GVAconstruction

Stringers

Before getting into deck stair defects, let’s look at how DCA 6 recommends that stairs should be built, starting with the stringers, risers, treads, landings, and the components that support them (Figure 1). When I’m evaluating a deck stair, this is where I start.

Stringers typically have two bearing points, with the plumb (vertical) cut bearing on a rim joist or on a beam, and the seat (horizontal) cut bearing on—at minimum—a solid landing. To help resist both vertical and lateral loads, stringers require proper support and attachment at these bearing points. Without proper support, vertical loads (gravity) can pull the stringers down from their bearing points, while lateral (horizontal) loads can pull the stringers away from their bearing points. Most builders worry more about vertical loads, but lateral loads are also a frequent cause of a deck stair failure: The fasteners withdraw from the bearing point, then gravity takes over.

Shown here are recommended standards for deck stair stringers, risers, treads, landings, and the components that support them. If you are building deck stairs differently, you may be building unsafe stairs

Common Deck Stair Defects

Shown here are recommended standards for deck stair stringers, risers, treads, landings, and the components that support them. If you are building deck stairs differently, you may be building unsafe stairs.
Indoors or out, stairs are one of the most dangerous systems anywhere in a building. Falls involving stairs can result in serious personal injury; that’s where the big money is for attorneys. On a deck, stairs are third (behind ledger detachment and guard failures) in terms of number of injuries suffered.

Stairs Built Right

Interior and exterior stairs share almost all of the same requirements. If anything, deck builders should be more careful about applying current safety and structural standards to exterior stairs because they are subject to environmental conditions that may exacerbate safety and structural problems.

But which standards apply? It’s best to think of building codes as minimum standards, not as the standards for contractors who build quality decks. Keep in mind that even when a deck complies with a local building code, the code official who inspects it is not responsible for ensuring that the deck is safe.

To improve safety and to reduce liability risk, deck builders should follow current best practices as presented in the latest edition of DCA 6, the American Wood Council’s Prescriptive Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide. Accordingly, I define “defect” as a failure to comply with these best practices. In fact, since a deck that passes local code inspection may still be unsafe, I believe that DCA 6 should be the standard to which all decks are built regardless of what might be allowed by local building codes

4. Bring in texture


Gray-Plaisted also loves the combination of natural wood cabinets with greenery like succulents in a black space. To add texture, use accessories like a seagrass hamper, rattan baskets for towels, and a simple woven mat under foot.