Deck Inspection – Stairs

A majority of accidents and injuries in the home occur on stairs. It’s not surprising that DCA6’s treatment of deck stairways is detailed.

Table 6 sets minimum stair tread sizes for common wood species used on 2 types of stringers.

STAIRS TABLE Minimum Tread Sizes for Stringers

A “graspable” handrail is required on most stairs. Figures 32A and 32B show what’s needed for compliance with DCA6.

STAIRS FIGURE Handrail Mounting and Grips

Figures 33 and 34 detail various stairway requirements including the footings needed at the base of the stairs.

STAIRS FIGURE Miscellaneous and Footing Details

Some guard details are different for stairs vs. the deck surface; some are the same. Figure 30 helps explain this.

STAIRS FIGURE Stair Guard Requirements

Figure 28 shows the different requirements for “cut” vs. “solid” stringers.

STAIRS FIGURE Stair Stringer Requirements

This is familiar but important information from DCA6’s Figure 27.

STAIRS FIGURE Tread and Riser Details

Figure 29 shows the specific details on how treads must be secured to the stringers and the allowed spans.

STAIRS FIGURE Tread Connection Requirements