Deck Stairs & Stringers

Key Takeaways:

• Every raised deck needs stairs — required by building code for decks with a single exit point
• Ontario Building Code: maximum rise 7.75" (200mm), minimum run 10" (250mm)
• Pre-cut stringers available at lumber yards — $15–$40 each for 3 to 8 steps
• Steel stringer brackets: $25–$60 per bracket — stronger and required for composite treads
• Budget $500–$3,000 for deck stairs depending on material and height

Building Code Requirements

Canadian building codes are specific about deck stairs. The National Building Code of Canada and provincial codes (OBC, BCBC, CCQ) all regulate:

Requirement	Standard	Notes
Maximum riser height	200mm (7.75")	Consistent rise — max 6mm variation between steps
Minimum tread depth	250mm (10")	Measured from nosing to nosing
Minimum width	900mm (36")	Clear width between railings
Handrail required	When 3+ risers	On at least one side
Guard required	When >600mm drop	Full railing height (42") on open side
Landing	Every 12 ft of vertical rise	Level platform min 900mm deep
Nosing overhang	25mm (1") max	Prevents tripping

Number of Steps Calculator

Deck Height	Number of Risers	Stringer Length
24" (2 ft)	3–4	4–5 ft
36" (3 ft)	5	6–7 ft
48" (4 ft)	6–7	8–10 ft
60" (5 ft)	8–9	11–13 ft
72" (6 ft)	10–11	14–16 ft

Stringer Options

Wood Stringers (Pre-Cut) — $15–$40 each

Available at Home Depot, Lowe's, and lumber yards across Canada. Pre-cut for standard 7.5" rise and 10" run. Made from pressure-treated lumber (2×12).

• 3-step: $15–$20
• 5-step: $25–$30
• 7-step: $30–$40
• Need 3 stringers for stairs up to 36" wide, 4 stringers for 36–48" wide

Steel Stringer Brackets — $25–$60 per bracket

Metal brackets that attach to a 2×12 board, creating precision-cut stair profiles. Required for composite stair treads — the wider bearing surface prevents composite board deflection.

• Peak Products and Pylex are the most common Canadian brands
• Adjustable models accommodate different rise/run combinations
• Galvanized or powder-coated for outdoor durability

Tread Materials

Material	Cost/Tread	Maintenance	Slip Resistance
Pressure-treated	$5–$12	Annual staining	Moderate (add grip strips)
Cedar	$10–$20	Annual oiling	Moderate
Composite	$15–$30	None	Good (textured surface)
PVC	$20–$35	None	Good
Aluminum	$25–$40	None	Excellent (non-slip surface)

Non-Slip Safety

Deck stairs are the highest-risk area for slipping, especially in winter. Canadian solutions:

• Anti-slip stair treads: adhesive grip strips — $5–$15 per step
• Textured composite treads: built-in non-slip surface
• Stair lighting: LED strip lights or riser lights improve visibility at night
• Heated stair treads: electric heating cables prevent ice — $100–$200 per step

Cost Summary

For a standard 5-step staircase (36" wide, matching deck material):

Component	PT Wood	Composite
3 stringers	$75	$75 (PT base)
Steel brackets	—	$150
5 treads	$40	$100
Railing (one side)	$150	$250
Fasteners	$25	$40
Total (materials)	$290	$615
Installed	$500–$800	$900–$1,500