Consulting » Decking » Stairs

Building stairs for the terrace

Building stairs is one of the more complicated aspects of the wooden decking project. Here you can find out how to build the stair stringer, how to fit the tread and riser and what these things actually are.

1. planning the staircase

Before you start with your staircase, you should carefully measure the conditions on site. The number of steps is determined by the height. The total depth of the staircase is calculated from the number of steps. As far as the width is concerned, you are generally free to plan the staircase as you wish, either across the full width of the terrace or only at certain points.

With the Betterwood terrace planner, we plan wooden terraces including stairs free of charge. For our customers who have already used this service, we have included classification notes at the end of each section.

2. the substructure of a wooden staircase

The substructure of the staircase provides the support surface for screwing the steps and facing. It defines the height and width of the stairs and the depth of the tread.

Several rectangles of construction timber are screwed together for each step, which are later mounted on edge. Even with stairs, the decking boards should be screwed down at least every 50 cm. This results in the required number of these substructure rectangles.

BW-Terrassenplaner: In the data sheet that you received from us, you will find information on which material is used for which part of the staircase.

2.1. Horizontal substructure

The rectangles of the substructure consist of horizontally and vertically installed structural timbers that are cut to the desired size. The upper horizontal substructure defines the depth of the step. The lower horizontal substructure increases the stability of the construction.

BW Terrace Planner: You will find your material requirements under Substructure …horizontal.

2.2. Vertical substructure

The vertically installed structural timbers define the heights of the individual steps. We recommend – as shown – placing the vertical substructure on the foundation. The horizontally installed substructure then rests on these posts as a support for the treads. Now place the rectangles in the desired position, step by step.

BW decking planner: You will find your material requirements under Substructure …vertical.

2.3. Horizontal substructure (parallel planks)

The distance between the upright rectangles is defined by the desired width of the staircase. The step should rest on a substructure at the beginning and end and be screwed down at least every 50 cm. Screw construction timbers horizontally between the gaps at the front start and rear end of the stairs, running parallel to the boards. This is important for the stability of the staircase.

BW decking planner: You can find your material requirements at  Substructure …horizontal (parallel boards).

2.4. Further options for the substructure

You may already have a stone staircase or a metal stair stringer that you just want to cover with wood. In this case, you only need a support into which you can screw the steps.

BW decking planner: In the online planner, you have the option of selecting the scope of the substructure offered.

3. steps of a terrace staircase

The substructure is now in place and the steps are being screwed together. A step is usually between 25 and 35 cm deep. When planning, it is best to use two to three times the width of your decking boards as a guide. Concealed fastening would also be possible for the steps. However, we recommend a visible screw connection, as this is much easier to implement.

BW Terrace Planner: You will find your material requirements under Step.

4.1. Front veneer

The front facing of a staircase is also called the riser. It corresponds to the height of a step and is screwed onto the substructure of the staircase.

BW Terrace Planner: You will find your material requirements under Facing …front.

4.2. Lateral veneering

The side panel prevents the side view of the substructure of your staircase. The side facing is usually fitted over the full height of the patio stairs and is installed on one or both sides of the stairs, depending on the conditions on site.

BW Terrace Planner: You can find your material requirements under Facing …..