Deck stairs – 1st tread flush with top of deck or not?
einardog
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
Hi all. In regards to attaching stairs to a deck is the choice to have the first tread flush with the deck surface or down the height of one riser just a matter of preference? I see in the Prescriptive Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide figure 31 that you can use joist hangers to attach the stringers and that the 1st tread is flush with the deck.
Replies
I can't say that I've ever seen a deck stairway where the top tread was flush with the deck surface. Would make it a mini-landing, no?
I like the first tread flush if there is run room. Seems safer to me but we do them both ways.
I agree with the if there is room for it! I have never done it that way though. Personal preference should be OK.
The only thing it's going to make a difference with is where the handrail starts.
>>>you can use joist hangers
>>>you can use joist hangers to attach the stringers and that the 1st tread is flush with the deck.
That's what I did with our (unfinished) deck. See the pic.
Whatever you like
It is a simple design choice. Either works.
Generally you end up with an extra pair of newel posts by projecting before descending.