Deck Stairs Guide: Rise, Run, Stringers, and Landings
Deck stairs connect the deck to the yard, but they also affect layout, railing, framing, footings, landings, and the material list. Planning them early prevents stairs from becoming an awkward afterthought.
Start with total rise
Total rise is the vertical distance from the finished deck surface to the finished landing or ground surface below.
That measurement determines how many risers the stair system needs.
Risers
A riser is the vertical step from one tread elevation to the next.
The total rise is divided into a whole number of equal risers. That is why the final riser height is normally adjusted slightly so every step is consistent.
Treads
The tread is the horizontal surface you step on.
Deck stair treads may use:
- Wood decking
- Composite decking
- PVC decking
- Other approved exterior tread materials
The framing beneath the tread must match the requirements of the selected decking product.
Rise and run
Once the number of risers is known, the number and depth of treads determine the stair run.
A taller deck generally creates a longer stair footprint unless the stair system changes direction with a landing.
Why stair location matters
Stairs can consume a surprising amount of yard space.
Before deciding where they go, consider:
- Doors and windows
- Walkways
- Property lines
- Landscaping
- Patio areas
- Drainage
- Grade changes
- Future outdoor-living features
Stair stringers
Stringers are the structural members that support the treads.
The number of stringers depends on stair width, decking requirements, stringer material, and the framing design.
Manufactured decking often needs closer support on stair treads than it does on the main deck surface, so check the decking installation instructions before laying out stringers.
How many stringers do you need?
There is no single number that applies to every staircase.
Stringer count is affected by:
- Stair width
- Decking span capability
- Stringer type
- Stringer spacing
- Local structural requirements
Stair landings
A landing creates a level area at the bottom of a stair or between stair flights.
A landing can:
- Provide a stable base at grade
- Change stair direction
- Reduce the visual length of a tall stair
- Help stairs fit into a constrained yard
Straight stairs vs. turning stairs
| Configuration | Advantages | Tradeoffs |
|---|---|---|
| Straight run | Simple layout and framing | Can project far into the yard |
| L-shaped | Fits corners and changes direction | Requires an intermediate landing |
| U-shaped | Compact overall footprint | More framing and railing complexity |
Deck stair railing
Stair railing should be included in the material plan for elevated stairs where required.
The railing follows the slope of the stair and may require:
- Stair posts
- Angled rails
- Stair-specific brackets
- Balusters or cable fittings
- Handrail components
Landing edges may also need railing depending on the elevation and layout.
How stairs affect the deck railing layout
The stair opening interrupts a level railing run. That means stair location changes the total amount of level railing, post locations, and the number of railing sections.
How stairs affect the material list
Adding stairs may increase quantities for:
- Decking
- Stringers
- Landing joists
- Posts
- Footings
- Joist hangers
- Stair connectors
- Railing
- Fasteners
- Fascia
Multi-level deck transitions
Stairs are not only used from the deck to the ground. Multi-level decks need transition stairs between upper and lower platforms.
Those transitions should be coordinated with railing so the opening occurs only where the stair connects the two levels.
Plan stairs in the visual layout
Because stair geometry occupies real space, a visual planner is especially useful. You can see whether the stairs interfere with a patio, walkway, lower deck, or another design feature before construction starts.
Add stairs to your deck plan
Build your deck layout, position the stairs, and generate a material plan that includes stair framing, decking, railing, hardware, and landing materials.
Start the Deck Material EstimatorFrequently asked questions
How do I calculate deck stairs?
Start with total rise, divide it into equal risers that meet local requirements, then use tread depth to determine the horizontal run.
How many stringers do deck stairs need?
That depends on stair width, decking span requirements, framing design, and stringer spacing.
Do deck stairs need a landing?
A stable landing is commonly required at stair transitions, but the exact size and configuration should be verified against local code.
Do I need railing on deck stairs?
That depends on stair configuration and the applicable code. Elevated stair systems commonly require guards and handrails in specific conditions.