How I Built My Deck Stairs

I built the stairs leading from my deck to the yard, then added a stone landing at the bottom.

My project

The finished stairs and landing are pictured above. The stairs connect the deck to the yard; the separate landing project gives people and pets a place to step off the stairs.

What I did

I built the deck stairs. I am still gathering my original measurements, material list, construction photos and the specific steps I used, so this is a project overview rather than a complete construction recipe.

What matters when planning stairs

Stair rise, tread depth, landings, connections, guards and handrails must work together and satisfy applicable local requirements. Measure the finished elevations and check permit and inspection requirements before construction.

Know your limits

Deck stairs are structural and errors can cause falls. Consult the local building department and a qualified professional when sizing, connections, footings or required guards are uncertain.

See also: My deck-stair landing.

How to adapt this to your project

Measure the vertical distance from the finished deck surface to the finished landing, then work out a consistent rise and run using the applicable local requirements. The landing, structure, handrails and connections must be designed together; a qualified builder or local building department can help verify them.