Calculate Stair Dimensions — Design the Deck Steps
Part of project
How to Build Portable Deck Steps · Step 1 of 9
In this video
Begin by understanding the two main factors for stair construction: rise and run. Determine the run by deciding the width of each tread; for example, two 5.5-inch deck boards will result in an 11-inch run per step. Next, determine the total rise by measuring the vertical distance from the top of your deck to the landing surface (e.g., compacted gravel with paver stones). Divide this total rise by the desired number of rises to get the individual rise height for each step. In this example, a total rise of 20 5/8 inches divided by 3 rises gives approximately 6 7/8 inches per rise.
Calculate Stair Dimensions — Design the Deck Steps
Part of project
How to Build Portable Deck Steps · Step 1 of 9
In this video
Begin by understanding the two main factors for stair construction: rise and run. Determine the run by deciding the width of each tread; for example, two 5.5-inch deck boards will result in an 11-inch run per step. Next, determine the total rise by measuring the vertical distance from the top of your deck to the landing surface (e.g., compacted gravel with paver stones). Divide this total rise by the desired number of rises to get the individual rise height for each step. In this example, a total rise of 20 5/8 inches divided by 3 rises gives approximately 6 7/8 inches per rise.