How to Make Steps for a Wood Deck

Building a set of deck steps may seem at first glance a simple task. However, building steps that meet building codes and are comfortable to use can be tricky, and a do-it-yourself homeowner needs to follow some logical steps. With some careful planning you can carry out this project and increase the functionality of your deck.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Calculator
• Carpenter's pencil
• Concrete
• Framing square
• Stair gauges
• 2-by-12 inch pressure treated lumber
• 2-by-6 inch pressure treated lumber
• Circular saw
• Stringers
• Electric drill
• Masonry bit
• Joist hangers
• Angle iron
• Expanding concrete bolts
• Galvanized wood screws
• Galvanized lag screws

Instructions

1. Determine the rise, run, and tread depth for your steps. Measure the distance from ground level to the top of the deck (we'll call this "D"). Divide D by 7.5 in order to get the total number of steps that will be needed. Then calculate the riser height of each step by taking D and dividing by the number of steps. Decide on a comfortable tread depth for your steps; recommended widths are between 10 inches and 14 inches.

2. Determine where the step landing will be on the ground by measuring straight out from the deck edge to a distance that equals the number of steps times the tread depth. Pour a concrete landing here that is flush with ground level for the steps to rest upon.

3. 

   Mark the step stringers for cutting. Set up the stair gauges on the framing square with the short end of the square at the riser height distance and the long end of the square at the tread depth distance as shown in the photo.

4. Mark around the outside edge of the square. Slide the square forward on the board to the point where the last tread depth mark will intersect with the next riser height line. Continue this process, marking step cut lines for the number of steps needed. Repeat this process on the other 2-by-12.

5. Cut along the lines you have marked on both 2-by-12 inch boards with a circular saw to form the stringers.

6. Decide upon the width of your steps (36 inches is a commonly suggested minimum). Attach joist hangers to the deck's rim or end joists (depending on which side of the deck the steps are for) with an electric drill and wood screws; they should be the same distance apart as the width of your steps. Set the stringers into the joist hangers, align, and then trace around the bottom of the stringers on the foundation to mark their position. Set the stringers aside.

7. Use these marks on the foundation to locate and drill holes for the angle iron. Attach the angle iron with expanding concrete bolts in the holes.

8. Set the tops of the stringers in the joist hangers and the bottom in the angle iron in the foundation. Fasten the stringers into the joist hangers with wood screws and then into the angle iron with heavy lag screws.

9. Cut all the treads (and risers if desired) from 2-by-6 lumber and to the width of your steps, plus a 1 inch overhang on both sides and the front of the stringers. Fasten to the stringers with wood screws. Paint or stain the steps to match your existing deck.

Tips & Warnings

• It is recommended to add a hand rail for any sets of steps that number more than three.

• Once calculations are done and before starting the construction of steps, verify that your plans will meet all building codes for your area.

References

• How to Build Steps for a Deck

Resources

• Building steps with wood