I picked a 15-degree angle for my deck stairs and my buddy called me crazy

He insisted on the standard 30-degree cut for the stringers, said it was faster and everyone does it. I measured the rise and run three times, did the math, and went with 15 degrees for a gentler climb. It took an extra half day to cut and fit, but my client's older parents can now use the stairs without grabbing the rail every time. The inspector even commented on how safe it looked during the final sign-off. Has anyone else gone against the usual specs for something like this, and did the client notice?

3 comments

3 Comments

ryan_nelson22d ago

Wait, is that even allowed by your local code? I thought most places had a minimum of like 25 or 30 degrees for stairs so they don't get too shallow and weird to walk on. @loganburns nailed it about custom work actually being about the people using it, but I'd double check that your inspector didn't miss something. A 15 degree slope is basically a ramp with steps cut into it, and I've heard of those failing inspection in some towns because the tread depth gets wonky. Your buddy probably wasn't wrong about the standard cut being faster, but that extra half day might save you a lawsuit later if someone slips. Just make sure your risers aren't too short or your treads too deep for the average foot.

bettyk533mo ago

Totally get it, I've done the same for clients with bad knees. @loganburns is right, that extra time is worth it when you see them use it easy. Did the inspector give you any trouble over it being different?

loganburns3mo ago

Honestly, that's awesome you stuck with it. I mean, the whole point of custom work is to actually think about who's using it, right? Your buddy's "everyone does it" thing is how you end up with stairs that are just barely to code but kinda awful for real people. That extra half day is nothing compared to making something actually work better. Good on you for ignoring the noise.