A step off a deck is a great way to access your deck and can add a nice design feature. Before you begin construction, make sure you have all of the proper tools, materials, and measures needed for the project. You will need lumber to build this deck because you are constructing it out of wood. After cutting each board with your miter saw, or circular saw and making sure they fit perfectly together, lay them down on the ground where they will be going. Then start nailing them together. A step off a deck is an integral part of the structure. While it might not seem significant at first, it helps give the deck an overall polished feel and adds to its functionality.
Building steps off your deck is both an easy and inexpensive way to improve the look of your backyard. You may even find that building these types of stairs can be a fun DIY project that gives you more time to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends later on down the road.
Building stairs is one of the more challenging aspects of a deck construction project. You not only have to decide how you want your stairs to look, but you also have to consider factors like stairway height and tread depth. However, with a little patience and some expert-level carpentry skills, you should be able to build safe, sturdy and attractive steps for your deck in no time.
Cut the lumber to size.
Cut the lumber to size.
- Use a miter saw to cut the lumber. All measurements should be done with a tape measure, and make sure you check them twice before cutting. Ensure that your cuts are as accurate as possible because any difference in length or width could affect how well your deck steps are supported by the posts and joists of your deck.
- Make sure all of those pieces are cut correctly: The length should be exactly as long as what’s specified in the plans, which will vary based on how steeply pitched (steep) or flatly pitched (flat) each step is; the width should match that specified in the plans; and thickness should also match whatever it is supposed to be according to those same plans for safety reasons – if one side of a step has no support underfoot due to being too thin compared with another side right next door then something bad might happen – like falling off.
Measure, mark and cut your stringers.
Measure, mark and cut your stringers. The length of each stringer is determined by the rise of the deck (the height) and the run (the horizontal distance between steps). If you have a tape measure, use it to measure the desired rise in inches on one end of your first piece of lumber. If you don’t have a tape measure handy, use a pencil to mark this measurement on both ends of your planks.
Next, use an electric or manual circular saw to cut each plank down to size along its lengthwise edge. Use safety gear when operating power tools; follow all safety instructions included with these tools; do not substitute another tool for those specified in this guide without consulting an expert first.
Determine the height of your steps.
Determine the height of your steps. Decide how tall you want your steps to be based on how long they will be and how high they will be from the ground. Think about what is most comfortable for you, but also consider that you may need to modify this decision later when designing and building your deck, depending on factors like where the stairs will end up in relation to other parts of the deck design.
Attach the stringers to the joist with hangers or simpson fixtures.
Now that the stringers are in place, we can begin attaching them to the deck frame. We recommend using hangers or simpson fixtures for this task.
First, make sure that your stringer is level by checking it against a level placed on top of it. If it isn’t level, you can use shims between the joist and stringer to even out any discrepancies. Once you have a perfectly leveled stringer in place, attach it with screws and washers provided by Simpson Strong-Tie Hanger Company or other manufacturer of your choice (this is where you may need an extra pair of hands).
Make sure all stringers are level before attaching them to the deck frame.
Make sure all stringers are level before attaching them to the deck frame. To do this, use a level at each end of each stringer and adjust it until it is level. If you can’t make one side of the stringer perfectly level with another, it’s okay as long as they get close enough that when you attach the stairs they’ll be pretty close to even.
Also be sure to make sure your steps are going straight down from your landing onto your patio or ground surface; if they’re not going straight down (meaning like someone walking on them), then either adjust the stringers by adding or removing boards until they go down straight or take out some or all of those steps so that everything else is aligned properly and come up with an alternative plan for getting off your deck safely.
Cover the outside frame with decking whether it’s 1×1 or 2×2 lumber.
- Cover the outside frame with decking whether it’s 1×1 or 2×2 lumber.
- Use 3/4″ decking for the top and bottom boards, and 2″ decking for rails.
- If your cuts must be exact, use a circular saw with a carbide blade to cut the pieces. Otherwise, you can use an ax or hatchet if necessary. If using an ax or hatchet, cut each piece individually using a square line as a guide.
Position your stringers at the top of the deck and begin laying out your first step.
Position your stringers at the top of your deck and begin laying out your first step. Make sure that all of the stringers are level and lined up with each other. You can use a straight edge to check this, but if you do not have any handy, there is a trick that will allow you to get an accurate measurement. Take a long board, place it across two of the stringers and make sure that it touches them perfectly on either side. If it does not touch both sides evenly then adjust one or both pieces until they do touch evenly. The width of this board will be the same as yours because it has been placed across two of them which means it will be an accurate measurement.
Continue doing this process until all four steps are laid out properly and then cut enough lumber for each step based off these measurements (we recommend using at least 2×6 boards).
Building a staircase off a deck is easier than you might think, as long as you follow instructions carefully.
Building a staircase off a deck is easier than you might think, as long as you follow instructions carefully.
- Measure and cut lumber to length, checking measurements before cutting.
- Level the framing platform for your new staircase by setting it on top of some scrap wood for support and adjusting until it’s level in all directions. You can use shims or sandbags under the ends of joists if necessary.
- Attach stringers to the deck with screws or nails; cover outside frame with decking boards; build steps using pressure-treated lumber (or another suitable material).
Final words
After reading this guide, you should now have a better idea of how to build a staircase off your deck. You should also know what materials are needed and how much time it might take you to complete the project. We hope these tips were helpful.
