Deck stairs
Outdoor & decks
Build deck or porch stairs
DIY OK
Lay out and cut stringers, treads, risers and the landing — to code.
Answers
Sheet
0 of 8
answers are yours. The rest are typical defaults — check each one.
Total rise
default
From the top of the deck boards straight down to where the bottom step lands.
in
⅛
¼
⅜
½
⅝
¾
⅞
Tap a fraction above, or type one: 36 1/2.
Stair width
default
36″
Code minimum
42″
48″
Other
Step height
default
Comfortable
About 7″ steps
Compact
Fewer, taller (max 7¾″)
Tread boards
default
5/4×6 treated
1″ thick
2×6 treated
1½″ thick
Composite
Stringers ≤ 12″ apart
Riser boards
default
Closed
Boards on the step faces
Open
No riser boards
Bottom landing
default
Pour a concrete pad
Pavers on gravel
Existing patio or walk
Open sides
default
Sides not against a wall need guards if the stairs are over 30″ tall.
Both open
One against a wall
Between walls
Is the deck solid (no rot, no sway)?
See the Sheet
Start over
Common sizes
24″
30″
36″
48″
Steps
4
Stringers
3
See the Sheet