By Dave and Mary

Learn How to Build Steps
for Your Porch or Deck

We Make It Easy to Do

Learning how to build steps for your porch may look difficult but this video along with our tips and suggestions will make it fairly easy to do.

As with most things there is more than one way to build them. But the basic steps (no pun intended) are the same.

You'll learn about stringers, risers, run, treads, and how to properly mark and cut the stringers. Marking stringers always seems to be a bit confusing; this video and additional information will walk you through the process.


Learn how to build steps on Front Porch Ideas and More


The process for how to build steps process can seem daunting at times. However, once you understand how to calculate the number and size of the steps, the construction is rather easy.

Before you begin, always check with your local building codes department to learn what specific requirements must be met.


Video: How to Build Steps

General Guidelines: How to Build Steps

The following are general guidelines for building porch steps. As guidelines, they should not be used as instructions as each project has its own unique issues.

In addition, consult with your local building codes department to determine the requirements for your specific area.


Determine the Number of Steps Needed

Measure the height (in inches) from the ground to the top of the floor on the porch. Divide that number by 7.5 to the number of steps you will need. (Maximum height is 7.5 inches)

Example: If the porch floor is 87 inches from the ground, divide 87 by 7.5 to get 11.6 steps. Round up to get 12 steps.



Determine the Rise

Divide the height in inches by the number of steps. In our example, 87 inches divided by 12 steps equals 7.25 inches. The risers will be 7.25 inches high.



Determine Total Length

Standard stair tread depth is 10 inches but you can make them larger. Use the depth of the stair tread to determine how far you stairs will extend into your yard. Multiply the number of steps by the depth of steps.

Using our example 12 steps x 10 inches = 120 inches or 10 feet. The staircase will extend 10 feet from the porch.



Prepare the Landing

The bottom of the steps must be secure. Dig and pour footings to accept posts (to stabilize the steps and support the railings). The footings must extend below the frost line and are normally at least 16 inches wide.



Mark and Cut the Stringers

This often gives most people pause; laying out the stringers. Use the information below along with the video above and you shouldn't have any problem.

Use 2"x12" boards and measure the top step. If the rise of your steps is 7-1/4 inches place a framing square at one corner of the board.

Measure out 7-1/4 inches from the corner of the square. Measure out from the side 10 inches (the depth of the steps).

Trace along the edge of the square to mark the cut line for the stringer.

Note: You will not need a riser for the top step as it is attached to the porch framing.

Draw lines for the remaining cuts the same as above.

Lastly create another return. This part of the stringer that sits on the ground.

Using a circular saw, cut along the lines. Use a jigsaw to finish the cuts.

Here's a handy online stair calculator you can use when building your steps. Or if you prefer to download a calculator to a spreadsheet, then try this stair calculator. But always check with your local building officials to make sure you are building to code.




Attach the Stringers

Attach the stringers to the porch and landing with galvanized deck screws or nails. (Recommend attaching a ledger to the front of the landing or deck for added support).



Treads

We recommend using 2x6 inch treated lumber for your treads. You can also purchase pre-made treads. Overlap the stringers by at least an inch on front and sides. Fasten with galvanized deck screws. The ends of the stringers should rest on concrete pads to prevent settling.



Our How to Build Steps Exclusive!

In most cases you have a porch or deck already built and are going to either build new steps or replace old ones. I'd like to show you a situation where, in this case, a back porch and stairs are being built simultaneously.

In addition, the steps will have to hang off the deck because the final grading for the yard is yet to be done.

This is a unique pictorial guide on how to build steps. However, certain steps in the process you will see may not be permissible in certain geographical areas so please contact your local building codes department before you begin to ensure you steps will be to code.


individual measuring the height of deck steps
Calculating the height of the steps



cutting stringers for deck steps
Mark and cut step stringers based on your calculations



using stringer as template for other stringers
Duplicating the stringer layout for other two stringers



adding additional header to support the deck stringer
Adding support to the deck for attaching the stringers



aligning a stringer for steps from deck
Positioning and aligning the first deck stringer



blocking is added between stringers for additional reinforcement
Blocking is being added between stringer locations to reinforce the stringers.



two stringers in position with blocking
Two stringers in place with blocking in between



three stair stringers with riser to maintain proper spacing
Stingers in place with blocking and a riser to maintain proper stair width.
Next, holes will be dug based on the stringer layout for the supporting posts


dry concrete is poured into holes for supporting posts
Concrete is poured into the holes.



Note: Check with your local building codes to determine if this is an acceptable for your local area.

In many locations, you must dig the holes and have a building inspector verify they are at the correct depth and width before you begin erecting supporting posts or columns.


supporting posts are set in concrete and braced
Posts are set in concrete and braced. Risers and treads are installed.



top rails are measured and marked for cutting
Rails are measured and marked for cutting



step posts are cut at angle to accept top rail
Posts are cut at angle based on previous measurements



top rail cut at same angle as post
Top rails are cut to match post angle



top rail being attached to post
Top rail is attached to both posts



bottom rail being attached to post
Bottom rail is attached to posts



top rail being attached to post on other side of steps
Rail process repeated for other side of deck steps



pickets being attached to top and bottom rails
Pickets (or balusters) are attached to the top and bottom rails on each side of steps.



additional top and bottom rail installed over pickets
The pickets are sandwiched between an additional top and bottom rail.



top cap being installed over top rails
A top cap is installed over the top rails



hand rail installed on top cap
A hand rail is attached to the top cap



view of steps under construction
General view of steps before completion



finished deck or porch steps
Finished deck steps with patio beneath



Hopefully, this gives you a good idea as to what is involved and now you know how to build steps. Whether for a front porch, deck, or back porch, the process for wooden steps is basically the same.




Mary and Dave, Founders of Front Porch Ideas and More
Hi! We're Mary and Dave, lifelong DIYers, high school sweethearts, and we both love porches. You've come to the right place for thousands of porch ideas.

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Mary and Dave, Founders of Front Porch Ideas and More
Hi! We're Mary and Dave, lifelong DIYers, high school sweethearts, and we both love porches. You've come to the right place for thousands of porch ideas.
--- Our Sponsors ---
Use the PCA Visualizer to design your screen door

Shop for Porch Parts at Vintage Woodworks.

The Porch Store

--- End Sponsors ---


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At no extra cost to you, we earn a commission by referring you to some products on merchant sites. See our disclosure policy.
We, Front Porch Ideas and More, confirm, as stated on our privacy policy, that we do not sell personal information.

All content here is solely for presenting ideas. We recommend consulting with a licensed, experienced contractor before you begin your project.
We make no guarantees of accuracy or completeness of information on our site or any links to other websites contained here.

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