Building steps used to require complicated measurements and difficult angled cuts, but the precut pressure treated stringers available at home centers today have made the job much easier.
Allow for a stringer at each end of the steps and at 16” intervals in between. Use corrosion resistant screws and nails to assemble the steps.
Start by measuring the width of the opening, then cut a treated 2”x4” to length to attach to the side of the house as an anchor for the stringers. Remember to take 3” off the length of the anchor board to allow for the thickness of the end stringers.
Position the anchor board on the house, taking into account the thickness of the top tread. Screw the board in place, making sure it’s level with the house. When attaching to brick, drill pilot holes with masonry bit for anchors or masonry screws.
Place the outside stringers against the house flush with the top of the anchor board, checking to be sure they’re level and square, and nail them to the ends of the anchor board.
Cut 1½” off the end of each of the inside stringers to allow for the thickness of the anchor board.
Toenail the inside stringers to the anchor board flush with the top.
Attach a treated 1”x 8” riser to the bottom of the steps to tie the stringers together.
Cut the 5/4” x 6” pressure treated treads to length, allowing for the overhang on each end, and nail them in place. Using two treads on each step minimizes the cracking and cupping that might occur with a single wide board.
Rip 1”x8” risers to width and cut to length flush with the outside of the stringers. Nail the risers to the stringers to complete the steps.
Further Information
- How to Build Deck Handrails (video)
- How to Add Built-in Deck Seating (video)
- How to Build a Deck Foundation (video)
- How to Install Wood Deck Boards (video)
Just a few things: 1) Never attach the ledger board to the house without the use of a few galvanized flat washers between the board and house where the bolts go through. i.e., One washer directly under the bolt-head, and then two washers between the house and ledger board. Drainage must occur between the house and wood, or there will be future “problems” of one sort or another. 2) Very few houses are perfectly level, and the exterior steps should be off-level just a tad (approx. 1/16” to 1/8” per lineal ft.) This is never noticed, nor is it dangerous, but does allow for most of the rainwater to drain off the steps. 3) Don’t just “nail” the stringers to the “anchor” board… screw them on, or better yet… use mini-joist hangers for the strength needed. Don’t forget, there is no “ramset” board at the bottom of exterior steps, unless you install one. (I certainly don’t see one on the steps here) By the way, just what in the devil are the stringers, and bottom riser sitting on… the dirt? That’s a direct path for water to wick up. There should “at least” be some bricks for them to sit on!
Chaz / A Pro Builder
i am looking for somthing to put over a wooden deck. Is there a product to lay over a worn deck? Like a thin covering. I do not really wany oudside green carpet.
I have to put ONE step outside my back door to the driveway but it’s not level. The driveway slops down. How do I level this board and attach it to the driveway??
My husband and I build these steps and it looks great!
Thank you Danny Lipford!
Elle Rodas
Hi Elle,
Glad to hear our step video was helpful!
do you need a permit for this? And what about hand rails
Our steps will come from the patio up into the yard, they won’t be attached to the house. How do I get the steps securely in the ground?
I have lived in my house about eight years. Thanks to your video, I now have steps out my sliding doors. I followed your directions and it was a great experience. My steps are beautiful!!! Thank you so much.
Question: What should I place on the ground to support the bottom of the steps? I’m considering a concrete slab as the steps will be leading right to our front walkway.
Is there a page on your video with all the materials needed to get at Home Depot?
I viewed risers, but don’t see the plans and stuff for the rest of the materials.
I’m hitting a Handyman, and want to get an idea for his material costs
Thank you
Lorna
to: Tony
home depot and target have wooden tiles 1 ft square 10 to a package that snap together. or use any indoor/outdoor carpeting.
installing wooden steps from patio to back door, from patio to top of door sill is 21 in. on a stringer how many riser or runs will I need. thank you tony
Hi, Tony,
Each home is different, so without knowing all the details about yours, we recommend visiting your local The Home Depot, explaining your home’s complete specifications and each household member’s unique needs, and asking for tailored advice. Good luck on your project!
My sister 80 years old has a new front porch that was built for her that is very nice but the bottom step is about 10 to 12 inches high and difficult for her to climb. The steps end on her concrete sidewalk. How can I put one additional step on there to make the height of the first two steps more usable for her? Thanks for any help you can offer.
Hi, Charles,
Danny says, “You can easily pour a small step by using Quikrete bag concrete. I would suggest going to their website, http://www.quikrete.com, and you will find a video about pouring a small pad of concrete and that’s all you would need to do.
“You might also consider pouring a small ramp instead of the step to make it easier for your mom.
Good luck with your project, Charles!”
My lawn care person recommended his son in law, who is a carpenter to put up a wood back porch, which is quite small. However, he placed the wood on top of old outdoor carpeting. Is this recommended or will the carpet be subjected to mold. Thanks
In regards to the DIY exterior steps with stingers, I was wondering how I can get the full video as 1 minute is too short and not sure how to get the complete picture as trying to do this myself but want to do it right. Thanks.
Hi, Darin! Here’s the longer video: https://todayshomeowner.com/video/building-deck-stairs/
Good luck. 🙂