Outside Wood Landings Need To Have Concrete Footings?

The International Residential code requires footings to support the load on stairs, which is 40 lb. per sq. ft. (psf) live load and 10 psf dead load. If the ground snow load exceeds 40 psf, footings must be sized to meet the total snow load and dead load. Concrete pads do not require footings to rise above grade, but at least two footings are needed for stability. Metal brackets and galvanized screws and nails are used to secure stringers to the deck and landing.

Exterior stair handrails must comply with general IBC handrail requirements found in section 1014 Handrails and section 1011.11 Handrails. Landing requirements for exterior doors include threshold dimensions, the number of allowable steps from the threshold down to the landing, and more. A landing pad provides stability for the decked area and offers a solid place for people. The minimum size for a landing is 3 feet by 3 feet or the width of the stair sections meeting at the landing—whichever is greater. The footing beneath the base of the stringers must extend to a depth of 12 inches below the ground’s surface or to the frost line.

A landing is required at the bottom of the stairs that is at least the width of the stairs and 36″ deep in the direction of travel. Posts should be below frost on adequate footings and the railing should be of a graspable size. No separate foundation is needed for the landing, as it sits on the slab but requires ground preparation.

Decks not supported by a dwelling need not have footings that extend below the frost line. Porches themselves do not need footings if they are freestanding. Concrete steps and landings for front entrances should have a width of 6 feet and be set on concrete pilings, extending 8 inches above grade, affixed using galvanized post fittings to prevent direct contact between the steps.

Are concrete footings necessary?

Footings are crucial in foundation construction, made of concrete with rebar reinforcement, to support the foundation and prevent settling. They are particularly important in areas with troublesome soils. Professional contractors can help with footing construction, assessing soil conditions, determining the appropriate depth, width, and placement. The dimensions of footings depend on the size and type of structure being built. Proper footing placement is essential for providing the necessary support for the foundation and structure.

Do exterior stairs need footings?

Stairways require a footing at the bottom to support the stringers, which must be sized to support the load on the stairs, as quantified by the International Residential code. The footings should be 12 inches deep for freestanding decks and 12 inches deep for decks connected to the house via a ledger. The stair footing must be set to the frost depth or deeper for the area, while the deck must be 12 inches deep for freestanding decks.

The IRc does not provide prescriptive designs for footings at stairways, but the Design for code Acceptance (DcA) 6 Prescriptive Residential Wood Deck construction Guide provides a solution, showing 4×4 guardrail posts alongside the stringers.

These posts bear on top of concrete footings placed at either frost depth or the 12-inch minimum depth, whichever is deeper. Jack studs are fastened beneath the bottom of the stringer to transfer the stringer load to the footing.

Can deck stairs land on gravel?

Deck stair landings are essential for stairs leading to the yard or areas below a few feet above the ground. They should be at the bottom of the stairs to step on and potentially support the stairs themselves. There are various deck landings available, and building requirements for deck stair landings vary depending on local building codes and the size of the deck and stairs. Generally, there needs to be sufficient space to comfortably and safely step off the stairs and onto the ground.

Some materials for a deck stair landing include concrete slabs, wood, and composite materials. Choosing the right material depends on the specific needs of your deck and the desired outdoor living area.

Do concrete steps need footings?

The height of each individual step in a stairwell should be 7 inches, and the width should be 10-12 inches. The stairwell should be 3 1/2 feet wide, preferably wider. Steps with a height of more than 5 feet should have a landing with at least a 3 ft. run. Concrete footings are necessary when concrete steps attach to a building, usually installed by the foundation contractor. If there is no foundation, 8-12 inch diameter sono tubes should be installed at the base of the stairway, extending 4 ft below the frost level. To determine the number of stairs, divide the total rise by the individual rise you plan to use, usually 7 inches, and round off.

What is the OSHA code for stair landings?

The International Building Code (IBC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are two major safety codes for stairs. The IBC focuses on safety and functionality, while the OSHA focuses on safety and functionality. Both codes have specific requirements for stair construction, with the IBC requiring stair width and depth, landings, and landing top, bottom, and every 12 feet. These regulations differentiate between commercial and industrial applications, ensuring the safety and functionality of stairs.

Do I need concrete footings for a deck?

Deck footing is a crucial structure that serves as a sturdy foundation for a deck, connecting it to the ground and ensuring a firm, secure deck. It is essential for small decks close to the ground and large surfaces supporting many people and furniture. Deck footing prevents tipping, cave-in, and rotting by keeping the deck high and dry above land. It is also required by legal codes and regulations, depending on the city. Neglecting to add the proper footing could lead to legal issues and even collapse.

Do deck stairs need a concrete landing?

Building codes mandate that deck stair landings must be at least 36 inches from the last stair, providing ample space for safe transitions from stairs to ground level. These landings must be hard surfaces, avoiding materials like dirt, sand, gravel, or grass that may degrade over time. brushed concrete is a popular choice due to its durability and affordability, but other solid materials like stamped concrete, pavers, bricks, and flagstone can also provide a sturdy and visually appealing landing surface.

Compliance with code requirements is crucial for passing a building inspection. These requirements cover elements such as the maximum rise and minimum run of stairs, handrail continuity, and deck stair landing construction. The maximum rise is 7 and 3/4 inches, while the minimum run is 10 inches. Stair width is also a requirement, with a minimum of 36 inches for safe and comfortable use of stairs. Understanding and complying with these regulations is crucial for ensuring the safety of your deck’s stair and railing construction.

Do front steps need footings?

Ian, a common question about installing footings under steps is that they are a foundation made of concrete and rebar that spreads vertical loads from the steps. They must be installed below the frost depth, which is the maximum depth the ground will freeze in any particular area. In the Twin Cities metro area, frost depth is 3 1/2 feet. Footings prevent the set of steps from settling or moving, ensuring that the steps are poured exactly where they are poured. This is important when steps are attached to any structure built on a footing/foundation.

In case of entry steps, it is important to avoid steps moving relative to the house, as sinking could cause a large step down from the house, pulling away could create a gap between the steps and house, and prematurely causing the steps to degrade. Most code ordinances require footings, but many contractors did not install them to save on costs.

On the other hand, lawn steps do not need footings because they are not attached to anything else with footings. If a set of lawn steps moves due to frost heave or other reasons, the consequences do not justify the cost of installing footings. Overall, LCM recommends installing footings for entry steps and most cities, but some contractors may violate code and install steps without footings.

What are the OSHA requirements for exterior stairs?

OSHA requirements outline the height of stair risers, minimum tread depth, stair width, beams, and guardrails. Standard stair means fixed or permanently installed stairway, while ship, spiral, and alternating tread-type stairs are not. Stairway rise and tread dimensions must meet 30-50 degrees from the horizontal. Guardrails are required for platforms, runways, or stairs taller than 4 feet, with no substitutions like chains.

What is the difference between a footer and a footing?

Footings are structural supports used alongside a foundation to transfer load’s weight from the foundation into the soil. They come in various types, including isolated, combined, strip, continuous, and mat footers. Building codes dictate footing sizes based on the structure’s height and residential or commercial classification. Footing depth and width vary based on frost line and soil bearing capacity, with a minimum thickness of 8 inches.

Can a house be built without footings?

A floating slab, also referred to as a foundation slab without footings, can be poured without the necessity of a foundation.