Replies

1. 
   NickNukeEm | Jan 25, 2010 01:44pm | #1

   Depends on who is signing off, if a permit is pulled. Different local Building Department Inspectors have different requirements. Up here, I only need a pad (no footing) if the client wants one. Otherwise, we can drop the stairs right on the ground, tho most do not.

   Call the department and ask.

2. 
   roberttp | Jan 25, 2010 08:46pm | #2

   I like to bring my exterior stairs down onto a bed of crushed stone. Dig down 8" or so and fill the area under the bottom steps where the stringers sit. The stone is easy to level and grade to the proper elevation for the stairs. Plus, I like that stone drains, whereas a concrete pad or slab will pool and collect moisture. It will make finished stringers and risers last longer on porches and fancier decks, and keep the PT framing of the stringers in better shape too.

   I know the inspectors in my area have never wanted and footing or slab. It's always best to check if in doubt though.

   - Rob

1. 
   Scott | Jan 25, 2010 08:54pm | #3

   >>>I know the inspectors in my area have never wanted and footing or slab.

   This has been on my mind too, as one of these years I need to add some stairs to our deck.

   Do you get many callbacks for shimming the stringers because of heaving or settling?

3. 
   calvin | Jan 26, 2010 11:53am | #4

   Just this past yr I've had to
   Just this past yr I've had to repair a couple deck stairs because of settling. When the bottom of the stringers sunk they pulled away from the deck framing. No screws in anything-all just nailed.

   While a footing would certainly have helped, a bed of stone and something to spread the load on the bottom of the stringers is what I would do if allowed. I add a "pad" of treated wood to the bottoms of the cut stringer. Might only be an inch and a half x 2 and a half, but it caps the cut bottom-helping to keep moisture from wicking up into the end grain of the stringer.

   Where possible I'll lay down a slab of concrete/limestone as the landing. Cap the cut end of the stringer for moisture and the slab spreads out the point load. Looks good, something to edge the grass around is a bonus.