building steps to a deck may seem
daunting but with the right time and
effort you can end up with a great
finished product
take some time to plan the layout and
measurements of your steps in this
example we're replacing steps to an
existing deck with open stringers
remember you may need a building permit
to complete this job
stringers should be installed every 16
to 24 inches along the deck to form a
solid base for the steps
the incline in your steps should be
gradual with short rises and deep runs
or treads
your first and most important task is to
cut the stringers from 2 by 12 boards to
support the steps
the measurements can be a little
complicated so take your time to get
them right
use a framing square with metal stair
gauges to mark consistent rise and run
measurements on the stringer board
mark the rise and the run for the first
step at the top end of the stringer
slide the framing square down the board
and repeat the procedure for the number
of steps you will cut depending on the
height of your deck
place the framing square on the opposite
side of the board to mark the bottom end
of the stringer
flip the framing square and mark another
line on the inside of the last line
the framing square is generally the same
thickness as the stair tread
it's the bottom of the stringer
subtracting the tread thickness from the
first riser leaves the first step a
comfortable height off the ground
finish the marking by extending the
final rise line across the top end of
the board
mark an x in waist areas to prevent
confusion when you start cutting
always wear safety glasses while you're
cutting
use a circular saw to cut the stringer
starting at the top end of the extended
rise line
as you cut the first rise line avoid
cutting all the way through so you don't
separate the stringer from the board
while you make the rest of your cuts
also stop the circular saw blade just
before it reaches any corners
finish the corner cuts with a jigsaw
cutting along the outside to remove
waste
with all your cuts finished cut the
stringer away from the board
use the first stringer as a template to
trace the boards for the remaining
stringers
protect the wood stringers by coating
the cut edges with preservative
wear gloves to protect your hands
the preservative will extend the life of
your wood by protecting it against water
intrusion
out the stringers against the base of
the deck remember stringers should be 16
to 24 inches apart depending on the
width of your steps
attach the stringers directly to the
base of the deck using deck screws
with all your stringers in place measure
and cut the two by six boards to form
the steps
in this example the stairs include
corners so we'll cut the treads at an
angle
it's a good idea to dry fit the stair
treads to ensure everything fits
accurately
all good attach the treads to the
stringers using deck screws
for additional support countersink and
fasten the treads together at the
corners with deck screws
building steps to a deck can be a little
tricky but take the time to do it right
and you'll have a great end product
more saving more doing that's the power
of the home depot
here's a reminder of the tools and
materials you'll need to complete this
project
you