Consulting » Decking " Stairs

Build stairs for the terrace

Staircase construction is one of the more complicated things in the wooden terrace project. Here you will learn how to build the stair stringer, how the tread and riser are assembled and what these things are all about.

1. The planning of the stairs

Before you start with your stairs, you should carefully measure the conditions on site. The number of steps results from the height. The total depth of the staircase results from the number of steps. When planning the width, you are usually free and can either pull the stairs over the full width of the terrace or only plan the ascent selectively.

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 classification information at the end of each section.

2. The substructure of a wooden staircase

The substructure of the stairs 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.

For each step, several rectangles are screwed from construction wood, which are later mounted upright. Even with stairs, the decking should be screwed at least every 50cm. This results in the required number of these substructure rectangles.

BW patio planner: In the data sheet you received from us you will find the information which material is used for which part of the staircase.

2.1. Substructure horizontal

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

BW patio planner: You can find your material requirements at Substructure …horizontal.

2.2. Substructure vertical

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

BW patio planner: You can find your material requirements at Substructure ...vertical.

2.3. Horizontal substructure (parallel planks)

The distance between the upright rectangles is defined by the desired width of the stair. The step should rest on a substructure at the beginning and end and be screwed at least every 50cm. Between the distances, screw construction timbers horizontally at the front of the stairs and at the rear of the stairs, which run parallel to the floorboards. This is important for the stability of the stairs.

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

2.4. Further options for the substructure

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

BW patio planner: In the online planner you have the option of choosing the scope of the substructure offered.

3. Steps of a terrace staircase

Now the substructure is in place and the steps are screwed. 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 as a guide. Concealed attachment would also be possible for the steps. However, we recommend a visible screw connection here, as this is much easier to implement.

BW patio planner: You can find your material requirements at tread.

4.1. Front facing

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

BW patio planner: You can find your material requirements at Fade...in front.

4.2. Side blinding

The side panels prevent a side view of the substructure of your stairs. The side paneling is usually attached over the full height of the patio stairs and, depending on the local conditions, is installed on one or both sides of the stairs.

BW patio planner: You can find your material requirements at Blending ….sideways.