Building outdoor steps can be an important part of a landscaping project, allowing you to create a safe and attractive pathway up to your porch or deck. But it’s not always easy to know where to start when it comes to constructing stairs outside. This blog post will provide step-by-step instructions on how to build outdoor steps that are both beautiful and functional. From gathering materials, digging a trench, setting posts, attaching stringers, adding risers and treads, measuring dimensions and more – we’ll cover everything you need to complete this DIY project with ease.
Gather Materials
- Lumber (depending on the size of the staircase)
- Tools such as saws, drills, hammers etc.
- Concrete mix
- Level
- Lag screws or carriage bolts
- Staining supplies (if desired)
Dig a Trench
Before beginning work on the stairs themselves, dig a trench that is the same width as the stringers which will support them. The depth of the trench should be at least 8 inches deep so that the stair stringer can rest securely in place when installed. Ensure that each side of the trench is level with one other before proceeding further with building the steps.
Set Posts
After ensuring that both sides of your trench are level, set posts into position along either side so that they will help anchor down your stair structure when installed. Be sure these posts are completely level before continuing with your construction project – use a carpenter’s level if necessary! Securely attach each post into position by burying them into concrete at each end of the trench; let this dry overnight before continuing any further work on site outdoors.
Attach Stringers
Once your posts have had time to set properly in place in concrete overnight, you can begin attaching stringers using lag screws or carriage bolts – depending on what material your stringers are made out of (wood or metal). Make sure all connections between posts and stringers are secure before moving forward with any additional building steps for outdoor stairs!
Add Risers and Treads
To add risers (the vertical pieces) and treads (the horizontal pieces) between each step of your staircase begin by measuring out dimensions such as stair height, tread depth, etc. This is so that all measurements stay consistent throughout all steps constructed for them to fit together properly when put into place outdoors later on! Cut stair pieces out of lumber using saws or other tools once measurements have been double-checked for accuracy – carefully inspect each piece cut from lumber before installing onto the site.
Measure Dimensions
Measure dimensions such as stair height, tread depth, and riser height, so that all measurements remain consistent throughout the entire construction process. This ensures proper fit when installing pieces outdoors. Double-check measurements were taken for accuracy before cutting any pieces from lumber later on.
Cut Stair Pieces
After double-checking measurements, begin cutting stair pieces out of lumber using saws or other tools accordingly. Carefully inspect each piece cut from lumber before continuing with the installation process – this helps ensure that all pieces fit together properly when installed.
Install Stairs
Begin installing stairs by screwing each piece into place on top of the stringers. Make sure to check and re-check that each tread and riser is level with adjacent pieces before moving forward with the installation process.
Anchor Steps
To anchor steps into the ground, add concrete mix around the perimeter of each step. Let this set overnight before proceeding further with your construction project!
Finish Steps For How To Build Outdoor Steps
To protect your outdoor staircase from the elements, consider staining, painting or sealing it after the installation has been completed. This will help preserve its longevity and improve its overall aesthetic appeal as well! With these step-by-step instructions in hand, you’re now ready to construct a beautiful and functional set of outdoor stairs. Remember to take all necessary safety precautions while working on any DIY project – safety first.
