I am helping a friend with his 20′ x 14′ deck. We will be replacing the decking material (going with exotic decking). His wife wants to add stairs around the perimeter of the deck. The deck joists at the edges currently overhang 24″ over the load bearing beam. What is the best wat to add two 20′ “perimeter” stairs on this overhang? Thanks!
PS I’ll attach pics as I get them.
Replies
Well, how many "steps" are you talking about?
Are you thinking about step tiers that run around the perimeter?
How high is this deck above grade?
While you may be able to hang something off the deck/or beam, you really don't give much information as to how and with what this deck is constructed.
Deck steps
Excuse my lack of artistry but here's a sketch which might help you understand how to tie in your steps to your existing deck without straining the existing structure. Creating a separately standing structure for steps allows you to build wider more generous steps for a more relaxed transition. They also make great seating for casual parties where guests can relax. The basic idea is to independantly structure your steps then tie them into the existing structure with a band below the existing band. If you do wrap around steps to one or both ends, just double up on your horizontal framing from deck corner to step corner to give you plenty of room to change the decking's direction.
Of course, another way to do it, to go to the opposite extreme, is to attach beams to the existing posts so they are (at the top) down about 18" from the deck surface. Run the beams all the way across to the next post in line, then cantilever the beam out about 20 inches from the deck surface. Build a couple of steps on that and "hang" a couple below it.
Helium beams?
I failed to understand your post. It sounds as if you expect the existing deck beam to carry a horizontal beam outward far enough to give a support system for the steps without adding additional posts. Are these filled with helium or somehow able to defy the laws of gravity and physics? What would be the benefit/advantage to such a design if it were even possible to begin with? What exactly is it you're describing? Sorry to sound so snippy but when people ask advice for how to build something, the advice found within this forum is among the best around. Yours needs clarification...
No, you add new, longer beams below the existing ones. Will only work in certain situations, where the posts are appropriately placed and the cantilever doesn't need to be too great, but in the right situation it provides good support for an extended step.