Most high-end deck projects use closed risers to finish the stairs. Open risers sometimes appear cheap and unfinished. They also are often in violation of IRC code for decks over 30″, which maintains that they meet the same requirements as guardrail infill.
Do outdoor stairs need risers?
Outdoor stair riser code
Outdoor stair risers must comply with IRC section R311. 7.5 stair treads and risers. The riser height shall not be more than 7 3/4 inches.
Are risers required?
OSHA 1910.25(e)(2) requires ship stairs to have open risers with a vertical rise between tread surfaces of 6.5 to 12 inches (17 to 30 cm). IBC 1011.15. 2 requires ships ladders to have a maximum riser height of 9 1/2″ (241mm).
Are risers required by code?
The ADA states that all stairs and stairway must have uniform riser heights and tread widths. One section also states that stair treads cannot project past the stair riser by more than 1/2″ and should be curved or beveled to help prevent falls from a step.
What is code for stairs on a deck?
Requirements for Deck Stairs
Stair rails on decks should be between 34 inches and 38 inches high, measured vertically from the nose of the tread to the top of the rail. Treads must be at least 10 inches deep, measuring from front to back.
What can I use as an outdoor stair riser?
When building an outdoor stairway, they are typically cut from the same material as the upper floor deck or porch–5/4″ pressure-treated pine or 2″-thick lumber. Risers (Fig. 2) are the vertical members at the back of each tread. 1″ surfaced boards (3/4″ net thickness) are the most common material used.
Should deck stairs be open or closed?
Closed Deck Stairs
Closed stairs are safer for small children or pets that might accidentally slip through open risers. (Gaps in stair risers are rarely a safety hazard, but they do make some people nervous while climbing because they can see through.)
At what height do you need steps?
The general rule (in the US) is 7-11 (a 7 inch rise and 11 inch run) (17.78cm-27.94cm). More exactly, no more than 7 3/4 inches (19.7cm) for the riser (vertical) and a minimum of 10 inches (25.4cm) for the tread (horizontal or step). You can find some more information here as well on other stair-related dimensions.
What is the minimum riser height for stairs?
4 inches
Stair riser heights shall be 7 inches (178 mm) maximum and 4 inches (102 mm) minimum. The riser height shall be measured vertically between the leading edges of adjacent treads.
What height do you need steps?
Riser Heights
In the United States, the step height standard should be between 7 or 7 ¾ inches at the most, and no less than 4 inches. You should follow other measurements if given by local building codes. In Canada, the maximum step riser height is 8 ¼ inches.
Why is nosing required on stairs?
Stair nosing, especially in commercial and industrial settings, are typically fitted with a non-slip surface to increase traction and prevent injury or even death from slips, trips, and falls. The National Safety Council reports that there are over one million stair-related accidents every year.
Should deck steps overhang?
The tread nosing must overhang between 3/4” and 1-1/4” unless the tread is 11-inches or greater in depth. The stair lip improves safety by extending the horizontal space available for ascent and descent, and visually defines the step edge.
How much should deck steps overhang?
Nosing Requirements
The nosing on treads, believe it or not, has a code minimum and maximum of how far the nosing projects over the next stair. Nosings are required to overhang a minimum of ¾-in. to a maximum of 1-¼-in. Also the maximum nosing radius cannot exceed 9/16 of an inch.
What should the rise and run be for deck stairs?
The stair treads should be at least 36 inches wide. Despite these minimum requirements, we recommend that stairs should be at least 48 inches wide so they don’t feel cramped. The maximum allowable stair rise is 7 3/4 inches, and the minimum stair rise is 4 inches.
Do deck stairs need railings on both sides?
Do I Need Handrails On Both Sides of Deck Stairs? Nope. You don’t need a handrail on both sides, but you may need a railing if your deck is higher than 30″. Many contractors construct a combo handrail and stair rail system, installed on both sides, to cover all safety requirements.
What is the maximum riser height for exterior stairs?
(1) The rise of every step in a stairway shall be not less than 4 inches nor greater than 7 1/2 inches. (2) The run shall not be less than 10 inches as measured horizontally between the vertical planes of the furthermost projection of adjacent treads.
What kind of wood do you use for deck risers?
The stair stringers are essentially the backbone of your staircase. Always use straight, high-quality, pressure-treated 2x12s for stair stringers. If you are planning on resting the stringer on the ground, make sure the wood has . 60 RET level.
What is a riser on a deck?
The riser is the vertical board that extends up from the back of one tread to the nose of the one above. Together the tread and riser join to make a step. Carriage boards, or stringers, are the long slanting boards that rise from the ground to the top of the deck.
What can I use as a riser board?
Stair risers are cut from 2×8 material. Stair treads are made from deck board material. Use a framing square to mark stringers. Use the outside of the “L” to mark for rise and tread.
Do all stair risers have to be the same height?
The riser shall be measured vertically between leading edges of the adjacent treads. The greatest riser height within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm).
What is a comfortable stair rise?
Rule one says that rise plus run (r+R) should equal 18 inches. Why? That’s what most people find to be a comfortable stride on most stairs. You can cheat a bit up or down, but below 17” and more than 19” will result in steps that require strides either too big or too small for most people.
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