What Type of Wood Should be Used for Exterior Steps?
- Treated Lumber Treated lumber is ideal for projects such as deck stairs, basement steps and steps leading to back porches and outbuildings. ...
- Cedar Cedar treads and risers give steps a slightly more refined look. ...
- Hardwoods Exotic hardwoods, such as mahogany or teak, produce more luxurious, craftsman-like results. ...
- Painted Stairs Build steps from pine if you plan to paint them. ...
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How to prevent falls on steps?
What is shortcut milling?
What woods need sealing?
What is treated lumber?
Can you paint steps from pine?
Is cedar treated wood more expensive than cedar?
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What wood do you use for deck stairs?
pressure treated lumberA: Of all the materials used to build deck stairs, pressure treated lumber has traditionally been the most popular.
What is the best wood for steps?
7 AMAZING SPECIES OF WOOD THAT MAKES EXCELLENT STAIRCASE PROJECTSRed Oak. The most common species for wood stair parts in the U.S. is red oak, due to being plentiful and its forgiving nature. ... White Oak. ... Ash. ... African Mahogany. ... Cypress. ... American Cherry. ... Brazilian Cherry.
What is the best material to use for outdoor steps?
Common materials used for outdoor stairs include concrete and metal. Metal is the best material for use in outdoor staircases. There are a number of things that make concrete a good choice for the outdoor staircases that the rest of the materials.
What do you use for deck stairs?
To build deck stairs, you'll need a framing square, drill, deck screws, a circular saw, and wooden boards. Before you buy your materials, you'll need to measure the height of your deck, then divide this by the height you want each stair riser to be.
How thick should wood be for steps?
Wood is the most common stair tread and must be at least one-inch thick on stairs supported by risers. Wood must be at least one-and-a-half inches thick when used with open risers. Building code states that stair treads must be thick enough to support a person going up or down the stairs.
What size wood do you use for porch steps?
Deck Stair Basics Deck stairs are typically made from 2 x 12 stringers spaced about 12 to 16 inches apart. They rest on a solid foundation and are attached to the deck with hangers. They have risers (also called toe kicks), treads and railings. The stairs should be at least 36 inches wide.
How thick should outdoor steps be?
The 7-11 rule is one that's frequently used (maximum riser height of 7 inches and minimum tread depth of 11 inches). Risers should also be at least 4 inches in height.
What is the best timber for outdoor steps?
The Best Timber to use for your StaircaseBlackbutt.Jarrah.Maple.Merbau.MDF.Pine.Plywood.Spotted Gum.More items...•
How do you weatherproof wooden steps?
For waterproofing wood stairs, choose a sealer designed for exterior applications. Look for the phrase "water repellent" instead of simply "waterproof." A clear water repellant sealer will guard wooden stairs from water, UV rays and mildew. Reapply sealer once every year to maintain its water repelling ability.
Can I use 2x6 for deck stairs?
Most deck builders use 2x6 or 2x8 pressure treated framing lumber to frame the stair boxes and use (2) 5-1/2" deck boards for each tread with a 3/4" - 1-1/4" overhang over the riser board.
Can you use 5 4 deck boards for stairs?
You just need to make sure that you adjust the spacing of your stringers accordingly. Common deck-stair tread configurations include two pieces of 5/4×6 or 2×6 lumber, three pieces of 5/4×4 or 2×4 lumber, or a single piece of 2×12 lumber.
Do it yourself build deck stairs?
0:072:10How to build deck stairs - Decks.com - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor outside mount stringers remove the thickness of the riser. Board off the back of the stringer.MoreFor outside mount stringers remove the thickness of the riser. Board off the back of the stringer. Both situations remove the thickness of the tread from the bottom of the stringer.
What is best timber for outdoor stairs?
The Best Timber to use for your StaircaseBlackbutt.Jarrah.Maple.Merbau.MDF.Pine.Plywood.Spotted Gum.More items...•
What is better for stairs oak or maple?
Hard maple is often preferred for construction of stairs due to its higher density.
What is the best timber for stairs?
The most commonly used timber for stairs are both pine and oak as they are quite durable.
What is the best material for outdoor stair treads?
Aluminum is arguably the best material for anti-slip tread for its corrosion resistance and durability in construction. If you're looking for a serious amount of protection for stairs in snow, grit, rain, and the rest, aluminum is the material for you.
What wood is best for a deck?
Redwood. Redwood, another premium deck wood, is easy to work with, naturally decay- and insect-resistant, and rugged enough to avoid warping, checking, and splitting.
Why is cedar wood hardy?
This hardiness is due to the fact that cedarwood will actually change its moisture content to closely match the atmosphere.
How long does redwood last?
Premium woods like red cedar and redwood offer comparable levels of durability and longevity, lasting an average of 20 years.
What type of wood is used for outdoor decking?
There are many wood species that can be used for outdoor decks, but not all offer the same benefits and maintenance requirements, and price and availability vary by region. As Bob Mion, of the California Redwood Association, points out, “In the Southeast you’ll find lots of Southern yellow pine; in the North Central Midwest, ...
What is the difference between cedar and redwood?
Both woods are naturally resistant to shrinking and warping. The primary difference between the two woods is color: Redwoods range from light to dark red, while cedar hues run from light brown to salmon pink. Advertisement. Photo: southernpinedecks.com.
How long does a wood deck last?
Initially, wood costs significantly less than either vinyl or composite, and if properly constructed and maintained, a wood deck will last for years. And unlike petroleum-based materials, wood is renewable if sustainably harvested.
Is pressure treated lumber cheaper than other decking materials?
Decking experts at The Home Depot state that “pressure-treated lumber provides greater strength and is less expensive than other deck materials. Use it to frame the structure, then choose another material for decking and railings.”.
What are deck stairs made of?
First, you must learn the parts of deck stairs. A landing pad is a flat surface made of concrete, pavers or gravel at the bottom of the steps. If a stairway will not be used often and the lawn is flat, a landing pad can sometimes be omitted. Stair treads are the horizontal boards that you step on. Stair treads may be made of a single 2x12, but are often made of two decking boards or 2x6s. A stringer is a wide board, usually a 2x12, that runs at an angle from the landing pad to the deck framing and supports the treads. An “open” stringer has notches that you can see, while a “closed” stringer is a solid board with cleats for the treads, or an open stringer with a solid board attached to the side. Risers are boards installed on the ends to cover the vertical spaces between the treads. Risers are often made of 1-by material, fascia board or decking.
How should a deck stairway be planned?
A deck’s stairway should be carefully planned so that all the stair rises (the vertical height of the steps) and all the tread depths (the horizontal length of the step runs) are equal . If the bottom or top step is noticeably different in height or length from the other stairs, it will be a tripping hazard. Also, the stairs and its railing must ...
How big should a stair railing be?
The stair railing should include a graspable handrail in most cases. Openings in the railing should be no larger than 4 3/8 inches between balusters, and 6 inches between the bottom rail and the tread, as seen in the illustration. Stringers should be spaced close enough to adequately support the treads.
How wide should a stair tread be?
The stair treads should be at least 36 inches wide. Despite these minimum requirements, we recommend that stairs should be at least 48 inches wide so they don’t feel cramped. The maximum allowable stair rise is 7 3/4 inches, and the minimum stair rise is 4 inches.
What is stair tread?
A stair tread is the width (or depth) of a single stair run. A stair rise is the vertical distance from the top of one tread to the top of the next tread. The total run is the overall horizontal distance traveled by the stringer. The total rise is a stairway’s overall change in height, from the landing pad to the top of the deck’s decking.
What is a landing pad on a deck?
First, you must learn the parts of deck stairs. A landing pad is a flat surface made of concrete, pavers or gravel at the bottom of the steps. If a stairway will not be used often and the lawn is flat, a landing pad can sometimes be omitted. Stair treads are the horizontal boards that you step on.
What is an open stringer?
An “open” stringer has notches that you can see, while a “closed” stringer is a solid board with cleats for the treads, or an open stringer with a solid board attached to the side. Risers are boards installed on the ends to cover the vertical spaces between the treads.
Deck Stair Basics
This deck already has wood decking and deck railings installed. Learn the details in How to Build a Deck: Wood Decking and Railings.
Stair Measurements
Determine the location of your bottom step. Set a long level on top of the decking and measure the height at the point where you want your steps to end. Use this measurement to determine the number and height of the risers.
Creating a Stair Landing
One method for a landing is to install concrete footers and posts, and secure the stringers to the posts. Check out How to Build a Deck: Post Holes and Framing for step-by-step instructions on setting posts.
Cutting the Stringers
When you have determined rise and run and installed the landing, you can mark the stairs on 2 x 12s to create stringers.
Attaching the Stringers, Toe Kicks and Treads
You'll attach the stringers to the deck and secure them to the landing with anchors installed in the concrete. Once the stringers are secure, you can add the toe kicks and treads.
Installing the Stair Railings
The stair railings consist of 2 x 4 top and bottom rails, 5/4 x 6 rail caps and 2 x 2 balusters.
Working With Pressure-Treated Lumber
Use fasteners and hardware labeled for treated lumber — stainless-steel or hot-dipped, galvanized screws.
What is FSC IPE?
The use of rain forest woods can be controversial. If you choose ipé for your deck, make sure that it carries the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) trademark, which certifies that the wood has been harvested responsibly. Established importers such as IpeDepot use the term FSC Ipe Decking to describe their products.
What is Tigerwood decking?
Tigerwood decking sells the product as Tigerwood. Although this exotic wood has several names, it is not Zebrawood, which is another striped-liked product. What the U.S. Forest Service calls Astronium graveolens, Tigerwood is also often used to carve knife handles and archery bows. 06 of 06.
How is wood hardness rated?
The hardness of wood is rated by the Janka hardness test, a number that will be associated with the type of wood you buy. A lower number is softer wood than a higher Janka harness scale number, so you can easily compare between species.
What is ipé wood?
Ipé. Ipé (pronounced ee-pay) is an almost magical South American hardwood. The Forest Service Products Laboratory gives ipé top marks for bug and rot resistance, and the wood is so hard, it's nearly as difficult to burn as concrete.
What is a mahogany deck?
Mahogany is a tight-grained tropical hardwood that resists pests and rot. Treat it with marine oil, and it looks like teak. Or, let your mahogany deck age to a silvery hue. You can choose from several varieties, and each has its pros and cons. Whichever type mahogany you select, make sure it has the "FSC" trademark to assure that rainforests have not been harvested irresponsibly.
What wood is good for splintering?
The wood you choose should have an excellent resistance to decay, and cedar is one such wood. Western red cedar is reddish-brown. Within a few years, the cedar ages to a silvery gray. This soft-wood splinters easily, but holds up well in rain, sun, heat, and cold.
What is Philippine mahogany?
The term "Philippine" is a trading name for Shorea woods from southeast Asia sold in North America. In Australia, this wood is sold as "Pacific Maple.". Nevertheless, Philippine Mahogany has many of the wonderful features of true mahogany. Continue to 5 of 6 below. 05 of 06.
What is yellow pine used for?
Because of this, yellow pine is harvested often to be used as a popular type of lumber for various projects including building homes, making furniture and more. Because Yellow pine is harder in density than other types of wood, it is a great option for wood flooring as well as wood stairs projects.
What is white oak used for?
Like the pine, it is very rot resistant, which makes it a durable option for wood building projects. White oak is used for wood floors, stairs and even boat building. Another great reason to use White Oak is that it works well with hand and machine tools. Not all woods have enough give and bend to work well with tools.
Why is it important to use rot resistant wood for outdoor stairs?
If you are planning an outdoor wood stairs building project, it is important to use a rot-resistant wood because of the likely exposure to heat and moisture. Some types of wood that feature strong resistance to rot among other characteristics that make it ideal for outdoor wood projects include:
Why is pine considered a popular tree?
Pine trees are one of the most popular varieties of trees in the world because it encompasses several different species of tree. Yellow pine is incredibly dense. This is why it is durable and can grow in many different types of climates. Because of this, yellow pine is harvested often to be used as a popular type of lumber for various projects including building homes, making furniture and more.#N#Because Yellow pine is harder in density than other types of wood, it is a great option for wood flooring as well as wood stairs projects. In addition to it being a good choice for wood projects because of its overall functionality, it is also one of the most affordable and economic choices.
Is white oak good for woodworking?
The wood can get caught and snagged easily. White Oak is versatile and provides woodworkers with a great base for wood projects like building stair treads, rails and newel posts.
Can you stain mahogany?
Some types of wood like mahogany are already so dark in color that the wood does not take as well to stain. Plus, a mahogany finish is already so beautiful, staining it might only detract from that natural beauty unless it is done with a clear finish.
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What does everyone want in a deck?
Everyone wants the investment they put into their deck to last.
What is a Titan Wood Post Anchor?
The Titan Wood Post Anchor™ is a real work horse and solves a lot of problems. Find out how people use it.
How many openings can IRC allow?
Just keep in mind the IRC only allows a maximum of 4" opening in any rise. So this design might not work for your area.
Do deck stairs have tread covers?
Are you stair treads worn out? Stair tread covers are an affordable solution for outdoor steps, particularly wood treads found on porches and deck stairs that have taken a beating from all the traffic.
Do stairs have notched stringers?
Some stairs have notched stringers. You can see the cut outs in the stringer for each unit rise and run unless there is a fascia board that hides them.
Can you build stairs with spans?
As long as the materials and spans meet the code minimum requirements you can build your stairs with some creativity.
How to build deck stairs from pressure treated lumber
Once we put up our above ground pool we wanted a way to easily get from inside the house and to the pool. We built the deck at the very end of the build and did not include the stairs at that time. So here is how I built 6 foot tall deck stairs from pressure treated lumber.
Preface
Let me just start by saying that this is one of the biggest and most difficult projects I’ve tackled by myself. Ten years ago I barely touched any tools and was afraid of most of them. My husband is amazing, but he’s a busy man too; my “honey-do” list is so long that I can’t always ask him to do everything for me.
1. Calculate the stair measurements
There are so many stair calculators online that it makes it really easy to calculate the measurements for your deck stairs. I used this one from My Carpentry that gives the entire calculation. I knew I was going to use 2″ x 6″s for the treads, giving them a step of 11 inches. A 1 inch overhand is good, so this gave me a tread run of 10 inches.
2. Mark out the stringers
Using the measurements, mark out the steps on your stringers. The most important measurements you’ll need are the step height and treads. You can use a square to mark out the measurements using the step rise and run you calculated. Now I used 2″ x 10″s for my stringers.
3. Cut the stringers
Next use a circular saw to cut out the stringers. Just be careful to cut along the line and end before you cut all the way through the stringer.
4. Cut stair treads
I decided to make the stairs 4 feet wide. This way I could use one eight foot long 2″ x 6″ for each tread. I cut each board in half using a miter saw.
5. Nail treads onto the stringers
Next I laid the stringers out and nailed a tread to the top and the bottom. We measured from corner to corner to make sure that the entire set of deck stairs was square.
When are Deck Stair Footings Not Necessary?
If you think that footings are a lot of work for your small flight of deck stairs, then you might be right. If you have less than 3 risers, then you do not need footings for your deck stairs.
What is a bearing block for stair stringers?
Your stair stringers will rest on your landing pad, but you should include a base plate. A bearing block is typically a 2×4 that connects your stringers. It requires you to cut a 2×4 profile at the end of each stringer so that your stairs are resting on that piece of wood. This block will rest on the footings or concrete pad.
What are the best steps to put on a patio?
Now that you know you need footings, what are your stairs going to sit on? Several options include: 1 Concrete landing pad 2 A wood box-type landing pad 3 Crushed stone 4 Patio Blocks
What type of bolts are used to attach stairs to footings?
Using anchor sleeve bolts, attach the stairs to the footings. Anchor sleeve bolts are special bolts designed for concrete and masonry. They require a hammer drill with a drill bit the same diameter as the bolt. You will want to use at least ½” diameter anchor sleeves, no less than 6” in length.
What is a base plate?
As mentioned above, the base plate is the horizontal piece of wood, usually a 2×4, that connects the stringers at the base of the stairs. The footings will make full contact with the width of the baseplate, providing an excellent opportunity to fasten your stairs to the footings.
How many feet of footing for deck steps?
Typically, most North American building codes require all deck steps to terminate on a minimum 3×3 foot landing pad. If your backyard is extremely flat, the code will allow you to forgo a landing pad. Footings go beneath the landing pad. Generally, footings are concrete and poured into long cardboard tubes.
Why are footings necessary?
Footings are necessary because they negate the effects of frost heave. If the lowest point of a footing is below the frost line, it will not be susceptible to the shifting of water freezing and thawing in the soil. Just as decks are susceptible to frost heave, so are stairs.
How to prevent falls on steps?
Make sure that all steps have handrails to prevent falls. Use pre-made rail elements to create lovely railings. They shortcut milling and are designed to meet building code specifications. Make sure that all joints in every exterior wood project are made with treated fasteners to prevent corrosion and staining of lumber.
What is shortcut milling?
They shortcut milling and are designed to meet building code specifications. Make sure that all joints in every exterior wood project are made with treated fasteners to prevent corrosion and staining of lumber. Mark Morris started writing professionally in 1995.
What woods need sealing?
Hardwoods. Exotic hardwoods, such as mahogany or teak, produce more luxurious, craftsman-like results. Expensive but gorgeous, these woods will require sealing and the occasional resealing to maintain their beauty over the long haul. Each of the "rain forest" hardwoods has a distinctive color and grain.
What is treated lumber?
Treated Lumber. Treated lumber is ideal for projects such as deck stairs, basement steps and steps leading to back porches and outbuildings. Treated lumber is strong and long lasting. It is always a smart choice for ground contact because it resists rot better than most wood products.
Can you paint steps from pine?
Build steps from pine if you plan to paint them. Pine is easy to cut, easy to work with and inexpensive. Make sure that pine is well painted to prevent rot from the elements. It is a fairly soft wood with little resistance to rot without paint or stain to seal it.
Is cedar treated wood more expensive than cedar?
Rough cedar will last almost as long as treated wood. Smooth cedar has a more sophisticated look and is typically more expensive. It is slightly softer with a nice red tint and is prized for its luxurious grain. At more than twice the cost, cedar will definitely increase your budget drastically.
