Deck Box Steps Style
Deck box steps, in contrast to conventional staircases, do not feature cut-out stringers. Box stairs, on the other hand, are constructed out of a series of pressure-treated boxes, which are often made of wood and can be placed either on the side of the deck or in front of it. A modest flight of stairs is created by stacking the wooden boxes one atop the other in a staggered fashion. A box-step layout is not automatically suitable because it has only a few steps. The total rise, available space, support beneath each platform, connections, landings and any required handrail or guard should determine the approved design.
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Anatomy of a Step
In conventional building, each stage is composed mostly of one, two, or three steps. The "tread" refers to the topmost or initial step in a staircase. The "riser" or "toe kick" is the name given to the front edge of a staircase that extends from the step below up to the bottom of the step above it, whether it be the tread or the top step. The majority of deck stairs built today do not have risers; rather, there is open space found underneath the tread. The final part of a classic set of stairs is referred to as the "stringer," and it is often installed in a diagonal fashion along the sides of the stairs. The construction of the deck box steps does not include any stringers.
Building Box Steps
It is essential to determine the height of the deck stairs before beginning construction on the box steps. This will allow the appropriate number of box steps to be constructed. Once the desired height has been established, the following actions can be taken to make deck box stairs.
Before choosing the box-step layout, record:
- The finished deck-to-landing height.
- The proposed number of risers and finished height of each.
- The available width and distance the steps can extend outward.
- The location and support for each framed platform.
- How water will drain around the steps and away from the home.
- The selected decking or stair-surface product and its installation requirements.
- Any required landing, handrail, guard, permit or approved plan.
For help working out the number of risers from the finished height, see our deck stair rise-and-run guide. Use it as a planning aid and confirm the final layout locally.
Plan Beforehand
A well-planned and meticulously executed construction plan for the structure and design of the stairs is the foundation of a well-built structure. To begin, it is necessary to determine the location of the stairs as well as the construction of the box steps. Determine the basis upon which the steps are built as well. The typical height of a box step is between 9 and 10 inches, and its depth can be anywhere from 18 to 24 inches. Calculating the number of stairs is now possible given that the height of the deck has already been established and the standard particulars have already been taken into account.
Build the Framework
It is necessary for the deck to provide support for the box stairs' construction. It is necessary to establish the basis. If you want to ensure that everyone is secure, it is best to utilize a firm basis, which can come in the shape of gravel or a concrete slab.
Putting it all Together
After the base has been constructed, the following stage is using screws and nails to affix the individual components to one another in order to complete the structure. In order to build something that is sturdy and long-lasting, it is essential to check that all of the components are correctly joined to one another in a way that is not going to come undone easily. The use of a water-resistant coat to the stair steps is yet another method that may be utilized to help in the process of making the stairs more long-lasting.
Double Box Step
When the deck is high enough to accept another box step, the general rule of thumb is to design the bottom step to be twice as broad as its top step. This applies only when the deck is high enough to include another box step. Assuming that the boxes have already been fabricated, the next step is to connect one to the other while ensuring that the back frames of the upper and lower steps are aligned with one another.
Triple Box Step
The technique described in double box steps is still valid even if there are more than two box steps that need to be completed; the only difference is that there will be more box steps. The next step is to install the decking of the stairs on top of the frame once the box steps have been completed or when the box stairs are virtually at the same level as the height of the deck.
Cascading Staircase
A sequence of box stair frames is what makes up a cascading staircase, and these types of staircases are typically located on higher decks. Because of this, there are several levels or tiers of box stairs to choose from.
Planning Box Steps With Tanzite
If the steps will use Tanzite, select the collection before finalizing the framing and finished stair dimensions. Check the Appalachian installation guide or Rainier outdoor installation guide for the applicable support, surface, edge, fastening and drainage details.
The guides should not be treated as interchangeable. Ask Tanzite’s technical team to confirm how the selected collection should be detailed on a box-framed platform, particularly if the manual illustrates a different stair structure. The local code and approved project plan still apply. If you have not chosen a surface yet, compare the Appalachian and Rainier collections before planning the stair finish.
FAQs
How do you measure for deck box steps?
Measure the total rise between the finished lower landing and finished deck surface. Include the planned surface thickness before calculating the number and height of risers.
How tall should each box step be?
There is no universal 9–10-inch box-step height. Set consistent finished riser heights according to the requirements adopted for the project. For example, the 2021 IRC provision for the stairways it covers limits riser height to 7¾ inches; local amendments can differ.
Can you build box steps without stringers?
A box-step design uses framed platforms rather than conventional cut stringers. That does not make every stacked-platform layout suitable; its support and connections need an approved design.
Do deck box steps need a foundation?
They need stable support suited to the loads, site conditions and approved design. Ask the local building department or qualified designer what bearing or footings are required for the proposed layout.
When do box steps need a handrail?
It depends on the applicable code and the completed stair layout. AWC’s 2015-IRC-based deck guide calls for a handrail on stairs with four or more risers; confirm the rule adopted locally.
Can you use Tanzite on box steps?
Check the installation guidance for the selected Tanzite collection and have the proposed box-step surface detail confirmed before building or ordering materials.
