Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Stairs How to?

I need to build a set of stairs to finish this deck before it finishes me. Anyone have a formula to figure it out. Or maybe know of a good book that would have a formula in it?

http://www.easy2diy.com/cm/easy/diy_ht_index.asp?page_id=35694764

http://lifestyle.ninemsn.com.au/ourhouse/factsheets/db/intheworkshop/05/538.asp?MSID=8641d31e83b54dcf9655decf1de13abb

http://www.handymanwire.com/articles/deckbuilding2.html

http://www.ehow.com/ehow/ehow.jsp?index=1056&id=2414

http://www.houseandhomesite.com/article1014.html

http://www.michaelholigan.com/Departments/projects/steps.asp

Louis,

I would highly recommend checking with your local building inspectors regarding maximum riser height and minimum run distance. It varies somewhat in different locals. For example, I just finished a deck staircase in Chesapeake, VA where the maximum riser height is 8 1/4 inches and the minimum run (width) of the step is 11 inches. Additionally, here in VA, there can be no more than a quarter of an inch difference in the rise of any two steps.

Good luck,
Brian

Thanks for pointing out the Code requirements. Building codes do tend to vary.

http://doityourself.com/enjoyinghomes/workwithoutpermits.htm

additionally you need 3 stringers if its 36 .. you can use 2 if the max stair tread width is 32 inches. .. stairs seem hard the first time. the third time youre doing a 1" cutback per tread laughing as you lay them out its so simple. A construction calculator is helpful. Doing the math on a regular calculator leaves you with decimals which you have to convert to fractional 16ths which never has worked out perfectly for me in 4 plus sets of stairs. But the amount is probably equal to using a thin versus regualr kerf saw blade to cut the treads so not real important just a pain. There are stair building codes online someplace that give you lots of help. Tallest you can go without landing is 16' if memory serves and you need to brace the stairs with posts @ 6 feet.

actually cutting the stringers..

1 take your height divide by 7
2 round this number up this is how many risers you have
3 divide height by number of risers to get your actual riser height
4 with your tread depth and riser height lay out using a framing square on the stringers starting near the bottom then adjusting the sqaure until it reads the numbers you are aiming for then repeat over and over
5 cut out the "triangles" and then handsaw ( not me lol i use jigsaw) out the corners
6 you need to adjust the height of the first riser by deducting the thickness of the tread so if you are using 2x for the treads cut off 1 1/2".
7 you will have one more riser than tread when its all laid out
my advice.. buy longer stringers than you think you need just to be safe better to waste 18" than 14' of wood.

Its really just a few bits of math and not as hard as it seems... but its impressive when its done..when your friends ask how you did it .. MAGIC!... im working on curved stairs one of these days. Hope this helps--Josh