Designing Your Deck Steps and Staircase
Deck steps are needed because a deck is typically raised off the ground. However, you just don't want any old deck staircase! How the steps are designed can make the difference between a great deck design and a mediocre one.
In addition, poorly designed stairs can even cause a deck to be uncomfortable and unattractive. It's much nicer to have groups of fewer steps than one long run. Also, design with wider widths if you have the space to do so.
How Many Steps - How Wide - Riser Heights
- Determine the change in elevation from decking to ground level which is
the height difference between the top of the deck and where the bottom
of the steps will be. This will tell you how many steps you need,
although the number is flexible based on how high the risers will be.
- Risers can be anywhere from 4 inches high to 9 inches high. However, I would not go any higher than 8 1/2 inches and prefer to stay around maximum 6 or 7 inches if possible. Sometimes this is not an option though. Treads can be 12 inches deep or more.
Here is a good rule to remember. Two riser heights plus one tread depth should equal 24 to 27 inches. For example, if your risers are 6 inches high, your treads can be between 12 and 15 inches deep. Of course the deeper they are, the more space they will take up, and this must be taken into consideration also when designing.
- Once you have determined (roughly, as this might be changed) the number of steps, decide if they will be a straight stair run, or broken up with landings and possibly even turns. How do you decide? Ideally, I would try to stay around 4 or 5 steps to a section. If you need 10 deck steps, you should have two sections.
Wide steps create a nice look. Don't be afraid to do this.
- As far as placement goes, this should be based on access out of your house and to any patios, driveways etc. Place them where they are convenient...don't design them as an inconvenience. This is where you decide if they need to be turned.
This deck and lovely landscaping was designed by Icon Landscape Development in New Jersey. Tim, the owner, and I worked together many years ago.
- A section of deck stairs can extend out from your deck, or they can
run alongside it. If they turn, the second section can run back
alongside the first section, or extend out at a right angle (or even
another angle) to the first flight of steps.
- The width of the steps is flexible. A wide deck staircase (5 feet and beyond) feels graceful and looks it too. A narrow one, for example 3 feet wide, might feel cramped. Very wide steps are great...if you have the room for them and they work with your design. These usually work best with a single set of deck stairs.
Related Pages:
Materials, Prices and Finishes - Q&A on decking.
Which Wood Should You Use?
Deck Video - I did this 3D video of a multi-level deck with glass railings!
Contact me if you would like to chat about a deck or patio design!
"Susan, what a pleasure it was to work with you. You made me feel like I was your only client - responding late at night and always so quickly! Your design is amazing and we only hope we can do justice to it when we plant . You have such fantastic ideas and you are so open to suggestions and changes. Loved working with you - now if you could only come to Canada and plant it !!! "
Helen, Ontario-Canada
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