FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe

In every issue you'll find...

  • Expert insights on techniques and principles
  • Unbiased tool reviews
  • Step-by-step details to master the job
  • Field-tested advice and know-how
Subscribe Now!
Subscribe
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
  • Join
  • Log In
Subscribe

Fine Homebuilding Project Guides

Decks

Guide Home
Chapter
  • Design & Planning
  • Tools & Materials
  • Footings & Foundations
  • Framing a Deck
  • Installing Decking
  • Installing Railings
  • Deck Stairs
  • Custom Details
  • Finishes, Repairs, and Maintenance
  • Complete Deck Builds
Mastered in a Minute

How to Install Deck-Stair Treads

Learn the basics of deck-stair construction, including lumber options, board spacing, and common types of fasteners.

By Fine Homebuilding Editors

There is plenty of variety in deck stair tread configurations. No one configuration is stronger than the other; it all depends on your preference. You just need to make sure that you adjust the spacing of your stringers accordingly. Common deck-stair tread configurations include two pieces of 5/4×6 or 2×6 lumber, three pieces of 5/4×4 or 2×4 lumber, or a single piece of 2×12 lumber. Pick whichever configuration you wish, but for 5/4 treads, stringers need to be spaced no more than 12 in. apart, and for 2x treads, stringers are spaced no more than 16 in. apart.

Cracking and rotting are major threats to your wooden stairs. Prior to installing the treads, apply copper naphthenate to the exposed cuts on the stringers to prevent rot, and to minimize cracking at the ends of the treads, overhang the stringers by at least one inch. When it comes to fastening, make sure to use corrosion-resistant screws that are long enough to penetrate the stringer by at least 1-1/2-in. Use a square to make sure the screws are aligned accurately. If you’re working with 4- or 6-in. wide treads, you need two screws fastened into each stringer, but if you’re working with 12-inch wide treads, you need three.

More about deck-stair builds:

Mounting Deck Stairs – Dedicated footings and the right hardware make a secure stringer attachment.

Stronger, Smarter Deck Stairs – The ideal stair stringers balance strength, durability, and ease of assembly.

Curved Deck Stairs – A temporary form and laminated plywood stringers make building these stairs easier than you might think.

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
Previous: Securing Deck Stair Treads Next: Durable Deck Stairs

Guide

Decks

Chapter

Deck Stairs

View Comments

  1. drrossw | Apr 14, 2017 05:22pm | #1

    Predrill the treads at the ends or they will split as they dry out. .

  2. User avater
    huskiedad | Apr 16, 2017 08:04am | #2

    Not sure how the stringers are hung to the deck joist or what the decking is, but the treads should be the same depth as whatever the decking is or you will get a trip up at the top step or awkward step going up or down.

  3. KnotRough | Apr 16, 2017 08:31am | #3

    Who installs treads (or even decking) with the ring growth (cup) turned upwards???

  4. user-3745310 | Apr 28, 2017 01:09pm | #4

    I have an issue in that the two tread planks are placed touching each other. The material is obviously not particularly rot resistant, and he DOES suggest using a end cut type product, why not give a space for the boards? They are going to trap detritus and promote rot. Here in Northern CA, I found that if I used 3/8" spacing, I have almost no buildup, much easier to clean stairs when they get leaves or needles too.

  5. KasilofLeif | May 25, 2017 02:17pm | #5

    Remember that "building to code" is the worst you can legally build? I'm so tired of treads that don't fit my size 13 feet. Not to mention risers for partially handicapped.... Since my deck is Trek, why not the treads - with gaps as California user-374510 points out? It seems like no-one takes stairs beyond code. So what if I lose 5 inches of lawn on one end and gravel on the other.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Decks

Decks

Hundreds of articles and videos by top deck-building pros on how to design and build a beautiful, sturdy, and safe deck

View Project Guide

View All Project Guides »

Become a member and get unlimited site access, including the Decks Project Guide.

Start Free Trial

Design & Planning
  • Basic Design Options
  • Generating Plans
  • Calculating Deck Loads
  • Code Compliance
Tools & Materials
  • Deck Building Tools
  • Foundation and Framing Materials
  • Decking Materials
  • Fasteners and Hardware
Footings & Foundations
  • Choosing a Foundation
  • Sizing and Laying Out Footings
  • Excavation
  • Pouring the Foundation
Framing a Deck
  • Framing Overview
  • Installing the Ledger
  • Setting Posts and Beams
  • Installing Joists
Installing Decking
  • Decking Basics
  • Installation Process
  • Adding Fascia and Other Decorative Elements
Installing Railings
  • Installing Deck Railing Posts
  • Building Wood Rails and Balustrades
  • Non-Wood Railing Options
  • Installing Nonwood Balustrades
Deck Stairs
  • Deck Stairs Overview
  • Laying Out, Cutting, and Installing the Stringers
  • Installing Treads, Risers, and Stair Railings
Custom Details
  • Benches, Planters, and Privacy Features
  • Pergolas
  • Lighting
Finishes, Repairs, and Maintenance
  • Deck Finishes
  • Cleaning and Refinishing
  • Inspection and Repair
Complete Deck Builds
  • Grade-Level Decks
  • Raised Decks

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences

Taunton Network

  • Green Building Advisor
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Fine Gardening
  • Threads
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Copyright
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2022 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Shop the Store

  • Books
  • DVDs
  • Taunton Workshops

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in