Stairs
Stairs are more than a functional element — they connect your deck to the surrounding space while providing style, safety, and visual flow. Our goal is to create stair systems that are both durable and beautiful, seamlessly integrating with your deck’s design..
Installation Approach
Our stair systems are built to be a seamless extension of your deck, combining precision construction with thoughtful design. Every stair we install is carefully engineered for safety, stability, and visual integration.
Stringers: We use 2×12 pressure-treated Southern Pine for all stringers. Properly sized and spaced, these stringers provide the backbone of the stair system, ensuring consistent support for the treads and long-term durability. We set stringers no wider than 12" on center, even though code allows up to 16" on center, for added strength and stability. Spacing is calculated based on stair width, tread material, and expected load.
Step Framing: The step framing is built with 2×8 pressure-treated Southern Pine, providing a strong, stable base for the treads and risers while allowing for clean installation of fascia and finish details.
Rise and Run: Comfort and safety are a priority. Each step is measured and installed with a consistent rise (height) and run (depth), so every step feels natural and predictable. Irregular steps not only look unfinished—they can create tripping hazards.
Secure Attachment: Stairs are anchored both to the deck structure above and to the ground below. This prevents movement, wobbling, or separation over time, and ensures your stairs remain safe and sturdy for decades of use.
Framing for Finishes: The underlying framing is carefully planned to support fascia, nosing, and other finish details. This allows for clean lines, seamless material transitions, and long-lasting aesthetics without compromising structural integrity.
Precision & Attention to Detail: Every cut, fastener, and connection is checked during installation. This includes:
Proper alignment of stringers with deck boards
Flush attachment of treads and risers
Accurate spacing for handrails and guardrails
Integration of lighting or other design features where specified
By combining engineering principles with craftsmanship, our installation approach ensures that your stairs are as functional as they are beautiful, blending effortlessly with the deck while meeting or exceeding building codes.
Design Options
Our stair systems can be fully tailored to fit your space, style, and functionality needs.
Layout & Shape: Stairs can be straight, L-shaped, U-shaped, or multi-tiered, depending on your yard and deck elevation. Multi-tiered designs create functional landings and add architectural interest, while compact layouts maximize space in tighter areas.
Width & Access: Stair width can be adjusted for ease of use, traffic flow, and visual impact. Wider stairs create a grand, welcoming feel, while narrower designs are ideal for smaller decks or side yard access.
Handrail & Guardrail Style: Railings are fully customizable to match your deck or provide a distinct accent. We also offer gate installation at the top or bottom of the stairs — for example, to keep little ones safely on the deck, prevent access to a pool area, or manage pets. These gates integrate seamlessly with your railing system, combining safety and style.
Integrated Features: Stairs can incorporate features such as built-in lighting for safety and ambiance, landings for planters or seating, or subtle architectural details that enhance the connection between the deck and surrounding space.
Materials, Finishes & Design Tiers
Stair finishes play a key role in tying the stair system into the overall deck design. Thoughtful material selection and detailing help stairs feel intentional, cohesive, and customized.
Matching Materials: Stair treads typically match the main decking material, creating a seamless transition from deck to stairs. Fascia materials are selected to coordinate with the decking and overall design.
Accent Riser Color: Choosing an accent color for the risers — often matching the fascia or an accent color used in the decking — is a simple way to create a more personalized and visually interesting stair design.
Perimeter Detailing: If the main deck includes a picture frame design, we often recommend carrying that detail into the stairs by outlining the perimeter of each step. While this isn’t a full picture frame, it reinforces design continuity and elevates the overall look.
Nosing Options: Nosing can be added to stair treads to create a defined edge and finished profile. To maintain visual cohesion, we recommend including nosing on stairs only when the deck surface also includes nosing. This ensures the stairs feel like a natural extension of the deck rather than a separate element.
Design Tiers: Fascia Finish, Performance & Visual Detail
While all of our stairs are built to the same high structural standards, the level of finish and visual detailing can vary. Fascia plays a key role in both the appearance and long-term performance of your stairs. The following tiers illustrate the design approaches available:
Tier 1 – Straight Fascia, Standard Treads
Clean and simple finish
Straight-run fascia installed along the sides of the stairs
Fascia follows the slope of the stair run without cutouts
Standard board-foot tread boards and risers
Stair framing and geometry are fully enclosed behind the fascia
This tier provides a straightforward, enclosed appearance with minimal visual detailing.
Tier 2 – Cutout Fascia with Stringer Detailing
More defined stair geometry with improved airflow
Cutout fascia following the rise-and-run profile of the stairs
Dedicated stringer fascia installed for a cleaner side profile
Riser returns included for a more finished transition at each step
Standard board-foot tread boards and risers
Open cutout design allows air, water, and debris to pass through rather than collect
This tier improves ventilation beneath the stairs and reduces debris buildup compared to fully enclosed designs.
Tier 3 – Picture-Framed Treads with Nosing
Fully finished appearance with the best long-term performance
Includes all features from Tier 2
Three-sided picture-frame detailing on stair treads
Integrated stair nosing for a cohesive edge treatment
Clean perimeter lines and concealed board ends throughout
Open geometry supports airflow and drainage while minimizing debris retention
This tier delivers the most polished stair design, combining refined detailing with improved airflow, drainage, and reduced long-term maintenance.