Construct the Perfect Platform Steps for Your Deck
Adding a set of platform steps is a great way to enhance your backyard deck. Steps with a wide, flat landing area allow for comfortable seating and easy transitions between different levels of decking.
When planning your deck steps, the most important considerations are choosing durable materials, taking accurate measurements, securely framing the structure, and properly incorporating features like railings. Follow this step-by-step guide to construct safe, stylish platform steps tailored to your deck.
Choosing the Right Materials
The materials you choose for your steps should match the existing deck as closely as possible for a cohesive look. However, factors like weather resistance and maintenance requirements also come into play when selecting materials.
Wood Species
For wood steps, good options include pressure-treated pine boards, naturally rot-resistant woods like cedar and redwood, or composite lumber made from wood fibers and plastic. Pressure-treated lumber is affordable, durable, and easy to work with. Cedar has a reddish hue that grays gracefully over time. Composite boards require no staining or sealing.
Deck Boards
The deck board material you use for the step treads and risers should coordinate with your existing deck. For example, if your deck has a composite surface, choose composite boards in a matching or complementing color and style.
Concrete
Poured concrete blends well with masonry patios. Pre-cast concrete steps come in standard dimensions for easier installation. Both types are very sturdy and weather-resistant. Keep the heavy weight of concrete steps in mind when framing the structure.
Metal
Welded metal and aluminum steps have a contemporary, industrial look. However, metal can get dangerously slick when wet. Perforated metal treads provide better traction. Look for rust-resistant metals or powder-coated aluminum.
Measuring and Planning
Carefully measure the full height from your deck platform to the ground, along with the width and depth of the platform itself. These figures determine specifications like the ideal step width, number and height of steps needed, and step placement. Safety standards recommend stair widths of 36-42 inches.
Marking Post Locations
Drive stakes topped with bright spray paint into the ground to mark the exact spots where you'll install the posts to support stringers. Measure and adjust to ensure posts align properly from every angle.
Landing Size
The landing, or top platform area, must be deep enough for seating. Typically 16-24 inches will suffice. Also confirm the landing area meets local codes for minimum width and depth.
Building the Frame
The structural framework must securely support the weight and movement of people using the steps without shaking or swaying. Using sturdy brackets, anchor exterior stair stringers to the rim joists of the existing deck.
Stringer Placement
Cut stringers longer than needed so they extend above the planned step height. Position stringers at precise measurements so step frames match up. String spacing depends on tread width but 16-17 inches apart is common. Make sure stringers are perfectly parallel and plumb.
Landing Support
Add extra reinforcements like posts or framed knee walls under the landing for enhanced stability. Securely lag-bolt posts into the ground or ontoson tubes poured into concrete piers for sturdy anchoring.
Safe Angles
The rise and run determine step steepness. Standard rise is around 6-7 inches and run is around 11 inches. Cut angled notches into stringers to hold framed step assemblies in the proper orientation as you build.
Adding the Treads and Risers
With the stringers cut and reinforced, you can start actually framing each individual step. Match the dimensions of the treads and risers to your existing decking for safety and consistency.
Framing Each Step
Cut tread boards as wide planks for full step coverage from stringer to stringer. Screw treads into the notched stringers. Construct simple U-shaped step assemblies using short vertical boards for each riser. With all treads and risers secured in place, the basic step framework is complete.
Safety Standards
Review local codes for specifics on standard step depth and height. As a rule, aim for treads at least 11 inches deep and risers around 6-7 inches high. Deep treads prevent tripping while shorter risers are more comfortable to climb.
Gaps and Overhang
Leave small gaps between tread boards to allow rain drainage. Use joist hangers to secure tread boards if they overhang stringers by more than an inch on each side. Proper support prevents sagging or failure over time.
Incorporating Railings
Guardrails are vital for platform steps above a certain height. Mount sturdy posts at least 36 inches tall to support a railing system along the open sides of steps, curving across the landing. Local codes dictate specifics for deck step railing height and spacing.
Post Installation
Notch posts to fit snugly over outside stringers. Through-bolt posts into stringers using extra-long carriage bolts with washers and nuts. You can also use galvanized steel post anchors attached to concrete piers or the deck rim joist.
Infill Options
Choose straight or decorative balusters to fill the space between railing posts and handrails. Wrought iron, wood, cable, glass panel, and other materials make attractive infill options to match your deck. Space balusters according to code for safety.
Handrail Height
Mount handrails at 34-38 inches above each tread nosing for proper graspability, depending on requirements. Extend the entire railing system several feet beyond the sides of steps for security entering and exiting.
Customizing and Finishing
With the structure complete, it's time to add decorative features like grids, trim boards, lighting or stonework. Choose materials that work visually with the rest of your deck. Finally, protect steps against weathering and wear using topcoats.
Lighting Features
Incorporate path lighting or step lights powered by the deck's electrical system. Low-voltage LED lights illuminate tread edges for safe nighttime use. Accent up-lights focused on posts or under railings lend unique flair.
Skirting Options
Enclose risers or frame sides by skirting steps with complementary decking or decorative lattice panels. Carry decking horizontally under treads for clean unity across platforms. Use skirt panels to conceal stringers and hide clutter.
Weather Protection
Even with rot-resistant wood, apply water-repellent stains or penetrating sealants to protect stairs from moisture damage. Re-apply finishes every 1-2 years. Ensure proper drainage so water never pools under or between boards.
Following careful planning and structural guidelines will allow you to safely construct sturdy, well-built platform steps perfect for relaxing on or easily traversing between levels. Take time to calculate measurements, frame securely, meet safety codes, and properly finish steps to create an inviting stairway that seamlessly fits your deck's look and function.
Pay special attention to properly incorporating supportive framing, wide treads, and guardrails into your design. Precision planning enables you to tailor steps to perfectly suit your space. So gather materials that work with your existing deck and get ready to enjoy brand new platform steps designed for comfort and safety!