Everything you need to know about Deck Stairs

Deck Stairs are typically the last part of the deck to be tackled, this is because they’re the hardest part of the deck to build. The best solution for building strong deck stairs is to create a heavy duty steel stair brack system. This allows you to make automatic adjustments to create any rise or run you potentially require.

You really only need two stringers for deck stairs up to approximately 7’ in width. No center stringers are needed for this project because the riser acts as a load-bearing joist. That gives you strong and durable stairs. Majority of the saw cuts are eliminated and require only three to four cuts per stringer.

Professional stair contractors have a stair building system which is simpler and faster than the conventional stair building. The stairs turn out so well made that you won’t have to worry about hearing a squeak. These type of stairs can also be used for interior purposes such as basement stairs, tongue and groove stairs and even concrete form-work.

For interior jobs you can use stringers that are 2x6 and interior risers can be 2x8 or3/4” to 1 1/8”. Interior treads can be 2x12’s or 1 1/8” to ¾”.

The following tools and materials will be needed for building these types of projects: a power drill, skill saw, Phillips flat head, deck screws for every 9” of tread and riser connection.

Please contact us for more information about our stair building techniques.

Installing Basement Stairs | Stair Contractors

Building Easy to Install Basement Stairs

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Basement stairs come in different shapes and sizes. They can range from simple utility stairs to fancy decorative staircases. A major issue facing the stair builder for stair contractors is the unpredictable stair height that often happens when building basement stairs. Whether its new or already a part of the existing construction, the basement slab height always fluctuates. That’s why most basement stairs are built to customized heights.

The typical procedure when building basement stairs involves reaching out to a stair builder to custom build the staircase using 2x12 cut stringers as framing for the construction of the remodeled staircase. This can be difficult and costly, requiring a high degree of professional skill. However, there is a less difficult solution available that can also save you time, as well as money. The system consists of self adjusting stair brackets, used to form a sort of stairs known as ‘engineered’ stairs. Adjustable stair brackets generally are a custom tailored approach to stair building that are faster, easier and stronger than conventional construction. They’re a low cost solution for the unpredictable slab height problem.

This type of system can quickly form a basic utility stair on fully finished hardwood stairs. The adjustable brackets take care of a lot of frustrating problems, the brackets are approved as adjustable joist hangers which allow the risers to be structurally attached to the stringers. This allows it to carry the load across the stair like stepping floor joists. This also enhances the strength of the stair and permits the stair to be built using only two stringers. The stringers provide the contractor with full depth unlike cut stringers and are built to carry great loads that conventional cut stringers fail to do. Only three to four of these end cuts are required per stringer which essentially eliminates seventy saw cuts when compared to conventional cut stringers for basement stairs.

Before you jump into this project, you should decide what type of material you’re going to use and the exact number of steps you need, as well as the stair width.

Refinishing and Re-screening your Hardwood Stairs

How can you take care of your hardwood stairs? It doesn’t matter how informed you are about caring for your hardwood stairs, all it takes to get your home’s staircases looking as beautiful as new is hardwood floor sanding and refinishing. Here’s what you need to know about hardwood stairs refinishing:

If your hardwood staircases have serious problems, such as deep scratches and gouges or water damage, then sanding and refinishing is something you definitely want to consider. You can also replace boards to match the existing staircase.

If your staircase needs minor work, then you should look into re-screening your hardwood stairs. Re-screening typically involves buffing and screening the stairs with an open mesh screen. It will eliminate most of the scratches. This type of process usually roughs up the existing polyurethane finish by applying new finish over the top. This type of service will need to be polyurethane, not aluminum oxide. It’s also much more economical than a full finish and stain, for best results on your hardwood stairs, you’ll need to maintain good hardwood floor care habits.

From refinishing, sanding and stair building, Beach City Stairs is here to help! Contact us today for more advice on your staircase project.

Stair Building 101

Building stairs can be very difficult for anyone and building safe stairs requires exact measurements. There really is no room for error, precise planning is best left to professional stair builders. Stair contractors have a good understanding of stair building; it’s often hard for a novice to tackle a remodeling project. But if you are well informed then you may actually find it easy to build a few stairs to a deck or shed.

First you have to learn the three parts that comprise the anatomy of a staircase. Strings are the sloped boards that support the weight of the staircase. They are generally made from 2x12s and are often called the underdeck. Treads are the surface of the step, they also vary in material depending on their size and look of the step. Lastly, risers are the boards that are under the treads. Risers are optional and are used to protect the stringers from weathering.

When calculating the measurements for your stairs, you will need to figure out the rise and run of the stairway. Start off by determining the height, or rise, of the stairs. Then divide the number by the desired height of each individual stair. Seven inches is a standard height for most purposes. This will give you the number of steps. You may need to round down. The height multiplied by the number of steps will give you an exact measurement of the height of each step, or the distance between notches in your stringers. The horizontal distance, or run, is determined by multiplying the number of steps by the horizontal depth of the step.

For materials, you should always use high-quality wood that is free of large knots such as cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated wood. This will be easier to work with, and the stairs will be long lasting. Bolts, decking screws, galvanized nails and hex bolts are hardware options used in building stairs. You should also assemble a toolkit to include a hammer, hand saw or jigsaw, circular saw, sawhorses, carpenter’s square with stair gauges to complete the task.

Ultimately, safety is always your priority when building stairs. The treads should be a minimum of four feet wide but wider is always better. Tall staircases should be divided into landings every eight stairs. Use a circular saw to trim away the notches on the stringers, but finish using either a jigsaw or handsaw for accurate notches. Remember to check that the notches are level and use a plane to carve away high points. If you have any questions or concerns, it’s always good to contact one of our professional stair contractors.

3 types of flooring for staircases

When building stairs it’s important to always surround your staircase with durable flooring materials.

Why is it so important?

It’s because all flooring areas that lead towards the stairway and even the staircase itself will often be high traffic area. The area surrounding your staircase will be used frequently. People will walk to and from the staircase, up the staircase and into the hallway upstairs or possibly even downstairs.

So let’s go over a list of durable floorinhttp://beachcitystairs.com/wp-admin/post-new.phpg materials:

Carpet

Carpet staircases are very simple. Carpeting reduces noise and it even controls dust. If you have a wood staircase, you should think about installing a carpet runner or stair tread carpet pads. Carpeting provides you with additional traction while walking up and down the stairs. Other types of flooring can create hazardous problems for your family and guests. Don’t be fooled, because people slip down a stairway more than you think. Safety is always a concern when building a staircase.

Tiles

Tiles are also durable, they’re long-lasting and it works great in high-traffic areas. However, even though it lasts a long time, you need to assess the potential problems you’ll face in the future.

For example, tile is considered to be slippery when wet. If you’re walking down a tiled stairway with a little moisture on your shoes, socks or bare feet, you could very well find yourself in a slippery situation. Ceramic tiles can create safety problems if used as a stair tread or step covering.

Timber Flooring

timber stairsSo we’ve talked about carpeting and tiles, now let’s discuss the pros and cons of timber flooring. Timber flooring comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and patterns. If you’re really looking for a fantastic look, wood flooring is what you’ll want. Talk to your stair contractor to see what types of wood they recommend.

Like many other houses, your staircase can always be a decorative centerpiece in your home. Look at it as a beautiful piece of furniture.

Wood looks very nice, but it can also be slippery when wet. It also doesn’t fare too well in high-traffic areas. But that’s why you have a 1-on-1 meeting with your stair builder. Ask your stair builders for extra information. It’s always a good idea to be informed and well prepared when rebuilding an important piece like a staircase.

Whether you decide to install tile, carpet or even wood in your new and improved staircase, do your best to find a professional stair contractor. A good stair contractor will always deliver what you want.