Planning Second Story Deck Stairs

Adding a second story deck with stairs to your home can provide beautiful views, extra living space, and a peaceful oasis for relaxing and entertaining. However, building stairs and decks at heights requires careful planning and adherence to building codes for safety. There are many factors to consider when designing and constructing second story deck stairs.

Getting the project right takes research, accurate measurements, quality materials, and often, professional help. By understanding the possibilities, considerations, and proper process, you can plan out an ideal second story deck stair project.

Benefits of Second Story Decks and Stairs

Several advantages make building a second story deck worthwhile despite the extra effort involved:

• Cheap way to add usable square footage compared to most home additions or renovations
• Provides visual interest and depth to a home's look with multiple levels
• Maximizes beautiful scenery, landscapes, or other views from the higher vantage point
• Makes use of outdoor space on a sloped or hilly yard
• Can provide a covered porch, storage, or other useable space underneath

Because decks provide relatively affordable extra living area, the investment in a second story deck can pay off for years to come.

Potential Drawbacks of Second Story Decks

Building up also comes with a few disadvantages to weigh:

• More expensive per square foot than a ground level deck due to engineering and materials
• Height creates potential safety hazards during construction and in ongoing use
• Risk of problems from poor construction like rotting wood, loose railings, or weak foundations
• Regular maintenance is critical to ensure ongoing safety and functionality
• Very costly and complicated to replace if the deck is ever damaged or worn out

Because of the expenses and risks involved, having realistic expectations about second story decks is important.

Parts of Deck Stairs

Understanding the anatomy and function of deck stairs helps in planning and building them:

• Treads - The horizontal boards that form each step that you walk on
• Stringers - The structural side supports holding treads and risers in place
• Risers - Vertical boards covering the space between each tread
• Skirts - Decorative trim pieces covering the sides of the stringers and framing

Properly engineering and connecting these stair components is crucial for safety and longevity.

Building Code Considerations

Residential building codes provide crucial guidance for proper deck stair design and construction. Key factors include:

• Adhering to all local building codes for your area
• Following the International Residential Code standard for stairs, including tread size, riser height, and more
• Accounting for the stair's exact height, shape, and building materials in the design
• Understanding the anatomy and engineering needs of deck stairs
• Checking with your local permitting office about requirements

Neglecting to follow code is unsafe and risks failing inspections or even demolition and rebuilds.

Choosing the Stair Design

Several design factors go into planning deck stairs:

• Straight - Simplest option, ideal for shorter/narrower stairs
• L-shaped - Allows stairs to make a turn, helpful on some sites
• Spiral - Compact circular stairs good for tight spaces
• Multi-level - Stairs with one or more landings splitting up rises
• Custom - Unique stair shapes tailored to the space

The best choice depends on space constraints, height, and desired look. Professional input is smart for specialty stairs.

Structural Considerations

Proper underlying structure is crucial for safety and longevity. This includes:

• Concrete footings below ground level to support the load
• Firm attachment of stringers, posts, and framing with galvanized hardware
• Cross bracing for lateral strength and rigidity
• Steel reinforcement within concrete stairs as needed
• Following all code requirements for railings, spacing, and fastening

Consulting structural engineers for load values and connections is wise, especially with greater stair heights and spans.

Material Choices

Deck stairs can be built from various materials, each with pros and cons:

• Pressure-Treated Wood - Traditional choice, affordable, prone to splintering and rotting
• Cedar - Naturally rot-resistant wood, reddish appearance, expensive
• Composite - Plastic/wood mix resists weather, pricier, limited sizes
• Concrete - Very durable but permanent, heavy, needs metal reinforcement
• Aluminum - Lightweight, won't rot, can be slippery
• Vinyl - Affordable, low maintenance, prone to becoming brittle

Consider weather exposure, long-term costs, appearance, traction, and maintenance needs when selecting deck stair materials.

Constructing the Stairs

Building the stairs properly is fundamental to safety and function. Key steps typically include:

• Pouring concrete footings below frost level
• Precisely measuring and cutting stringers from lumber
• Fastening stringers and securing to deck framing
• Installing treads and risers according to code
• Attaching code-compliant railings on both sides
• Finishing stairs with protectant stains or paint

Following manufacturers' instructions for any pre-made stair components is also important. Having an experienced deck builder handle tricky structural steps is wise.

Safety Precautions

Preventing injuries is a top priority. Safety measures include:

• Adding grip tape strips to treads to prevent slipping
• Ensuring railing height and baluster spacing meets code
• Installing lighting for nighttime visibility
• Incorporating a drainage system to keep stairs free of pooling water
• Routinely inspecting and maintaining all components

Careful construction and proactive safety improvements create far safer stairs.

Cost Factors

Variables that impact total cost include:

• Design complexity like turns or custom shapes
• Quality materials chosen and overall footprint size
• Local labor rates and contractor fees
• Permitting expenses and any special engineering needs
• Additional features like integrated lighting or storage space

Getting bids from several deck builders is wise to find cost-effective solutions. Investing in enduring materials and proper construction techniques saves money in the long run.

Building second story deck stairs allows enjoying elevated views and additional living space. With careful planning for safe design and construction, plus routine maintenance, second story decks and stairs can provide lasting functionality and beauty.