How to Build Deck Stairs

Carpentry, Decks and Patios, Exterior, Video by Danny Lipford

Watch Danny walk through the steps for making deck stairs. While the task may seem intimidating, it’s really not that hard. Danny helps you figure out how many steps you need and how far apart they should be spaced.

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8 Comments on “How to Build Deck Stairs”

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  1. Gary A Vela Says:
    November 21st, 2007 at 20:56

    Building a set of stairs specially outside for a decking may not be as intimidating… It also depends on the type of wood one uses to build a set of stairs.

    I (Gary)am located in New Smyrna Beach Florida and a lot of builder prefer to use IPE decking and IPE or Brazilian Walnut for their steps… what is the different though? or is it just the price of the material?

    I would be nice if you could Danny put together a video on how to put together a decking!

  2. Joe Leon Says:
    May 29th, 2008 at 19:22

    Can you make a video on how to make a oval shape wood deck

  3. Rickie Bell Says:
    August 10th, 2008 at 06:34

    Good quick overview of the basics of how to build steps. Could you explain in detail how to figure out the rise and run of each individual step?

    This seems to be the biggest obstacle to building stairs for most people.

  4. David Rethemeyer Says:
    October 28th, 2008 at 11:59

    We have recently purchased a beach home on the Outer Banks in NC. My concern is how should I build steps leading from our deck down to the beach? What is the correct thinking? The steps are always being damaged by the pounding surf when we get Nor’easters. Do I increase the strengh by using 6X6’s? Or should steps “break-away” from the deck structure to keep from further damage of deck and or house? Is there a better “step system” than the standard PT 4X4 and 2″ treads nailed to stringers? Currently it a drop of about 12 feet to the beach or toe of dune.
    Thanks, looking forward to hearing your thoughts ’cause I’m at a loss!

  5. Luis Rosa Says:
    February 18th, 2009 at 09:31

    Dave:
    Please check this site that has a calculator http://www.decks.com/Calculators/Stairs.aspx

  6. E. Joseph Says:
    May 15th, 2009 at 20:33

    Have you ever tried an adjustable stair bracket system to build deck stairs? I’ve used them a lot lately and it really speeds up the building process. You don’t have to make so many cuts. Look at http://www.ez-stairs.com . There’s a stair calculator on the site too.

  7. Craig Brewster Says:
    March 23rd, 2010 at 23:19

    You have good information in your video. It makes me cringe though when I see a deck nailed down. You should always use screws to fasten deck boards. I have replaced a lot of decks where the nails pop up and become a hazard.

  8. Build Deck Building Deck Says:
    May 24th, 2010 at 03:13

    [...] read more at: http://www.dannylipford.com [...]

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