Deck Stairs Nose

12 years ago

Apparently the contractor who built my deck 4-5 years ago never had the final inspection done and I was recently notified by the local building & code office of this. Upon inspection the deck failed to meet code, because of not having graspable handrails and the stair backs being open. Of course the contactor won't return my calls so I'm on my own, with no experience working on a deck.

I've managed to fix the graspable handrails, but I'm not sure what to do about the back of the stairs. The easiest thing I could think to do would be to nail a 1x6 to the front of the stairs so there is only about a 1 inch gap left. However, if I do this there would no longer be a nose to the steps. Currently the nose is about 1 inch. Do you need to have a nose on deck steps to meet code?

Comments (3)

john_hyatt
12 years ago
Just cover the risers , glue / screw a 1 1/2'' trim on the treads.

No use messing with it again that way your sure to pass.

John
zver11
12 years ago
Studies have shown that not having a nose presents a trip hazard. At least 3/4" nosing is required in 2006 international stair building code for steps with solid risers UNLESS tread is at least 11". (Local codes may deviate from this as with all requirements.)

Not sure of best way to do it aesthetically in your case, but a solid riser is not required. Requirement is that there not be a 4" gap in step. If you can put in some kind of blocking to reduce the gap to less than 4" then it should satisfy standard codes. A steel rod or cable would be a pain to install, but would leave a visually open look. Once you decide anything, run it by the local inspector just in case.
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weedyacres
12 years ago
You could "recess" the riser in between the stringers and nail it from either side. Not too pretty, most likely, but it would meet code.