How to Install Deck Stairs

Finished deck stairs (Stringers exposed on the bottom stair)

Deck stairs are not difficult to install, but stair stringers are a little cumbersome to cut out yourself. Use a precut stair stringer, which is available at any home improvement store, as a template for your own stair stringers.This will make your stringer lay-out process much easier. Once you have traced the number of steps required for your project, cut them out with a circular saw and remove the small remaining piece of wool left over with a wood chisel. When that is finished, your deck stairs will go together quickly.

Things You'll Need

• Stair brackets
• Galvanized nails
• Hammer
• Stair stringers
• Lumber
• Pencil
• Tape measure
• Framing square
• Miter saw
• 3-inch screws
• 3d nails
• Safety glasses

Instructions

1. Determine the desired placement of your deck stairs and use galvanized nails to nail the stair brackets to the deck frame (side of the deck) or face plate (end of the deck). Install the stairs according to your local building code requirements.

2. Nail the stair stringers to the stair brackets using galvanized nails.

3. Cut the lumber into stair treads with a miter saw. Use 3-inch wood or deck screws to attach the stair treads to the stair stringers. Use a framing square to be sure the stair stringers are straight before installing the stair treads. Use 16d (penny) nails to space the stair treads to allow adequate drainage.

Tips & Warnings

• Use caution when cutting lumber with a miter saw.

• Wear safety glasses when using a saw.