Building Landings For Deck Stairs

A landing is a flat pad, usually made of concrete, gravel, flagstone, bricks, or pavers, that appears at the bottom of deck stairs. It’s designed to support the decking and provide adequate footing support to both the stairs and the deck as a whole.

Most landings are required as part of US building codes and must meet certain standards to be considered safe. Building deck stairs without taking the codes into account can cause the stairs to sink or become unsafe over time. It can also cause issues when selling your property as the alterations won’t be deemed certifiable.

Constructing a deck on the front porch or back yard is a popular home DIY project that can be completed in several weeks. It opens up the front or back of the home, provides extra space, and creates a pleasant aesthetic for the exterior of a property.

Before constructing deck stairs as a DIY project, it’s important to consider local requirements, adequate sizing, and suitable materials. Keep reading to learn what the requirements are for deck landings, including the right number, size, and materials needed.

Do I Need a Landing For Deck Stairs?

Generally, yes, all deck stairs require a landing made from a suitably strong material, like concrete, decking, or plywood. A landing pad provides stability for the decked area and offers a solid place for people to step onto when disembarking the stairs.

Because of the support and safety they offer, all exterior staircases must have a landing according to US building codes. The landing must also be flat with only a quarter inch of slope per foot to allow water runoff.

Some states may have specific requirements and local codes for how large the landing needs to be and what material it should be made from, so always check locally before installation.

How Big Should a Landing Be On Deck Stairs?

Landings on deck stairs must be suitably sized to meet building codes. Most landing pads are of adequate size if they are at least 36 inches in length from the base of the staircase to the furthest edge. The width must be the same as the staircase itself.

Because of the regulations, most landing pads tend to be square-shaped, except for those at the foot of wide deck stairs. Wider deck staircases need a landing that covers the entire width of the steps, so the landing pad should be rectangular instead of square. Circular or other shaped landing pads are uncommon, as these are unlikely to meet building codes.

Be mindful when constructing a landing at the foot of decked stairs that includes a handrail on the landing pad. Building codes state that stairways should not be less than 36 inches below the handrail.

Before installation, plan how much space you’d like as a maximum between the handrail and the landing pad. Otherwise, you could end up with a handrail that’s too high at the landing pad, or at a different height compared with the rest of the stairs.

How Many Steps Before a Landing is Required?

All external stairs, including deck steps, should have a landing pad at the base. This is required by code and is also necessary to ensure the raised deck is safe and well-supported. Therefore, you must have a landing on deck stairs even if there are only one or two steps up to the deck.

How Long Can Deck Stairs Be Without a Landing?

Building codes state that you cannot have more than 12 feet between different floor levels or deck landings. This means if your deck is higher than 12 feet off the ground, you’ll need to install more than one landing to break up the staircase.

Most decked stairs are between 7 and 8 inches in height, so you’ll usually need a landing pad after every 17-18 steps, depending on how small or large each step is.

Building Deck Stairs With a Landing Tips

1.  Plan Properly

Before starting, it’s important to plan your project in as much detail as possible. Drawing a loose design and jotting down the steps are great ways to ensure you plan your project effectively.

When planning the construction, consider how much material you need and what tools you’ll require. You should also take note of how long it will take to complete each task to ensure you have enough time.

2.  Choose the Right Materials

If you’re building a new set of stairs, you’ll need to buy the wood or lumber, a railing, and any additional hardware required (like nails or screws). While the exact amount of lumber you need will vary, there are some standard measurements that you can follow.

For example, the tread of your deck stairs is the part that will be on the ground or near the ground. The part of the stair that’s above the ground is called the riser. You need two inches of clearance for each footstep, so if you’re building stairs that are six feet wide, you’ll need two-inch-wide treads that are at least 12 inches long. 

Additionally, the distance between the outside edges of your deck stairs should be at least 36 inches. The total rise of your deck stairs should be between 35 and 38 inches. Therefore, the total width of your deck stairs should be at least six feet wide.

3.  Consider the Location

When building a replacement set of stairs, or adding stairs to a new area, make sure you install them in the right place. Consider what tasks you need to do at the base of your deck stairs and what location will cause the least inconvenience.

For example, you don’t want your new stairs to get in the way of your lawn mower or be in the path of your car, so make sure it’s positioned in the least disruptive place. You also don’t want your stairs to be obscured by bushes or other landscaping, so make sure your stairs are in an open space that’s easy to access.

4.  Check Permits & Local Building Codes

Depending on where you live, you may or may not need a permit. Some municipalities require you to get a permit to build a set of stairs, while others don’t. Call your local building department or municipal code office and ask them if you need a permit to build your deck stairs. If a permit is required, make sure to get it before beginning construction or purchasing materials.

5.  Ensure Adequate Support

If you’re building a set of stairs that go over an existing deck or porch, you may want to build your deck bearers or framing beams to support your deck stairs. This way, you don’t put unnecessary stress on your existing support beams. 

You can use a variety of materials for your deck bearers, including 2x12s and 2x10s. You can also use 2x6s if you don’t have any other materials available. Depending on where you’re building your deck stairs, you may or may not need to install a footing or some other kind of structural support for your stairs. 

Building stairs directly on the ground may need a footing to prevent them from sinking into the ground. When building deck stairs over an existing porch or deck, you may not need to do anything other than make sure your supports are attached to whatever is underneath your deck stairs.

Conclusion

There are many great reasons why putting in your own outdoor steps is a good idea. Just remember to spend some time planning, and make sure to get your plans checked by someone with experience in deck and porch building. You don’t want to make any mistakes that could lead to injury or damage to your home or deck.