If you’re wondering how to build outdoor wooden steps, this article will show you how to do so. After learning how to measure properly, you can build wooden steps that fit perfectly with your home’s design. For a step that looks more like a staircase, buy precut stringers and handrails and railings. Precut stringers and handrails are especially helpful for constructing stairways with an attractive design.
Precut stringers
To build an attractive set of outside wooden stairs, you’ll need precut stringers. This is particularly useful if you’re constructing a stair with multiple levels. If you’re building a staircase to access your attic or basement, precut stringers will save you a great deal of time and effort. But you should make sure to get the right number of stringers to ensure a smooth landing for your steps.
You can purchase precut stringers at home centers. The pressure-treated stringers come in 16″-inch intervals, making it easier to build the steps. Before, building steps required complicated measurements and angled cuts. Today, stringers can be purchased at home centers that are precut and measure exactly the right size. They’re also much safer than hand-cutting them from raw wood. In addition to precut stringers, you can also purchase a pair of notched stringers.
Before installing the first step, you should prepare the hangerboard. It will provide a nailing surface for the stringers. You should use 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 boards as hangerboards. Make sure you cut the hangerboard big enough for the stringer to rest on. The first tread will be resting on a portion of the deck joist, so it’s important that you have a hangerboard that is large enough to support the stringer and hangerboard.
Precut handrails
When building an outdoor staircase, it’s important to include handrails. A good way to save time and money is to purchase precut handrail elements. These elements are sized to meet building codes and already have the proper amount of height. You can also purchase handrails that are unfinished to match your existing woodwork. Precut handrails are also a great choice for wooden steps that aren’t on a porch or deck.
To attach rails, use rail bolt kits. They come with the proper number of holes to fit the handrail. These rail bolt kits have holes drilled in the handrail, newel post, and fitting. Once you’ve installed the railing, you can affix the handrails to the newel post. Make sure that the handrails are glued down firmly so that they don’t fall out or fall off.
To make sure that the handrails don’t come loose when installed, measure and mark the height of each tread. You can also use a stop block to make sure you don’t cut the handrails too short. If you don’t want to use precut handrails, you can wrap a piece of tape around the handrail. The excess epoxy will run out of the hole onto the tape and come off once the step is cured.
Tread strips
If you’re looking for an easy way to improve the safety of your wooden steps, you’ve come to the right place. Tread strips can provide added traction and safety without the hassle of painting or staining them. They’re a perfect option for a temporary fix while the weather thaws. You can also choose to use non-slip treads instead of tread strips. To install them, you need to measure the width and length of your step, drill a few holes, and then screw them into place. Then, apply wood putty or caulk to fill in the gaps between the treads.
Once you’ve measured the total rise, divide that figure by the height of the ideal risers and treads. If the total run is unlimited, round the remainder to the nearest whole number. Now, determine the length of the treads, which should extend 1″ to 1-1/8″ beyond the notch in the stringers. Cut the boards so they are of the same length and width, and nail them to the stringers using 16d galvanized nails.
You can also use LifeGrip anti-slip treads for nighttime safety. These are eco-friendly and designed for barefoot use. They also come with glow-in-the-dark tape that charges during the day. This means that your stairway will be safe even in low-light conditions. And the best part is, the strips are easily removable and replaceable. If you’re worried about slipping, this is the perfect solution for you.
Railings
There are a variety of options for railings for outside wooden steps. Typically, these railings are made of either metal or wood. Some are finished in a variety of colors. They also come with different infill sections that are primarily decorative. Metal handrails for outside steps can include glass, steel cables, modular webnet panels, or even nothing at all. Here are some tips for choosing the right railing for your outdoor wooden steps.
The International Residential Code, or IRC, requires that exterior steps have handrails. If the stairs are four or more risers, a handrail is necessary. ADA regulations only apply to public buildings, but they’re helpful in other situations, too. Railings on stairs must also be at least two feet high to prevent accidental falls. Depending on the size of your steps, you may not need to install handrails.
The material that you choose for your outside wooden steps will affect how easy it is to install and maintain. Composite or aluminum railing is a great choice. Composite or aluminum railing are both compatible with outdoor lighting. If you’re planning on installing railings on a deck, you should consult a professional to make sure the lighting is compatible. A timbertech-registered contractor can lend advice on these railings. If you are unsure of the best choice, read the TimberTech Railing Guide to learn more.
Non-slip coatings
If you are building or remodeling your home and would like to protect your staircase, there are many options for non-slip coatings for wooden stairs. One of the most common types of anti-slip coating is a paint additive, which adds anti-slip properties to your stairs. To avoid slipping on your stairs, choose a stair tread and riser size of seven to eleven inches. Unless you are building from scratch, new stairs will typically be constructed with dimensions of seven inches by 11 inches.
The Durable, skid-resistant finish counter paint is a great option for interior and exterior applications, including stair treads, walkways, and patios. It is easy to apply and fills cracks. For exterior applications, be sure to avoid applying coatings when rain is predicted. The product will adhere to a variety of surfaces, including wood and metallic steps. If you are worried about slips, you can ask the company for more information.
While wooden stairs are an elegant option for home interiors, they can also be dangerous. People can fall on these stairs while trying to get to the bottom of a long flight of stairs. While this may seem like a good solution, this option can be expensive and time-consuming. Adding texture to your wooden stairs is a great way to slip-proof them. And if you’re a bit hesitant, you can always add anti-slip coatings to your paint.
Stair runners
Building a set of outdoor wooden stairs requires some basic building skills and knowledge. However, it is very possible to build a set of steps without hiring a professional to help you. If you are building your own set of stairs, then you should follow these steps. First, you need to measure the size of your steps. The width and height should be around seven inches. You should also know the proper sizes of the stringers and riser boards.
The first step in building outdoor stairs is to measure the size of the steps. Generally, wooden stairs have five treads and a total height of around six feet. To figure the width and length, divide the total height by the number of risers. If you are building a stairway with more than five treads, then you should use 2x12s and not 2x10s. You should also use good quality lumber with no large knots.
If you are building your steps in an area with lots of snow, you should use a product to protect the wood from ice and snowfall. Rock salt, also known as Sodium Chloride, is very harsh and can cause damage to wooden steps and nearby vegetation. It can also scratch your decking and damage hardware. Sand on the other hand is a good choice because it provides traction and prevents slips.
