If you are free for a day at home, then building deck stairs is one amazing project you can work on to ensure you finish the long awaited project. The difficulty level of building the said deck stairs could be moderately difficult, and this is what makes the project even more fun. Get your toolbox and let’s get to work. The coast of building deck stairs can vary between $100 and $500.
Whether you are building new deck stairs or replacing an old set, the first thing that ought to be done is visualization. How do you picture your stairs to be? Do you want to incorporate various shapes or patterns in the stairs? Do you desire regular shapes? What is the approximate height you desire? All these should go into the design process to ensure that you get the best out of your creativity. With the above questions answered, roughly estimate a 40 degree slope that gives you the landing spot of the deck stairs. An approximate measure of the landing spot can be given using a straight and level 2×4 or 4×4 plank of wood.
Accuracy in the planning process helps you make the best use of your materials and have a safe set of stairs to use. With a thorough plan, everything works just as you had imagined in your mind. Deck plan design should start with a side view, and then dimensions should come in by and by. Going over calculations is a good thing so as to get all the math right. It is the calculations that determine the area where each stair will fall as well as show the desirable stringer and skirt material.
With the sketch in hand, you need to get to buy the desired materials. Wood will almost automatically be needed, even if you desire to have a synthetic deck plan. The wood goes in the ground and offers support while the synthetic stairs are laid last. Ensure that the wood used is treated. This increases the length of stay that the wood gives service.
A lot of focus should go in having a solid foundation which gives you confidence that your deck stairs will last for many years. Cosmetic cover-up should be done to hide the not so good looking base of the deck stairs. This gives the entire deck plan look polished and structurally strong. With a good foundation, you can rest assured that your build is very safe and gives firm support for the guard rails as well as hand rails.
Some of the important things needed to accomplish this project successfully is a circular saw, a hand saw and a carpenters square. Stair gauges are also very important in giving the deck stairs the desired vertical stair height and also help in giving the best horizontal lines. Do find out if your local by laws need to have a deck stair approval so that you do not get into any trouble. With a structurally sound plan, you can expect to have no problem.
