Stairs and access
Stairs, landings, and rails
Coordinate stair geometry, system-specific framing, top and bottom supports, landings, rails, details, and takeoff output.
Use this reference to
- Coordinate stair placement and vertical geometry before detailing supports
- Understand how the primary framing system changes stair framing and takeoff
- Review rails, landings, foundations, elevations, details, and output as one assembly
Reference scope
- Primary control
- Select the stair > stair inspector
- Source system
- Inherited from the source deck bay
- Review views
- Framing, Foundation, elevations, Details
- Local authority
- Code, manufacturer instructions, engineering
Place the flight before tuning the details
Add a stair, select its deck edge, and drag it into the intended position. The stair belongs to the source deck section and responds to that section’s height.
Drag the stair itself onto a compatible clipped diagonal when a regular straight flight must attach to that face.
Coordinate width, treads, and riser height
Set the stair width and tread count while watching the calculated riser height. If the deck height changes, revisit the flight.
The stair inspector shows the actual modeled riser result, not a promise that the flight meets every local requirement.
Review the framing assembly inherited from the source bay
A new stair follows the source bay’s primary framing system. It is not converted independently to another material family. Existing-framing mode suppresses new stair framing and support takeoff where the stair is intentionally reused.
The table summarizes DeckDraft’s modeled system behavior; current manufacturer instructions and project conditions remain controlling.
| Source system | Modeled stair framing | Supports and downstream output |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional wood | 2x12 PT stringers at the configured project spacing with wood stair connectors and optional picture-frame support blocking | Configurable top supports/footings, bottom support, wood plan/3D framing, connection details, and lumber/hardware takeoff |
| Owens Corning Lumber | At least three OC 2x12 stringer assemblies at no more than 14 inches O.C., with supported blocking and TER-based span review | OC member labels, stock, compatible project-specific connectors, OC details, 3D, and takeoff; ramps require separate approval |
| New Castle Steel | Joist-in-track box stringers, fabricated tread boxes, ST22 top straps, and the system’s connection-specific support arrangement | NCS steel supports and footings where modeled, manufacturer figures, 3D steel members, and NCS stair takeoff |
| Fortress Evolution | Evolution 2x6 16-ga stringers with adjustable brackets and trays, top straps, and bottom anchor brackets | Stringers added to maintain the modeled tray span, Fortress stair figures, 3D steel members, brackets/trays/anchors in takeoff |
Describe what supports the stair
- Existing framing suppresses new stair framing and support takeoff.
- Top support footings add support at the source-deck connection where required.
- Bottom support can be None, a concrete pad, round footings, or square footings.
- Landing bay creates a modeled landing; Lower deck creates a connected lower platform.
| Support control | Available behavior | Output affected |
|---|---|---|
| Top Support Footings | Wood: None, Left, Center, Right, Left + right, or At all stringers. NCS also supports Auto based on its connection detail. | Framing/Foundation symbols, 3D posts, concrete or pier reporting, and takeoff |
| Top Support Footing Size | Per-stair 12–72-inch setting with Use project reset when an override is active | Footing labels, concrete, Foundation Plan, and takeoff |
| Bottom support | None, concrete pad, round footings, or square footings | Bottom-support graphics, landing-pad allowance or footing concrete, notes, and takeoff |
| Landing connection | Grade support, generated landing bay, or compatible lower-deck edge relationship | Plan/elevation geometry, rails, framing, supports, and exported sheets |
Connect to lower decks deliberately
Move the flight close enough to a compatible lower landing or deck edge before choosing an edge-bearing connection. Disabled connection options explain when no matching edge is in range.
Review the plan and elevation together. The plan confirms placement; the elevation makes the vertical relationship understandable.
| Review surface | Contractor check |
|---|---|
| Framing | Opening width, stringer count/spacing, attachment, blocking, top supports, and interference with beams/posts |
| Foundation Plan | Top and bottom footing locations, sizes, shapes, hidden supports, and relationship to grade |
| Decking | Stair opening, picture-frame/feature-board termination, rail sides, fascia, risers, and board roles |
| Elevations | Total rise, tread/riser profile, landing relationship, guard/handrail continuity, and grade context |
| Details and Takeoff | System-appropriate stair/rail references, stringers, trays/brackets, supports, concrete, connectors, and allowances |
Professional stair review
- Confirm field-measured total rise and finished surface elevations
- Verify riser count/height, tread depth, nosing, stair width, and headroom
- Coordinate top attachment, opening framing, and required blocking
- Confirm stringer system, spacing, span, trays/brackets, and cut geometry
- Review top supports, bottom bearing, landing size, drainage, and frost conditions
- Verify guards, graspable handrails, returns, gates, and transition to the deck rail
- Review Framing, Foundation Plan, Decking, elevations, Details, and Takeoff
- Apply local amendments, manufacturer instructions, inspection, and engineering requirements
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