Building a step up deck is almost as much fun as using it. It will bring you and your family closer together, give you more privacy, be more comfortable than those wooden steps, and offer many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors while spending time with loved ones. The only thing holding you back from building a step up deck is that it may seem like something that costs too much money or takes too much time to do properly.
A step-up deck can be a wonderful addition to your yard. A set of steps leading up from the ground level of a patio or terrace to a raised patio can add value and beauty to an otherwise flat surface. If you have ever wanted to build this type of deck, then you have come to the right place.This article will help you design and build a step-up deck that is professional-looking and easy for you to maintain.
A step up deck is an ideal way to make your backyard more private, create another space to enjoy the outdoors, and provide a spot for a hot tub or above-ground pool. Fortunately, building a deck isn’t as difficult as it may seem at first glance. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to build your own step up deck:
Step 1: Set the foundation
Make sure the ground is level, dry and free of debris. If you have a long deck, it’s important to make sure that the materials will be supported by an even surface as far as possible.
Step 2: Build and Lay Out the Deck
- Measure the deck floor space with a tape measure. Start from the edge of one post and move to the next, marking each one on your plan as you go until you have measured out all four posts. (Don’t forget to include your stairway!)
- Place a level across your post lines to make sure they are even, then mark them in pencil so that they’ll be easy to see when it’s time to put down boards.
- Measure between posts using a tape measure, adding 2 inches for every joist rung that sits above the ground level of your deck (or 4 inches if there is no railing). Use this measurement as an overall guide for how far apart everything should go: joists running parallel will always be spaced at 8 feet apart; joists running perpendicular should be spaced at 6 feet apart; stairways will have their own measurements based on their own angles relative to each other.)
Step 3: Add the First Step
Now that you’ve built the first step, it’s time to add a second. This process is similar to the first step and uses many of the same materials. However, this second one will be located in between your two framing pieces instead of directly on top of them.
The materials required for Step 3 include:
- Lumber for frame
- 2x4s for frame (4 per side)
- 2x6s for posts (2 per side)
Step 4: Add the Second Step
The second step is built in the same manner as the first step, except that it should be located on the opposite side of the first step. The second step should be exactly as high as the first, but its length and width may vary slightly based on your preferred measurements.
If you’re building a staircase with 4 steps like we’ve done here you’ll want to build four consecutive steps of equal height, spacing each one so that they form a straight line when viewed from above (if you’re going for more than 4 steps then this will mean more than 4 steps total). This process can take some time so take your time and make sure you get it right.
Step 5: Build the Stairs with Landing
- Build the landing. To build the landing, lay out 2 × 4s on top of each other so that they form a frame for your steps to sit in. Attach them together at their ends with galvanized nails and then affix them to your deck’s framing with wood screws.
- Begin building the stairs by laying one side horizontally across your floor joists and attaching it to the beam with wood screws (see photo). Repeat this step for both sides of each stairway, keeping in mind that you need enough space for people to walk comfortably up and down them without feeling cramped or crowded along its edges.
Step 6: Build the Frame of the Deck
The next step is to build the frame of your deck. This process involves using lumber and nails to create a sturdy foundation for your deck. Before you can attach any boards, however, you’ll need to dig holes for each post that will be supporting them. You can do this with a post hole digger or hammer and chisel; just make sure to wear protective gear such as gloves and eye goggles so you don’t hurt yourself or damage any part of your yard.
Once all four posts are in place, use bolts to secure them securely at the bottom of each hole. Then measure how long each board needs to be before attaching it this will depend on whether or not you’re doing something fancy like curved staircases or railings (in which case you may want two pieces running parallel). Once everything is squared away and ready for action, start building up from there by measuring out how far apart all three other posts need some extra support: these will serve as “anchors” for when we start adding large pieces later on down below.
A step up deck can make a backyard more private and provide another space to enjoy.
A step up deck can make a backyard more private and provide another space to enjoy. A step up deck is a great way to expand your outdoor space without taking over the entire yard, and it provides ample opportunity for creativity.
Step Up Deck Benefits
Creating additional outdoor living space
Step up decks are a great way to add value to your home because they offer so many benefits at once: They increase privacy, create an additional outdoor living area (which increases curb appeal), and allow you to showcase some of your favorite plants or flowers by using them as planters on the steps themselves.
Final words
Building a step up deck can be a fun and rewarding project. There are so many things to consider when designing the deck, but with a little imagination, you can create something that works for your home and lifestyle.
