How to Build a Staircase

Step 2: Determine the Rise of each Step

The rise of each step needs to be equal. The typical rise for a step is between 6-7 3/4 inches.
To determine the rise, follow these steps:

A. Divide the overall height (Total Rise) by the desired rise per step (7"). This will give you an estimated number of steps. (Example: 30" divided by 7 = 4.285)

B. Round up or down to the closest whole number. (Example = 4 Steps)

C. Divide the overall height by the number of steps to get the actual rise per step. (Example: 30 divided by 4 = 7.50 or 7 1/2" per step)

D. If the distance is not acceptable, either add or subtract one step and recalculate. (Example: 30 divided by 5 = 6.00 or 6" per step)

Terms

Rise is the vertical distance from the surface of one step to the surface of the next step.

The Total Rise is the total vertical distance from the top surface of the deck to the bottom of the finished stairs.

Note: You can't find the rise simply by measuring straight down from the deck because the ground directly below may not be level with the end of the stairs.

Run is the horizontal distance from the leading edge of one step to the leading edge of the next step

The Total Run is the total horizontal distance covered by the staircase, from the edge of the deck to the finished edge of the stairs.

Printable Step by Step Instructions

The printable version of our instructions are in Adobe PDF format.

You must have Adobe Acrobat to be able to view and print the plans. The Acrobat Reader is free from Adobe.

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