How To Construct Wooden Steps Outside?

This DIY exterior steps project focuses on building stairs from start to finish, enhancing the look of your yard and providing easy access to different levels of your property. Building outdoor wooden steps is a great way to add visual appeal and provide a safe and sturdy way to access your home. To begin, excavate the area, remove any large rocks or current steps, and measure the total rise to the deck landing. Picture a stair slope in your mind to estimate the steps.

Building outdoor wooden steps requires a clear, level area, and it is essential to remove shrubs and plants from the spot where the steps will be located. Estimate step dimensions, layout and cut stair stringers, and assemble the stair parts. Choose the material you prefer, the number of steps needed to reach the necessary height, and the width you desire.

Steps include measuring the total rise to the deck landing, calculating the number of rims, calculating the number of treads, and assembling the stair parts. We recommend using pressure-treated wood for this project, but you can paint or stain the timbers before assembly. This article is part of DIY Network’s Make a Move series, where Amy Wynn Pastor helps a homeowner build a set of exterior stairs.

Do you need footings for steps?

Freestanding steps can be built on a flat base alongside an existing garden wall, supported by brick-built low walls that form risers. These walls are filled with hardcore and can be centered on concrete footing strips for up to five steps or a concrete pad for a longer flight. Brick risers can be built up from ground level or laid on compacted hardcore before laying the slab. Brick steps parallel to a brick wall should correspond to the bricks in the existing wall, and the risers must be anchored to the wall for security.

To create free-standing steps next to a brick wall, build them with brick and concrete and anchor them to the wall. Logs can be used to support a single step on a gentle slope or arrange them at intervals on a long incline. To anchor the steps safely, “tooth in” the adjoining brick in every third course of the low walls that support them to the brickwork of the existing wall.

What is the best way to finish wood for outside?

Outdoor wood furniture should be protected with oil-based or latex exterior paint over primer, or multiple coats of spar varnish for complete moisture sealing. Recoat the furniture every one or two years, depending on wear, peeling, cracks, or dullness. Furniture should be covered or stored under shelter during extreme weather to guard wood and finishes from further damage. This ensures a long-lasting and durable outdoor furniture.

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 to build steps for beginners?

Stairs are a crucial component of construction projects, consisting of three main parts: stringers, treads, and risers. Stringers are diagonal boards that support weight as people walk up stairs, while treads are the top baseboards onto which you step. Risers are placed perpendicularly under each tread. To build stairs, measure the height of the area to determine the number of risers, cut the stringer boards to size with a circular saw, and install them.

Cut the risers to be exactly the same height for each step and insert them. Measure, cut, and secure the treads in place. The total rise, also known as the total rise, is the height of the stairs, and if you don’t plan to make the top step level with the area where the stairs begin, account for this gap in your measurement.

What is the formula for building wooden steps?

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.

How do you make outdoor wood steps slip resistant?

Grit paint is a high-quality enamel or epoxy paint that can enhance the safety of outdoor wood stairs. It contains an aggregate that creates traction, and the best anti-slip paints contain aluminum oxide or carborundum, creating a rough, slip-resistant surface. The effectiveness of grip paint is high in wet weather, frost, and snow. The longevity of grip paint depends on the quality of the paint and proper application.

If the wood is in good shape, cleaned and prepared properly, and the paint is applied according to instructions, it can last 2 to 5 years under normal consumer traffic. However, if living in snowy areas, it is crucial not to aggressively shovel the stairs painted with grit paint. The thin paint layer covering the aggregate will quickly degrade once scraped away.

How do you finish exterior wood steps?

To achieve a durable, long-lasting finish on wood, apply a wood conditioner, oil-based stain, and water-based polyurethane using a high-quality brush. Work with the grain, applying the polyurethane slowly and evenly to avoid bubbles. Stair treads, which endure constant wear and tear, can be refinished to restore their beauty and protect the wood from further damage. This DIY project is manageable for most homeowners and may be compensated if purchased through website links.

How to stop wooden steps from being slippery?

Wooden steps are a popular and aesthetically pleasing addition to buildings, but they can become a dangerous slipping hazard when there is little tread and it’s wet. Non-tactile shoes and smooth wood surfaces are risky inside. To ensure the safety of employees and the public, it’s crucial to prioritize ensuring wooden steps are safe. Wood is a common building material, but it can also be a slip risk due to factors like algae, mold, and damp damage. Different methods for preventing slipping include chicken wire, anti-slip paint, anti-slip tape, and GRP strips.

How do you waterproof external steps?

To waterproof concrete steps, apply two coats of mastic asphalt to stringers, risers, and treads, and apply angle filler in vertical and horizontal parts for a water-tight finish. Solar reflective paint is recommended to prolong the lifespan of the waterproofing membrane, as UV rays can break down the membrane over time. Without it, the sun may draw bitumen out faster, potentially causing slumping in summer months. Additionally, asphalt without solar reflective paint may lose color in intense sunlight.

Mastic asphalt is an excellent waterproofing material, used for roofs, steps, balconies, and basements, providing a seamless waterproof layer that can last over 20 years. It has been used as an effective waterproofing membrane for over a century.

How to waterproof outside steps?

To complete the construction process, it is necessary to cover the steps with a slab of your choice. This should be laid on a wet mortar mix, and then the gaps around the slabs should be pointed using a wet mortar mix. The joints should be pressed tightly into place in order to seal the steps.

Do wood steps need footings?

Concrete is the most durable material for deck landings, but installation is a significant task. There are two main designs: securing stair stringers to the concrete pad or attaching the bottom of the stringers to concrete footers for a free-floating pad. If you prefer a different look, brick or flagstone pavers can be used, which are affordable, require less digging, and take less time to install.

The deck stair stringers must be mounted on concrete footers below the frost line. Although these materials require less initial effort, they require periodic upkeep due to shifting bricks and pavers over time.

To create stringers, mark the stairs on 2x12s after determining the rise and run and installing the landing. This will help ensure the pad remains stable and prevent the need for periodic digging and leveling. Overall, the choice between concrete and brick or pavers depends on the desired aesthetics and time-saving benefits.