In order to build deck stairs, you will need to know how to calculate the number of steps.  Building deck stairs can save you money.  

Steps to Calculate the Number of Steps:

1. Measure the height of the deck.
2. Divide the height of the deck by 6 or 7.  A normal riser height is six or seven inches.  This will tell you the number of steps to build for your deck.
3. Calculate the tread (T, width of the step from front to back).  Twice the riser (R) height plus the tread width will be between 24 inches and 26 inches.  Formula: (2 x R) + T = 24 to 26.    Therefore, if a riser is 6 inches tall, the tread should measure between 12 inches and 14 inches. 

How to Build Deck Stairs

Materials and Tools:

• Cement 
• Kicker plate (optional)
• 2 by 12 treated board for stringer 
• Framing square
• Circular saw or handsaw
• Bolts
• End or rim joists
• Joist anchors
• Angle irons
• Lag screws

Steps on Building Deck Stairs:

1. Be sure ground is level.  
2. Determine the location of your landing.  
3. Pour the foundation and add a kicker plate.  The kicker plate is a board that is attached to the foundation with bolts so the bottom of the stairs can be attached to it.
4. Take the measurements from your calculations and write them on a 2 by 12 treated board.  This board will be your first stringer, which is a board that has the pattern cut into it to help you form your stair-size calculations.
5. Mark the height dimension of a step onto the short arm of a framing square.  Place the framing square to the board with this mark at the outside edge of the board.  
6. Hold the square in place and slide it up and down until the width dimension on the long arm of the square is on the edge of the board.
7. Trace the outside edge of the framing square.  After you trace, you will see a V.
8. Keep marking treads.  Your board should now look like VVV.
9. Subtract the tread’s thickness from the bottom of the stringer.  Notch out the bottom to fit around the kicker plate.
10. With a circular saw or handsaw, cut along the trace lines.
11. Check to see if the deck is in alignment. Trace and cut a second stringer using the first as your pattern. 
12. The tops of the stringers should be attached to expose joists with bolts.  End or rim joists with joist anchors or angle brackets. 
13. The bottoms of the stringers should be attached to the base or kicker plate with angle irons with lag screws.
14. The risers and treads should be cut to the desired width of your stairway.  Leave a 3/4 inch overhang on each side.   
15. Nail or screw the risers into place.  Then add the treads.  Fasten the bottom edges of the risers to the backs of the treads.

Building deck stairs is the simple part of building a deck!  You are on your way to enjoying some time out on your new deck.  

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