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 size wood should I use for deck stairs?
Deck stairs are typically made from 2 x 12 stringers spaced about 12 to 16 inches apart. They rest on a solid foundation and are attached to the deck with hangers. They have risers (also called toe kicks), treads and railings. The stairs should be at least 36 inches wide.
What is the best material to use for outside steps?
Concrete is the most durable and popular material used to build outdoor stairs. Besides the fact that concrete stairs require little maintenance, they are very good looking. Many homeowners prefer concrete to other materials for their staircases.
What wood is best for steps?
- Red Oak. The most common species for wood stair parts in the U.S. is red oak, due to being plentiful and its forgiving nature. ...
- White Oak. ...
- Ash. ...
- African Mahogany. ...
- Cypress. ...
- American Cherry. ...
- Brazilian Cherry.
Can I use 2×6 for deck stairs?
Stairs with more than three steps should be built using stair stringers. ... Most deck builders use 2×6 material to frame the stair boxes and use (2) 5/4×6 deck boards for each tread with a 1/2′′ overhang over the riser board.
How deep should deck steps be?
The maximum height of a single step is 7.75 inches, and all stair heights must be within 3/8 inch of each other, to keep the stairs regular. The depth (also called tread or run) of each step should be a minimum of 10 or 11 inches depending on the type of stairs.
What is code for deck stairs?
The rise of the stairs should be between 125 mm (5”) and 200 mm (8”). This is measured from top of a tread nosing to the top of the next tread nosing or landing. The run should be between 210 mm (8 1⁄4”) and 355mm (14”). ... Treads should be between 235 mm (9 1⁄4”) and 355 mm (14”).
What can I use for outdoor stair risers?
Pressure treated lumber is the most common choice for deck stair risers and treads because it is easy to work with and can be treated to resist water and rot damage. Pressure treated lumber can also be stained or painted.
Which is cheaper concrete or wood steps?
In terms of cost, wooden stairs are the most economical and easiest to build. Concrete steps are not much more expensive, particularly if you can find pre-poured steps in standard dimensions, while stone steps are the most costly due to the need to cut materials to fit and then stabilize them.
How thick should risers be?
If you are planning on building a closed riser staircase, then what should the riser thickness be? According to general specifications, your stair riser thickness should be no less than 1⁄2” . In fact, many professionals recommend risers with a thickness of 3⁄4”.
Do you nail or screw stair treads?
Don’t fasten treads and or risers with only nails or staples. The adhesive is much more important than the fasteners. There will be times when fastening may be limited, so a good adhesive is critical. ... Rely on the front edge of the riser for your level surface.
Are pine stairs too soft?
The lone drawback to pine stair treads is that because it’s a softwood, it will damage easily . If you drop an object on the stairs they will dent, and if you have dogs in your home, their claws will likely scratch the stairs.
Do I need stairs on my deck?
A: In some cases, the necessary location of your deck stairs will be obvious. For example, if your deck’s elevation is different from that of its connection to your home, you will need stairs from the house door up or down to the deck . However, there may be other locations where stairs would be convenient.
How much does it cost to put stairs on a deck?
The most common cost of wood deck stairs is $115 to $210 per stair when professionally installed, or $440 to $1,350 for the most common deck stair projects. When decorative aluminum stringers or fiberglass or composite treads are used on decks, cost rises closer to $170 to $250 per stair.
Can I use 2×6 for stair stringers?
Attach the Stringers to the Deck and Footer
Cut a 2×6 board to fit snugly between the two stringers at their base. This will be used to fasten the stairs to the concrete pad. ... Attach the 2×6 board to concrete pad with masonry anchors.
