Building Simple Stairs

For complete instructions on planning and building stairs. If the deck is less than 2 feet above grade and you need only a set of standard steps, you can simplify the process. A standard step has a rise (vertical distance) of 6 to 8 inches and a run (horizontal distance) of 10 to 12 inches.

You may end the stairs on a landing made of either concrete or patio pavers. Or you can suspend the steps (as shown here) above the ground until the landing is installed.

Home centers sell precut stringers. This is the simplest solution if you need only a few steps. These usually have 7-inch rises and 11-inch runs. Cut the top of a precut stringer to fit against the deck joist. You may need to cut the bottom so that the last step is shorter than the others.

The method shown on this page works if you have one or two steps. You can adapt the dimensions to suit your site. If possible make all the steps (including the bottom step) the same height.

Prestart Checklist

Time
Once the landing is installed, a couple of hours to construct and attach a simple step or two

Tools
Tape measure, circular saw, drill, hammer, carpenter's level, layout square

Skills
Figuring rise and run for a couple of steps, measuring and cutting boards, fastening with nails or screws

Prep
Determine stair location and dimensions

Materials
Lumber for framing and treads, hurricane ties, stake