Building Wooden Stairs Outside

Watch diy network s make a move as amy wynn pastor helps a homeowner build a set of exterior stairs.

Building wooden stairs outside.

Measure the height of the area where you will install the stairs. Deck stairs are typically made from 2 x 12 stringers spaced about 12 to 16 inches apart. Lay out the stairs by drawing on the outside of the square sliding the square along until it meets the last mark to learn how to build steps. Learn the details in how to build a deck.

Use the narrow part of the square for clamping the riser gauge and the wider part for the 10 1 4 in. These stairs will rest on a bare concrete floor but untreated lumber will absorb moisture and rot from bare concrete. How to build simple stairs. If you want to build porch steps measure from the top of the porch to the ground then take the total height and divide it by the riser which is usually between 6 and 8 inches.

How to build outdoor wood steps. For example if you are building stairs to go up to a deck and you measure 3 feet 0 91 m from the ground to the top of the deck then this is the total rise. If you don t plan to make the top step level with the area where the stairs begin be sure to account for this gap in your measurement. Stairs are the number one way to get from one level of a building to another.

Next level the ground and build up low spots with fill dirt so the area slopes away from the house. Building outdoor wooden steps requires a clear level area. This is also called the total rise. They rest on a solid foundation and are attached to the deck with hangers.

For each stair cut 10 treads from 2 x 10 lumber and 7 risers from osb sheets. Use pea gravel and wood posts to build steps in your yard. For example divide 35 inches by a 7 inch riser to get 5 steps. To combat this install the treated 2 x 4 directly against the floor.

Start by removing shrubs and plants from the spot where the steps will be located which could be alongside the house a porch or a deck. This deck already has wood decking and deck railings installed. Also cut one piece of treated 2 x 4 lumber to 3 long. Clamp the stair gauges to the carpenter s square.

Fortunately they re simple to install with these basic step by step instructions.