How to Build Porch Stairs | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva builds a safe and solid set of porch stairs. (See below for a shopping list, tools, and steps.)

Tom Silva removes an old set of porch stairs and builds a new one. The new stairs are a safe, solid, and up to code. One of key the changes included cutting the stringer on an angle to streamline the steps.

Shopping List for How to Build Porch Stairs:

Tools for How to Build Porch Stairs:

Steps for How to Build Porch Stairs:
1. Pry off the treads from the upper step to gain access to the tops of the stringers.
2. Use a reciprocating saw to cut through the top end of the stringers, freeing the staircase from the porch.
3. Remove and discard the old staircase and any leftover debris.
4. Use a circular saw and jigsaw to cut six new stair stringers from a pressure-treated 2x12. Cut four steps into each stringer.
5. Screw a pressure-treated 2x6 to the existing porch frame to provide extra support for mounting the staircase.
6. Space the six stringers 16 inches on center, then fasten a 2x6 across the tops of the stringers. Attach the 2x6 with 3-inch decking screws.
7. Screw a 2x6 across the bottom ends of the stringers, then attach a 2x6 toekick to the previously installed 2x6.
8. Set the stringer assembly against the porch and secure it with several 8-inch structural screws.
9. Use a hammer-drill to bore screw-pilot holes through the bottom 2x6 and into the concrete walk.
10. Fasten the bottom of the staircase to the walkway with 3-inch masonry screws.
11. Cut four risers from PVC trim boards.
12. Attach each PVC riser to the stringers using specially designed screws. Conceal each counterbored screwhead with a PVC plug.
13. Cut and attach PVC trim boards to outer surfaces of the stringers on the left and right end of the staircase.
14. Cut stair treads from composite decking; screw the treads to the stringers.
15. Install a welded-steel handrail, making sure it’s between 34 and 38 inches above the nose of the stair tread.
16. Assemble a composite railing system, which includes a handrail and balusters, to fit alongside the welded-steel handrail.

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How to Build Porch Stairs | Ask This Old House

[lees]

Tom Silva was born a master carpenter.

[taohuang]

Tom is great! Reminds me of my dad. He built everything perfect and made it look easy. After he finished he would say “Just like Fort Knox”.

[brandoBL]

As a 67 yo bricklayer/master builder from the UK, I'm pleased to see an older man passing his hard-won knowledge on to the next generation, while helping out a member of his community by doing the job correctly.
The rules (codes) regarding steps were created long ago, by builders, and are almost exclusively concerned with the safety of the end-users, ie the public. If steps or stairs have odd-sized risers there is a trip hazard. We might cause it a stumble hazard, as, if you are descending a strange flight of stairs with 7" risers and then encounter a 9" riser, then you are almost sure to lose your balance and fall forward. With a 5" rise in the mix, then there is a danger of jarring your foot and falling backwards. All this is only made worse in low light conditions. I might mention the elderly, the kids and the disabled as people who these rules protect especially. This is not "bs" unless it stands for building sensibly.

A big thanks from me to the team who are presenting This Old House. More power to your elbow!

[donaldquinn]

Without sounding to corny…You guys are a national treasure and real humanitarians. Thank you!! For the last 40 yrs. I am 61 and grew up with your show and I have loved would working and repair and building since Ive seen your show.

[bobrunge]

The viewing public has been so fortunate to be served for so long by Tom Silva, Norm Abram, Richard Trathewy et al. Not only their abilities, but their attention to detail and safety abounds. We are lucky to live during a time we can all benefit from their knowledge.

[DarthBalsamic]

I love how he sees that the stairs are uneven, not conducive to prothestics, and illegal. His mind is sharp. Good stuff.

[Retnuh]

Great Job and thank you from America for providing this to her.

[happychannel]

I like the idea of the angled riser! thanks!

[dawoodderful]

I love watching Tom Silva, so skillful and experienced. I hope he is passing his sage wisdom on to others.

[nickwit]

Tom Silva has been 60 years old for 40 years

[hassansaleh]

You guys are amazing! It’s great that you guys helped out a member of the community like that. Keep up the wonderful work!!!!

[hockeylilly]

Oh my. I would get caught on the bottom loop. My clothes, my purse, anything. Thanks for such an informative video.

[Mao]

Great job guys. Wish I saw how bottom post was mounted.

[francismallard]

All of these people on TOH and ATOH are great presenters. Clear, concise. Just great. But Tommy I think is the best. His pacing, his cadence, his intonation, all of it. Just so clear and communicative.

[saidtheblueknight]

Tommy: Alright let's get started.
Kevin: Tools!

Solid response my man.

[jerrodbridgeforth]

These guys from these OLD House is heaven sent Lol

[flfl]

I am a licensed general contractor and Civil Engineer and Tom Silva is the best GC I have ever seen, bar none. His breadth of knowledge is just breathtaking and his hands-on skills and blue collar skills are amazing. All really good GCs learn to do most of the trade work themselves because they end up having to do it on jobs when they can't get trades in to do the work. Silva is an example of that.

[tbuc]

I really like the trick when Tom clamps a piece of wood to the framing square. Makes for exact measuring.

[johnroberts]

Nice job Tommy & Kevin, I'm sure this woman really appreciates you rebuilding her some new & safer stairs with some handrails on both sides ! 👍😀🛠

[MechanicalMikesRoadsideRepair]

I like this show so much...I'll be 18 soon but I've always watched these kind of shows since I was very young.