Deck Stairs

[gregrocks89]

So im replacing my deck stairs as they are starting to rot and the previous owner kinda went "free style" on making them. The deck boards and railing are fine. So anyways the steps are a 3 step stringer but you had one hell of step to the deck on the 3rd step. So today i bought some 4 step stringers. My question is whats everyone's idea on fastening the stringers to the deck. The total width of my steps are gonna be 36"

 

the owner before had had a shit load of nails drove into the deck and i just pulled the steps off by hand haha. So i kinda what them some what secure. Does anyone run any railing on the their steps for just 4 steps? I was thinking if i did i know you can get away with just having railing on the one side.

[wurgs]

They make a bracket to nail it to the deck. Its shaped so you pound nails through it directly to the deck and the stringers. As for rails, unless you have elderly or young kids using it I wouldn't bother.

[TexasAl]

There are brackets that attach the beams to the deck. You can nail them to the deck, and then the stairs are attached to the brackets. As far as rails are concerned, I wouldn't think about leaving the hand rails off. It is an accident waiting to happen. Good luck.

[Prokopchuk_9]

ya nman brackets are the ticket, refrain from using nails too. get some good screws. nails will just creak and moan after 6 months.

[AGT]

Yep. I would use the coated deck screws and stringer brackets. I had a deck with nails and I will never again. They eventually came up. This time the new boards will stay down.

[gregrocks89]

yeah i aint using any nails what so ever haha

[tanked_darren]

Put the rail up because you just never know, 4 steps is pushin' it.

[06pirate]

Be sure to check your local building codes for step spacing, riser/tread dimensions and handrail requirements. Not just an accident waiting, but a LAWSUIT waiting when anyone falls, trips, etc.

[tanked_darren]

Mentioned this to a buddy I think once it's 3 you need the rail anyways, I'd put it there for the drunks mostly.

[Nick The Great]

I think OSHA requires any platform to be handrail'ed if it's 4' off the ground. I believe the same applies for stairs. And personally if there's any chance you'll be walking on them in the snow/ice/rain I'd do it. At least one side.

 

And FWIW screws seem like a better idea (probably are here) but nails have a higher shear strength. Which is why you don't see screws in construction.

[mfennema]

If you don't want to see the brackets, you can attach some blocking directly to the deck that would go between each stringer and then connect the stringer to that blocking. This allows you to screw directly through the stringer into the blocking instead of having to screw at an angle.

[gregrocks89]

im just gonna use the angle brackets and leg bolt them to the deck. The deck is only 30"s off the ground so thats why i was debating to have step rails