A variation on the straight stair, this style turns 90 degrees at some point to create an L-shape. The number of treads on each section can vary from two to as many as needed to make the turn.

Risers and treads can be constructed from the same material used for decking. When planning your deck stairs, don’t forget to include a handrail.

Straight means simple, in stair terms at least; with a regular trajectory and square treads, they’re easier to use and install. They’re also, however, the most boring – so let’s move on.

We’re installing stairs from our deck down to the garden. Our plans initially called for a spiral staircase – 3′ wide steps, going down like 9′, and this is what was in our contract. We’ve decided a ...

A straight- flight stair is the simplest to build, but not necessarily the most desirable. Furthermore, the layout of a building does not always permit the use of a straight flight stairway.