Step 1 · Determine Stair Riser Height and Tread Depth

The first step in laying out deck stair stringers is to determine the optimal riser height and tread depth. The total rise is the vertical distance from the ground or landing to the deck surface. Divide the total rise by the desired number of risers to get the riser height. For example, if your total rise is 40 inches and you want 7 risers, each riser would be approximately 5.7 inches. Building codes often specify a maximum riser height (e.g., 7.75 inches) and a minimum tread depth (e.g., 10 inches). It's best to aim for consistency across all steps. The total run (or going) of the stairs is the horizontal distance covered by the treads. The formula for comfortable stairs is often cited as '2 * riser height + tread depth' should be between 24 and 25 inches. Calculate these values carefully to ensure safe and comfortable stairs.

Tools and Materials