Steps should always have uniform rise. Our brains expect that the step following the first will be about the same, and it’s guaranteed to cause stumbling and worse if you do it lop-sided. Splitting the height puts you square in the range given by accessibility guidelines.

How do you build two step stairs?


Quote from Youtube video: Because you want to make sure you get it all right for the risers. And the runners. And the different thicknesses of the wood. The other thing too is the height of the steps.

What to do with a step that is too high?

If there is only one step to negotiate into your property but you find it too high a simple solution would be to purchase either a plastic or a metal half step. This is a portable option to resolve the problem and does not require any fixtures or adaptation to the property.

How high should steps be?

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.

What is the standard rise and run for deck stairs?

The maximum allowable stair rise is 7 3/4 inches, and the minimum stair rise is 4 inches. For recommendations on rise-run combos, see the tip below. The difference between a stair’s longest and shortest riser height or stair depth should be no more than 3/8 inch.

What is the height of a 2 step Stringer?

For new or replacement projects. Step stringers are cut for 2″ X 12″ Treads, and have a 7″ Rise.

How do you make a two step stair stringer?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: I'm going to use my framing square. This side will be the rise. This side will be the run. So this edge will be six and seven-eighths my rise I'll hold that point and then the run is 10 and 3/4.

Can steps be different heights?

ALL steps must have the same rise. You cannot have, for example, have 200mm for the first three risers and 205mm for the remainder. However, if there is a flat landing between a staircase it can be interpreted that you can have a different rise and going on the bottom flight to the top.

How do you make steps less steep?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: The only way to fix this is to actually make the tread larger. And if you make the tread larger you're going to make the stairway. Longer. So for example this right here is a 9 inch tread.

Can first stair risers be different heights?

Per the latest edition of the 2012 International Residential Code (IRC), the maximum allowed difference in riser height is 3/8″. (This means that the difference in height between the tallest and the shortest riser on your stairs can be no more than 3/8″.)

Is an 8 inch step too high?

Building codes in many areas define maximum step height and minimum tread width, but in areas where it is not defined, Council of American Building Officials and International Code Council both recommend the rise to be no more than 7.75 inches and runs to be no less than 10 inches.

Does stair riser sit on top of tread?

All your risers will sit behind the tread, with the tread flush against the face of the riser behind it. This allows you to screw through the subfloor from behind into the riser and tread, making a solid bond between both riser and tread. Installation of the riser first allows you to level the tread properly.

How much should 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.

Do you paint treads or risers first?

Once the stairs are ready, it’s best to start by painting the risers. That way, you can remove any paint you get on the treads before staining them; and painted risers are relatively easy to protect from stain. Choose semigloss or gloss paint — both are easier to keep clean than flat paint.

Should you nail or screw stair treads?

Don’t fasten treads and or risers with only nails or staples. The adhesive is much more important than the fasteners. There will be times when fastening may be limited, so a good adhesive is critical. Don’t use the stringer as a level for the treads.

Is Liquid Nails good for stair treads?

We no longer recommend using Liquid Nails® brand products. Because Liquid Nails’ products are labeled very similarly and packaging can vary between location and retailer, we strongly discourage the use of any other brand of adhesive, including Liquid Nails, for your stair installation.

Which is better for deck nails or screws?

Decking screws are better than nails when building a deck. Decking screws hold down your decking more securely than nails and will stop your decking from warping. Also, you can easily remove screws for deck maintenance without causing damage.