How To Build Deck Steps Without Stringers (Do This!)

Your new deck is all finished and ready for your first barbeque of the season. Then you realize that you can get to your deck from your home but not down to the yard. You need to add some steps or stairs to the deck. How do you build deck steps without resorting to using stringers?

The easiest way to add custom steps to your deck without cutting stringers is to build box frame steps. Box frame steps allow you to create dramatic steps to your deck. You can create wider steps, steps with less rise, or steps that fit into odd-shaped spaces.

There is no special secret or skills necessary to build box frame steps for your deck. If you successfully built the deck, you have all the skills and tools necessary to build box frame steps. By following a few simple steps, you can soon have a set of stylish custom steps leading to your deck.

If possible, you should choose materials for your deck steps that match the material from which you built your deck. In many cases, this is two by six-dimensional lumber. Using two by sixes is convenient because it makes the rise on your deck steps fit the code requirements perfectly.

Some decks use manmade material such as TREX. You can easily build your box frame deck steps out of these manmade materials. The downside is the extra cost involved. However, using manmade materials for your deck steps’ treads can give a finished look to your deck and steps.

We always recommend using framing and deck screws to assemble your box frames deck steps. Screws ensure long life and tight joints. Deck screws have a coating that prevents them from rusting and staining your deck.

Any project should begin with a plan. Building box frame steps for your deck is no different. Take some time to layout your box frame step design on paper. Make the drawing to scale so you can accurately work from your plan.

Use your plan to estimate how much building material you need for the frame structure and the decking. Don’t forget to include any bracing. The bracing under the step decking should be on 16” centers to give the box frame steps the needed strength. The last thing you want are steps that feel bouncy or spongey.

With the frame built, place it in the proper position with your deck. Make sure the box frame is square. You can use your framing square for this or measure diagonally across each corner of the frame and adjust the frame until the diagonal measurements are equal.

When the box frame is square, use your bubble level to ensure that the frame is level in all directions. Use stakes or other suitable supports to hold the box frame in position.

NOTE: For long steps or very deep steps, you should consider adding concrete supports under the steps. Concrete piers or supports will ensure that your steps don’t shift, sag, or settle over time.

Repeat the steps above for each subsequent step leading to your deck. Adjust the measurements accordingly but don’t forget that the tread’s depth and the height of the rise should remain consistent for all the steps.

Continue building box frames until you reach the height of your deck. Make sure that each deck frame is square and level. Attach the frames securely and support them adequately to the ground. You want to avoid any springy feel to the steps.

Adding steps to your new deck or replacing steps on an older deck doesn’t require stringers’ complexity. Building much simpler box frame steps remove the calculations and cutting issues of stringers. Box frame steps also give you more flexibility in designing your steps to add a unique look to your deck.

We hope that this article has given you some new ideas about adding or replacing the steps on your deck. Sometimes thinking about the box gets you out of the box when designing deck steps. As always, work safe and have fun.