install outdoor stair stringers?
How do you attach exterior stairs to a house?
Do deck stairs have to land on concrete?
Do Deck Stairs Need a Landing? All exterior staircases are required by code to have landings at the bottom and top to make sure it is safe and there is plenty of room for doors to swing, and for people to use.
Do steps need footings?
Regardless of the stair run and number of treads, the stairway needs a footing at the bottom to support the stringers—they can’t just rest on the ground. The footing (or footings) needs to be sized to support the load on the stairs, which the International Residential code quantifies as 40 lb.