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 with a fixed riser height. The default is 7 1/4 inches; an explicit Riser Height override is bounded from 4 through 7 3/4 inches.
Tread count × fixed rise drives the connected source deck height. When several stairs share that surface, the tallest flight requirement controls it and shorter flights establish a higher grade exit.
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
Still unclear?
Ask Docs AI about this page, or open DeckDraft when you need AI Help to read the active job.