If you have plans to build a deck that will have more than one level or will be more than about 15 inches above the ground, you'll need stairs.Stairs can be one of the more challenging aspects of a ...

DEAR TIM: I read your recent column about building stairs for a deck. I can handle that, but I’m worried about how to make all the complex cuts required for the deck stair railing. Can you give me a ...

Building a staircase is a job for a master carpenter, but an experienced do-it-yourselfer can usually construct a simple set of stairs for a back-yard deck. Cutting the pieces and assembling them are ...

There’s a lot to building a deck. And if you want to build your own deck or renovate one, you’ll find much of the advice centers on building codes and topics like laying out floor joists or how to lay ...

For the sake of discussion, let’s say you’re building a simple set of stairs for a deck, basement access, or up to an attic. You’ll just be using 2-by-12s for both the stringers and the treads. This ...

If your backyard is split level or terraced, you can use decking steps as a link to help you make the most of your space and access different areas smoothly. Meanwhile if you already have a raised ...

Buying a home with an enormous backyard is a definite thrill. So much space! There’s room for your dog, a swingset for your 5-year-old, and a deck! For many of us, this is the holy grail. And you—you ...

We’ve got the frame, the boards, and the weatherproofing—now it’s time to finish strong! In Part 4 of Building an EPIC Deck, we tackle one of the most important (and satisfying) parts of the project: ...

Dear James: My old wood deck is deteriorating and the stairs could be hazardous. What is the easiest way to install new ones for an inexperienced DIY-er? — Shantell K. Dear Shantell: You are correct ...

According to recent statistics, 64.8 percent of Americans are classified as homeowners. If you’re among the ranks of those falling into this statistic, congratulations! There’s nothing that screams ...