This DIY exterior steps project focuses on building stairs from start to finish. The process involves measuring the height of the area, determining the number of risers, treads, and stringers needed, cutting stringer boards to size with a circular saw, and installing them. The risers should be exactly the same height for each step and inserted, and the treads should be measured, cut, and secured in place.
To build outdoor wooden stairs, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Measure the total rise to the deck landing.
- Check your local building codes regarding deck stairs.
- Before purchasing materials and building your deck stairs, check your local building codes.
- Create an inviting entry with a new set of wooden stairs.
- Take your time with building deck stairs, as any miscalculations could make the results dangerous.
- Estimate step dimensions, layout and cut stair stringers, and assemble the stair parts.
- Use PT 2x8s for box steps, which are 10″ wider than the previous one.
- Set the boxes on compacted gravel instead of attaching them to the building.
In summary, building deck stairs is achievable with the right tools, materials, and guidance. However, it’s essential to take your time and avoid common mistakes to ensure a safe and visually appealing staircase.
📹 HOW TO BUILD STAIRS // EXTERIOR STEPS
This DIY exterior steps project is all about how to build stairs from start to finish. This DIY staircase video shows the step by step …
Do exterior steps need footings?
Deck-stair construction requires proper footing support and an adequate landing for a deck or porch staircase that terminates on the ground. Regardless of the stair run and number of treads, the stairway needs a footing at the bottom to support the stringers, as they cannot just rest on the ground. There is no accepted best practice for constructing a durable, safe exterior-stair landing for a deck or porch staircase that terminates on the ground.
Rhode Island builder and Fine Homebuilding editorial advisor Mike Guertin suggests that when building a set of deck or porch stairs, it is crucial to address two things where they meet the earth: support for the bottom of the stringers and landing space. Many decks don’t address these critical elements properly, but the building code gives some guidance on good principles that should be followed to ensure a safe and long-lasting set of exterior stairs.
The footings should be sized to support the load on the stairs, which is quantified as 40 lb. per sq. ft. (psf) live load and 10 psf dead load. If the ground snow load is greater than 40 psf, the footings will be sized to meet the total of the snow load and dead load.
What is the formula for building stairs?
The rise and number of stairs calculation formula involves measuring the total height of a space from bottom to top, subtracting 6-7 feet for headroom, and dividing the rise by 6 or 7 inches to determine the total number of steps. Building stairs can seem intimidating, but with proper measurements and guidelines, it can be a fun and budget-friendly project. With a few tools and guidelines, you can learn how to measure for stairs and reduce the chances of making mistakes during the building process.
How much does it cost to build outside stairs?
The cost of wood deck stairs is typically between $115 and $210 per stair when professionally installed, or $440 to $1, 350 for most deck stair projects. Decorative aluminum stringers or fiberglass or composite treads can increase the cost to $170 to $250 per stair. Railing costs start at $30 per linear foot, with cable and glass railings costing significantly more. Deck repair costs are primarily determined by materials, number of steps, and contractor.
What is the ideal rise and run for exterior stairs?
When planning outdoor stairs, consider five basic design elements: Total Run, Total Rise, Run, Rise, and Passage Width. The slope of the stairway should be between 30 degrees and 35 degrees, with an ideal riser height of 7 inches with an 11-inch run. The passage width can also vary depending on the weight of the stairs, with 36 inches being the minimum for a single person and 48 inches for a single person.
A stairway consists of four basic components: Stringers, Treads, Risers, and Railing Assembly. Stringers support the stairway and are typically made from good quality material like pressure-treated pine or 2×2 lumber. Treads are horizontal members that walk on, while Risers are vertical members at the back of each tread. Surfaced boards (3/4″ net thickness) are the most common material used.
The Railing Assembly consists of posts, a cap rail, and vertical balusters between each post. Codes regulate the overall height of the railing assembly (usually 30″ to 34″) and may specify a maximum width for the handrail.
Total rise is calculated by dividing the total run by the number of risers, which can range from 5. 78 up to 6 risers. The passage width can also vary depending on the amount of stairs to be used. Overall, the design of an outdoor stairway should consider these factors to ensure a comfortable and functional space.
How deep should footings be for steps?
It is imperative that footings be a minimum of 42 inches in depth. Additionally, landings must be a minimum of 36 inches from the house in proximity to the initial step. The type of footing may be block, concrete wall, or post footing.
How deep should outdoor steps be?
Outdoor steps require more generous steps due to the scale and user’s sense of balance. The riser should be no more than 15 centimetres high and the tread at least 30 centimetres deep. Landscape architect Thomas D. Church’s measure is 26 inches, calculated by dividing the change of level in the garden by 15 centimetres. Steps can have three to 12 steps, and the riser height should decrease as the tread depth increases.
Materials used for steps should provide good grip and complement adjacent paving or retaining walls. Risers and treads can be made of natural stone, concrete, brick, or wood, and can be set with gravel or wooden decking.
What is the 25 rule for stairs?
The sum of the aforementioned numbers is 25. The total height is 75 inches, with an additional step contributing an additional 24 inches. The resulting measurement is 75 inches, which is considered a comfortable stair step for the majority of individuals.
What is the golden rule for stairs?
The Blondel Formula, developed by 17th-century French architect François Blondel, is a golden rule in architecture that helps calculate stairs that are comfortable to walk on. It states that 2 Risers + 1 Tread = 25 inches (63-65 cm), and that there is no true standard stride length across all ages. To ensure additional comfort, the sum of one riser plus one tread (r+T) should be close to 18 inches (46cm). Following these rules ensures a comfortable stride for most people.
What is the 7 11 rule for stairs?
The IBC and ADA require uniformity of risers and treads for safe walking up or down stairs. The 7/11 rule applies, with riser heights between 7 and 4 inches and tread depths between 11 and 11 inches. However, the IBC allows for variance between the highest and lowest risers and between the deepest and narrowest treads. Open risers can be allowed if the opening is narrower than 4 inches, but they are prohibited for disabled-accessible stairways. Design elements like a 1. 25-inch nose on treads spread 5 inches apart can be compliant. Risers must also not slope more than 30 degrees over the tread below.
What is the 27 rule for stairs?
Stairways must be at least 36 inches in width, with exceptions. The building code specifies a minimum width based on the area above the permitted handrail height and below the required headroom height. If handrails are installed on each side, the required width is 27 inches (686 mm) and 31-1/2 inches (800 mm) if only one handrail is installed. Inspectors don’t need to worry about trim, stringers, or other items below the handrail’s projection, as long as they don’t exceed the handrail’s projection.
Spiral stairways can be as narrow as 26 inches (660 mm). The number of stringers installed at a wood-framed stairway is related to the 36-inch minimum width. If cut stringers are used, at least three are required, spaced no more than 18 inches on center. If the stairway is wider than 36 inches, four stringers should be installed. A combination of cut and solid stringers can be used, but the maximum spacing between the stringers should be 18 inches (457 mm) on center.
What are the cheapest stairs to build?
A straight staircase is the most common and straightforward type, costing between $2, 000 and $5, 000 for installation. Winder staircases feature triangular steps and can range from $2, 000 to $5, 500, depending on materials, railing, and customization. L-shaped staircases have a 90-degree turn and can range from $2, 300 to $6, 000. These styles add architectural interest and can be customized to suit specific needs.
📹 First Time Building Stairs – Everything You Need To Know
First time building stairs? Today is part one of a two part series on how to figure and cut stairs for the first time. Not only will you …
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