Determine the Design and Dimensions
The first step is to decide on the overall design and layout of your stairs. Consider the following:
- How many steps do you need? Measure the total rise or height you need to reach. A good rule of thumb is to have steps with a 6-7 inch rise and around 12 inch depth.
- What is the width of the stairs? Wider stairs around 4-5 feet wide are best for the main entrance. Narrower stairs around 2-3 feet wide work for side or backyard access.
- What shape do you want? Rectangular steps are most common but you can also do angled or curved stairs.
- What kind of landing do you need? Landing platforms are required at the top and bottom of stairs for safety.
- Do you want railings? Railings are highly recommended especially for taller flights of stairs.
- What direction will the stairs face? Determine the layout based on your property.
- Sketch out different designs to visualize the options. This will help you calculate measurements.
Choose Your Materials
Wood is the most popular material for outdoor steps. Pressure-treated lumber is sturdy and weather-resistant. Some good wood options include:
- Pressure-treated pine: A versatile and affordable option. Has a risk of twisting or warping.
- Cedar: Has natural weather-resistance. More expensive but very durable.
- Redwood: Also naturally resistant. Has a distinctive reddish color.
- Composite lumber: Made from wood fibers and plastic. More stable and low maintenance.
The stringers or side supports can be wood or you can use concrete, bricks or stone. Having solid stringers is key for strength.
Construct the Framing
The frame of the stairs should be built first before attaching the steps themselves.
- Cut stringers to the proper size using the measurements from your plan.
- Anchor the stringers securely into the ground with concrete footings or into an existing deck.
- Build the stair landing platforms as needed. Make sure framing is level and square.
- Add extra support beams between stringers if needed to reinforce the frame.
- Adjust rise and run to meet building code requirements. Many codes require under an 8 inch rise.
Install the Stair Treads and Risers
The treads are the horizontal boards you step on and risers are the vertical facing boards.
- Use pressure-treated lumber that matches the thickness of your stringers. Standard is 2-inch stock.
- Cut treads to the desired depth leaving a 1-inch overhang on each side.
- Cut and attach the risers to the stringers to close off the back of the steps.
- Optional finishing touches include bullnose edges on treads or decorative kickboards along the risers.
Add Railings for Safety
It’s highly recommended to install railings on any set of stairs over 2-3 steps high.
- Use pressure-treated 4×4 posts buried 1/3 into concrete footings for railing posts. Space 4-6 feet apart.
- Attach 2×6 or 2×4 railing using notches or railing hangers onto posts. Top rail should be 34-38 inches above stairs.
- You can use wood, metal balusters or cable infill between top and bottom rails. Space balusters less than 4 inches apart for safety.
- Add decorative post caps on top of railing posts to finish it off.
Final Touches
Add these finishing touches to complete your stairs:
- Stain or paint the wood in your desired color if wanted. Use exterior grade products.
- Add runners or skid-resistant tape on stairs to prevent slipping.
- Install lighting such as step lights or post mounted fixtures to improve visibility.
- Plant flowers, bushes or other landscaping around the stairs to enhance the area.
- Seal any wood surfaces and check for stability and safety before using your new stairs!
Building your own set of outdoor wooden steps is an ambitious but rewarding project. With proper planning, construction, and finishing, you can create beautiful and functional stairs that will provide access and charm to your outdoor living space for years to come. Be sure to follow building codes and safety recommendations throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wood is best for outdoor steps?
Pressure-treated pine is a popular, affordable choice. For maximum durability, opt for naturally weather-resistant woods like cedar, redwood, or composite lumber.
What tools do I need to build outdoor stairs?
Basic tools include a circular saw, power drill, level, tape measure, carpenter’s square, and hammer. A miter saw and jigsaw are also helpful for making angled cuts. Safety gear like glasses, gloves, etc. is a must.
How deep should the footing holes be?
Footings for posts should extend below the frost line in your area. A typical depth is 2-3 feet but check with local building codes. The deeper the better for stability.
Should stair steps be level or sloped?
Stair steps should be horizontal – not sloped or angled. Maintaining the proper rise and run is key for safety and preventing slips or falls.
How far apart should I space balusters on railings?
Balusters should be spaced no more than 4 inches apart for safety and to meet most building code requirements. Wider gaps pose a falling hazard.
Conclusion
Building a set of outdoor wooden steps requires careful planning, measuring, cutting, assembling and finishing. But the end result can provide an invaluable improvement to your home. With safe design and durable materials like pressure-treated lumber or composite, outdoor stairs can enhance your yard for many years to come. Just be sure to follow codes and best practices throughout the construction process. With some perseverance and attention to detail, you can create stunning wooden stairs on a DIY budget.