L-Shaped Stairs for Your Deck

Got a raised deck and limited space? L-shaped stairs for your deck are a right-angle stair solution that includes a landing and redirects foot traffic efficiently without sacrificing style. They’re perfect for maximizing space, improving safety, and creating a seamless transition from deck to yard.

L-shaped stairs for your deck work well with custom finishes like carpet stair treads, which add grip, comfort, and a finished look to the landing and steps. In this guide, you'll learn when to use them, how to design them, and what materials make them last. Let’s break down the essentials to help you build smarter and safer stairs.

Why Choose L-Shaped Stairs?  

L-shaped stairs, also known as quarter-turn stairs, are popular because of their clean look and practical function. That 90-degree angle helps the staircase fit snugly into corners, which makes it ideal for tight or awkward spaces. Plus, the landing gives people a moment to pause—important if you’ve got older family members or little ones running around.

And unlike bulky staircases that steal space, L-shaped stairs give back—by directing foot traffic more naturally and making the yard or lower-level patio easier to access.

Design Ideas for L-Shaped Deck Stairs  

When it comes to L-shaped stair design ideas, there’s no shortage of creative options. Whether you're into rustic charm or a modern edge, here are some things to think about:

• Material Choices: Composite decking or pressure-treated wood both work well, depending on your budget and maintenance preferences.

• Railing Styles: Go for horizontal wire rails for a sleek look or traditional wooden spindles for Southern charm.

• Lighting: Add under-tread lights or solar railing caps for nighttime use.

• Landscaping Touches: Add planter boxes on each side of the landing to soften the structure and tie in your yard.

This design is all about customization—so you can build something that reflects your home and your life.

Pros and Cons of L-Shaped Deck Stairs  

Pros:

• Makes better use of limited space.

• Adds a pause point with the landing (great for safety).

• Visually interesting—adds texture to your deck design.

• Turns the stair away from high-traffic zones for added privacy.

Cons:

• Slightly more complex to build than a straight stair.

• Materials may cost a bit more due to the landing.

• Might need extra support beams or framing adjustments.

Knowing the trade-offs helps you plan with confidence.

When to Choose a Staircase at a Right Angle  

If you’ve been wondering when a staircase at a right angle makes more sense than a straight run, here's a helpful guide:

• Your deck is more than 30 inches high. A landing breaks up the vertical climb.

• You need to preserve backyard or patio space.

• You want to tuck stairs around a corner so they’re less visible.

• You’re designing for safety or style—and L-shaped stairs do both.

This design works especially well if your home has an existing corner that lines up with the deck layout.

How to Measure and Plan L-Shaped Deck Stairs  

Before building, here’s what you’ll want to measure:

• Deck height: Measure from the deck surface to the ground.

• Landing placement: Midway or lower, depending on deck size.

• Riser height and tread depth: Riser should be about 7”, tread about 10”.

• Stringer angle: For a 90-degree turn, you'll need to cut two sets of stringers and install proper landing support.

Helpful Tip: Use a free stair calculator online to reduce errors—or consult a local contractor if you’re not confident in your math.

Blending L-Shaped Stairs With Landscaping  

Your stairs are more than just a way to go up and down—they’re part of the view.

To tie in your new L-shaped stairs for your deck with the landscape, try:

• Planting boxwoods or ornamental grasses along the base.

• Using paver stones or a gravel pad at the bottom landing.

• Adding solar path lights or uplighting beneath the treads.

• Placing a custom stair tread rug on the landing from Oak Valley Designs for slip protection and extra warmth.

These touches complete the space and create flow from deck to yard.

Alternatives to L-Shaped Stairs (and Why L-Shaped Wins)  

Not sure if L-shaped is the best fit? Here’s how it compares to other popular stair types in terms of space, usability, and overall cost:

While spiral stairs look cool, they’re not always kid- or pet-friendly. U-shaped stairs are nice but often overkill. L-shaped stairs hit that sweet spot of functional, safe, and stylish.

Material & Finish Options That Work Best for L-Shaped Stairs  

Here’s a quick material guide for building your L-shaped stairs:

Best Materials:

• Pressure-treated lumber – Affordable, DIY-friendly.

• Composite decking – Durable and low maintenance.

• Steel stringers with wood treads – Modern and high-strength.

Finishing Tips:

• Use grip tape or non-slip stair covers on treads.

• Stain or seal wood annually to protect from weather.

• Pair with aluminum or vinyl railings for a long-lasting finish.

cBonus: Oak Valley’s stair tread rugs can be cut to fit outdoor applications—giving your landing an extra boost in comfort and traction.

Enhancing Safety and Accessibility  

Let’s talk safety—especially if your household includes small children, older adults, or pets.

Add-ons to consider:

• Non-slip treads for each stair (like Oak Valley’s carpet options).

• Handrails on both sides for added grip.

• Wider treads if mobility is a concern.

• Lighting under railings or on each riser.

Safety isn’t about overbuilding—it’s about smart building. L-shaped stairs give you room to integrate these features without crowding the deck.

Stepping It Up  

L-shaped stairs are more than a functional necessity—they're an opportunity to boost curb appeal, comfort, and home safety. Whether you're tackling the project yourself or guiding a contractor, a right-angle staircase offers lasting value with less visual bulk.

Let's Build Together  

At Oak Valley Designs, we believe every upgrade to your home should be beautiful, practical, and made with care. From stair treads to landing rugs, we craft each piece right here in the USA—with the comfort of your family in mind.

Need a rug that fits your new landing? Want a swatch to compare finishes? Let us help you take that next step.

• Website: https://oakvalleydesigns.com/

• Phone: 706.331.0315

• Email: info@oakvalleydesigns.com

• Address: 30 River Ct SW Bldg E Cartersville, Ga 30120s.