Deck Code??

[walleye vision]

If the deck I'm going to build on my house is 10ft tall, do I need to have a landing between two runs of stairs, or can I have one continuous run of stairs?

Thanks for your help in advance

[Sandmannd]

Personally I would go with the landing, but I don't know the code. Call your city inspectors.

[snoozebutton]

Personally I'd put a landing on it. It would look nicer and increase your resale value.

[hunter101]

i agree with the landing, but not sure about city codes. just call and ask.

[Surface Tension]

You'll find out when you submit your plans when getting a permit, in my area I know its fine. You'll need to keep the run, rise, stair width, and railing within code. 8"(max) rise and 9 1/4"(min) is going to be a bit intimidating on a 10' tall deck. Not to mention a good ride to the bottom on icy stairs. I'd drop the rise and increase the tread. What would make a difference is the size of deck and where those stairs are located. Considering balancing out the look, and a functional point. If you do the straight run that will leave a large area in the deck that won't be safe to stand or sit around. For that reason I'd cantilever a landing off the deck for the stairs. Either way you end up with a landing somewhere. Its just a matter of what fits. IMO the straight shot is a cleaner look with less focus on the stairs and more on the deck.

[crothmeier]

I've done a straight run on 10' tall before, we added two extra footings though and placed 4x4 supports 1/2 way up, if you dont those stairs get really bouncy.

[MNice]

Here's some info from the IRC.

R311.5.3 Stair treads and risers.

R311.5.3.1 Riser height. The maximum riser height

shall be 7-3/4 inches (196 mm). The riser shall be measured

vertically between leading edges of the adjacent

treads. The greatest riser height within any flight of stairs

shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch (9.5

mm).

R311.5.3.2 Tread depth. The minimum tread depth

shall be 10 inches (254 mm). The tread depth shall be

measured horizontally between the vertical planes of the

foremost projection of adjacent treads and at a right

angle to the tread’s leading edge. The greatest tread depth

within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by

more than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm). Winder treads shall have a

minimum tread depth of 10 inches (254 mm) measured

as above at a point 12 inches (305 mm) from the side

where the treads are narrower.Winder treads shall have a

minimum tread depth of 6 inches (152 mm) at any point.

Within any flight of stairs, the largest winder tread depth

at the 12 inch (305 mm) walk line shall not exceed the

smallest by more than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm).

R311.5.4 Landings for stairways. There shall be a floor or

landing at the top and bottom of each stairway.

Exception:Afloor or landing is not required at the top of

an interior flight of stairs, including stairs in an enclosed

garage, provided a door does not swing over the stairs.

A flight of stairs shall not have a vertical rise larger than

12 feet (3658 mm) between floor levels or landings.The width of each landing shall not be less than the width

of the stairway served. Every landing shall have a minimum

dimension of 36 inches (914 mm) measured in the direction

of travel.

[crothmeier]

nice post MNice that says it all, no vertical rise over 12'. You should be fine, but i would still reccomend the supports.

[MNice]

Remember, codes are MINIMUM standards, in other words, "its the worst job you can do and still get by with it."