Attaching Deck Stairs

Learn how to safely install ledgers the primary connection between deck and house plus beams joists guardrail posts and stairs in this 5 part deck building video series.

Attaching deck stairs.

When attaching stair stringers use a level to draw two plumb lines to mark the left and right positions for the skirts and horizontal lines to mark the top tread location. There won t be a toe kick at this point of the stairs. Most deck stairs are cobbled onto the deck as afterthoughts. Then screw through the back of the deck rim into the skirts with three more deck.

This is a cut line to allow you to shift the entire set of stairs down. Laying out attaching deck stair stringers how you attach the stair stringers to the top of the deck and to any landings will be critical. Every set of stairs has to be connected to the deck somehow. Stairs that attach to the rim joist at the outside edge of a deck will probably overload the joist.

You should reinforce the rim behind the stairs to provide a solid base for attachment. Cut stair treads so that they overlap the stringers by about 1 on both sides. Veteran carpenter mike guertin explains the loads and codes applying to deck stair connections. He provides a simple and stout detail for attaching the stairs to the deck using readily available metal framing hardware.

At the bottom step subtract the thickness of a tread from the rise and mark a line perpendicular to the rise. Critical deck framing connections part 1. This line indicates where the stairs attach to the deck. Tack the skirts to the rim with 3 in.

Attach the skirt boards to the rim joist. It is not always done the same way. When the treads are installed this cut. Push one tread against the back of the stringer center and fasten with two 3 galvanized deck screws per side.

Leave 1 4 between the first and second tread board and attach with deck screws. The final stage in building your deck is likely going to be when you connect the stairs to the deck.