Deck stairs come in all kinds; these types are the most common.
Your deck is a place to enjoy the outdoors on a secure, comfortable platform. While this is the primary purpose of a deck, it will not be a deck unless it has a way to lead people from its platform to the ground below. The only situation where it would not need stairs would be if it is right above the ground itself. If stairs are a part of your deck design, here are some of the most popular types of deck stairs. Mid-Atlantic Deck & Fence in Gambrills, Maryland, is happy to help you come up with a beautiful deck design!
The Basics of Deck Stairs
All deck stairs have three fundamental elements that make up the stairs: the stringers, the risers, and the treads. The stringers are the planks on which the steps rest. The risers are the flat part of the steps, and the treads are the vertical planks supporting the risers. These three basic elements help to create any of the types of deck stairs below.
Types of Deck Stairs
Straight Steps
A straight staircase is one of the simplest options you can find. It is a single set of stairs leading off the deck without any curve or angle. It might sit at any point that creates efficient traffic flow into the backyard. It could be on the side, the corner, or the front of a deck.
Stairs with Landings
Deck stairs with one or more landings are best for decks at a middle or high elevation. Each set of stairs can contain only so many steps before a landing is necessary to help with the staircase’s stability.
Wide Steps
Wide steps may be straight or flare out toward the backyard. Wide or flared steps may be more fitting for traffic flow; it allows more room to spread out into the backyard. Regardless, your stair treads may need to be at least 36 inches wide, but can be 5 feet or wider with a wide step design.
Wrap-Around Steps
Wrap-around steps, also known as cascading steps, are great for low elevation decks with ample backyard space around all sides. These decks naturally do not have railings; the stairs bordering the deck allow for the most flexible access possible.
Spiral Stairs
Spiral stairs are elegant and great for saving space. They typically sit on the side of a deck, and are made of metal or a synthetic material for the utmost durability. Even so, they may be the most difficult to use for kids, the elderly, and anyone with mobility issues.
Call Mid-Atlantic Deck & Fence For Your New Deck or Fence!
Mid-Atlantic Deck & Fence has almost 30 years of experience in building beautiful custom fences, gazebos, screened-in porches, and decks throughout the state of Maryland. We have the expertise to design your dream fence or custom deck and have it installed in a headache-free process. Give us a call at 1-800-833-9310 or visit us online for a quote today! We offer many different styles of fencing and decking, in addition to custom options designed specifically to suit your preferences and tastes. To see examples of our work and get more tips on how to choose the right decking for your family, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Houzz, Pinterest, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
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