Things You'll Need:
- Socket wrench Saw Level Chalk or marker Cement and mixer Hammer, nails and drill Shovel Measuring tape Wood joists and planks Polyurethane marine sealant
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Step 1
Design your deck with connecting stairs. If necessary, get ideas from professionals and obtain an instruction manual. Decide where you want your deck, how large it will be and where the stairs will connect.
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Step 2
If your deck will be connected to the side of the house, clear the outside wall's trim to the height of your deck. Cover the exposed surface with a waterproof membrane.
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Step 3
Indicate your ledger's location, and drill wood spacers at intervals of 1 or 2 feet to the wall under the ledger line. Align your ledger with the top of the spacers, and attach it to the side of the house using 1/2 inch lag screws.
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Step 4
Attach a strip of waterproof membrane to cover the top of the spacer blocks and ledger. Extend it up the wall a few inches. Then cover the waterproof strip on both the surface of the ledger and wall with one strip of metal flashing, and secure it in place with nails spaced about 6 to 8 inches apart. Use joist hanger nails to attach double-joist hangers at each end of the ledger, level with the bottom edge of the board.
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Step 5
Set the perimeter of your deck with strings and stakes, and dig holes in each footing location. Dig four holes directly under the bottom and top corners of your stairway extension. Make your holes go deeper than the frost line, then place your assembled footing into the holes. Pour cement into the holes around the footing and allow to dry (about one week).
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Step 6
Mark each piece of footing to the desired height and cut to size. The four pieces of footing for the stairs should be cut at ground level. Attach post bases to the top of your deck's footing with an anchor bolt, securely tightening it with a wrench.
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Step 7
Attach side rim joists into the joist hangers at each end of the ledger, placing the joist ends on top of the corner footing. Attach your front rim and interior joists as well as your stair joists using the same method.
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Step 8
Secure your deck boards, allowing 1 inch of overhang past the front rim joist. Make sure they all fit in place on both the deck and stairs. Attach them to the joist using polyurethane marine sealant spread on the tops of the joists. Fasten nails into each end of each board.
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Step 9
Finish attaching as many stairs as outlined in your plans over your joists. Countersink all screws to provide safety when walking barefoot.
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Step 10
Finish or paint your deck and staircase according to taste.
