How to Build a Simple Deck Step

Simple deck step design which can be made in a little over an hour. I used 2x8 boards for the main framing and deck (1 1/4 inch thick) boards for the treads or top. Another option would be to just use 2x6 boards for the framing and the top treads which will both make the list of materials needed simpler and the height of the step will be more ideal at a total height of 7 inches opposed to my step which is 8 1/2 inches. Overall the experience level needed for this project is low and makes for a good evening or weekend project.

Tools Needed
1) Miter Saw or Circular Saw
2) Tape Measure
3) Cordless Drill
4) Carpenter Square

Supplies Needed
1) 2x6 boards 8 foot long (Quantity of 4)
2) 3 1/2 inch Deck Screws
3) 2 inch Deck Screws

Other Options

Tools Every Weekend Warrior Needs

DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.

[peternapoli]

This guy is good calm nice not cocky everything he shows is good I know how to do all of this but I do recommend watching him if you don't

[bobwilcox]

Title says "how to build a single step". By some of the negative comments, it is obvious that some readers are just full of feces! I have been trying to come up with a simple one step stringer for my man cave entrance door and this video is exactly what I needed. Thanks much. Easy to follow and understand and material list and such are noted. Well thought out and quite helpful.

[merrisa_brown]

Thank you for these instructions! I’ve never built anything like this before, but your directions were easy to follow, even for a newbie! And now I have two new box steps, one for each side of my porch!

[jeanettegreco]

This is a perfect temporary solution for outside our sunroom. The concrete outside has sunk, leaving us with a 15 in drop from the door. Other big upgrades are needed before the patio can be done properly, so I wanted a simple, moveable but solid and not expensive solution. This fits the bill perfectly. Thanks for the clear instructions!

[roberttorres]

I want to thank you for your detailed plans and procedures in making the step deck step. I altered the design slightly. I used 2x6 boards and 48 in width with 24 inch for bracing. Since I had previously purchased a 2x10 board I used 3 pieces for the top part which resulted in a 3/4 inch overhang. Overall, it's fun when a project comes together and you can follow both the list of materials list and the process. Thank you again.

[denniss]

Spooky how much this looks like the back of my house and in need of the same step, thanks this help a lot

[BrianSegnit]

This was a really well done video - thank you. I needed the exact box step and used your video as a guide. Worked out great!

[robertbaker]

Simple but satisfying.. exactly what I need for my house, I am redoing the dining room and had to remove the single step to frame up the rest of the room. This is a simple step to build, thanks for the video.

[susanpeterson]

Thanks for the tutorial, I'm in the process of making two box steps for my new deck. This gave me confidence and a bit more knowledge. Predrill got it✌️

[TishaRicks]

Thanks much Scott! This was very helpful, detailed, and simple to the point. 🤗

[melbajeanmeadlo]

Thank you, I needed a step going in garage.

[teenabee]

Thank you for listing other options I have been having the hardest time trying to figure out how to search for a single step lol thank yooouu!

[TheDogDad]

of course you have a video for this, you have one for everything! This is like the tenth different project I've researched and your channel popped up first again. Thanks for the info Scott and keep up the good work!

[thomasnewman]

Lag bolts under bottom allows for easier re-leveling and prevents rot contact between wood and concrete slabs.

[crxess]

Liking the simple step build. The sharp angle to the deck throws everything off. Assuming the Concrete is sinking near the house or lifted on the outer edge from years of freeze/thaw.

[CatalpaCreekFarm]

Great video! Now I can make a step never knew how to do this project. Thank you so much

[adriansandoval]

Thank you for the easy step build. Got it done quick.

[ffstop]

If you live in a snow area, I hope you give them a darn good coat of primer and paint (with non skid additive for tread surfaces). I made almost identical steps four years ago (used 2x6s), painted them with the best outdoor paint I could get, added a non skid additive for the tread boards) and this year, need to replace, they lasted four years and now the treads are rotting. Should have used treated lumber, but like you, had a bunch of wood laying around so use it.

I will be replacing with steel single step risers (two for each set) and then pressure treated wood for treads. Where I live in ID lot's of snow in the winter. That way with the metal risers, should need to ONLY replace the treads every x-number of years.

But I totally agree to pre-drill. I use two Dewalts, older with drill bit, newer one with screw bits.

[beethovenopus]

I built a 3 foot wide version. It came out perfect. Thank you!

[rheyerholm]

Thank you for the time to post this video. I needed a simple step from my patio door to my concrete patio and wanted it to match my cedar privacy fence. Now I know how to get it done! Thank you for the drawing and layout.