Deck Stair and Landing Designs

Deck Stairs With No Landing

• If your deck is low to the ground, you have many design options for its stairs. Because low decks require only one or two steps, building codes may not require railings or landings. You may decide to set the stairs at an angle at a corner of the deck using wide steps to give the deck a contemporary look. To heighten this effect, incorporate several angles for the same set of stairs or add an additional set of stairs off another corner of the deck.

High Decks and Landings

• If the deck is high above the ground, railings and landings will be required according to building codes. One design idea is to use a landing to mark a change in the direction of the bottom portion of the stairs. If you use this design option, ensure the bottom portion of the staircase is not under the deck for safety. Another design idea is to create wide stairs with multiple landings for appeal. If you do not want the staircase to become a focal point, set the stairs to one side of the deck.

Open Stairs

• Open risers can provide strong visual impact for deck stairs. However, if you choose this design option, keep in mind that building inspectors will examine your deck stairs to ensure the rise and run conforms to local building codes. Open risers must be small enough so that they are not a safety hazard. Open stairs can be used with or without landings.

Multilevel Deck Stairs

• A trend in deck design is to build the deck on several levels, having each level double as a landing and a deck. Place the barbeque grill close to the house, the seating area down a level to avoid heat and smoke from the grill and a third level suitable for children or for use as a solarium. For multilevel decks, decide if the deck stairs will span the entire opening, or whether a 3- or 4-foot wide stairway is preferred. Most building codes for decks require deck stairs to be a minimum of 36-inches wide.