What is the standard height and width of deck stairs?

• <div><p>Most building codes list a minimum width of <b>36 inches</b> and a maximum height of <b>7¾ inches</b>. However, for the most comfort and spaciousness, you’ll want to aim for a width of at least 48 inches and a height of 7 inches. Again, it’s always a good idea to base your numbers off steps that you already use comfortably. </p></div>

Do deck stringers need hangers?

• <div><p>Hangers are one way of attaching stair stringers to a deck. These metal hangers are usually adjustable, allowing you to find the ideal angle for a secure installation. They’re the best choice for installing longer staircases, such as one on a two-story deck, to reduce the load on the deck frame while keeping the stairs stable.</p></div>

How wide can deck stairs be with two stringers?

• <div><p>Deck stairs should have at least three stringers rather than two. The recommended minimum width for stairs is 36 inches, and the <a href="https://www.nachi.org/inspecting-stair-stringers.htm">International Association of Certified Home Inspectors</a> recommends at least three cut stringers to provide sufficient support on wood decking stairs of this width. Generally, stringers should be a maximum of 16 inches apart for wood decking and 12 inches apart for more flexible composite decking.</p></div>

What is a deck not attached to a house called?

• <div><p>A deck that isn’t attached to a house is called a floating or freestanding deck. These standalone decks are built near ground level, so they usually don’t need deck stairs. Some don’t even require permits. Generally speaking, <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-build-floating-deck.htm">building a floating deck</a> is faster and more DIY-friendly than constructing one that’s connected to your home. </p></div>

Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in John Day, OR

Q: Should deck boards be spaced or tight?

• <div><p>Deck boards should be spaced no more than three-eighths of an inch apart. This is enough space to allow water and small debris to pass through without collecting on the surface, but not enough to create a tripping hazard. Certain materials, like pressure-treated wood, shrink over time, so they may need less space at installation. </p></div>

Q: What is a deck not attached to a house called?

• <div><p>A deck that isn&rsquo;t attached to a house is called a floating or freestanding deck. These standalone decks are built near ground level, so they usually don&rsquo;t need deck stairs. Some don&rsquo;t even require permits. Generally speaking, <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-build-floating-deck.htm">building a floating deck</a> is faster and more DIY-friendly than constructing one that&rsquo;s connected to your home. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in John Day, OR

*The Angi rating for Deck Maintenance companies in John Day, OR is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Deck Maintenance needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Deck Maintenance companies in John Day, OR is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Deck Maintenance needs.

Last update on May 23, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
John Martin and his team have done great work for us. They have done several projects for us ( Shadow Box fence for our backyard, Extension wall for our staircase, capped the under side of our front porch/deck, and a few other things. John always answers his calls or returns messages asap and...
Superior Home Builders Corp
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Reviewed in October 2025
The installers, Bill Sevey, Mike Clark and Caleb Schmitt, were friendly, efficient, professional and knowledgeable. They took care to be neat and everything was cleaned up when they left. We are very happy with our new windows!
Renewal by Andersen of Boise
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Reviewed in September 2023
The owner is easy to work with, very informative and knowledgeable about products. Products are great quality.
Prodigy Fence Co.
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Reviewed in May 2023
We recently had 10 windows replaced on our 112 year old schoolhouse. These windows were the originals. From the first visit to the finish we have been extremely pleased. Mark explained the construction, features, time line and benefits with amazing detail. The office personnel were helpful and...
Renewal by Andersen of Washington
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Reviewed in January 2021
He is very professional, made follow ups, great pricing, would give options and suggestions with his service, I would definitely recommend his services and would hire him again.
Matthew John McGinty
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Reviewed in August 2018
Called and they came, gave an estimate and we're right on time for the job. Went above and beyond. Great team.
Palms Tree Service and Landscaping
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Reviewed in March 2008
Overall it went great. This was our first home inspection so we weren't quite sure what to expect. It was painless! There were some services that they would provide at extra cost (variable): Inspecting Sprinkler System, "EDR" Neighborhood Environment Report (any nearby HAZMAT issues),...
VALLEY HOME INSPECTION
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Find Deck maintenance specialists in John Day

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving John Day, OR and surrounding areas

In business since 2002

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Arrived on time, polite & professional, pressure washed deck and sealed it. Deck looked brand new when he finished
"

Recommended by53%of homeowners

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JBC Group Solutions Inc

4.0(

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving John Day, OR and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Emergency services offered

"They did a real good job. They were real professional. We can now open the garage door from the inside of the house and now it is so smooth that we have to check to see if we hit the button to open it or close it. Before we used to know when it was opening or closing because it used to make a noise. It helps when you move to a city where you are new. "

Recommended by75%of homeowners

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K8 Builders LLC

New to Angi

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving John Day, OR and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

🔨 Big News, Central Oregon! \nK8 BUILDERS LLC is officially open for business!\nWe are thrilled to launch K8 BUILDERS LLC, your brand-new, premier choice for residential construction and custom builds in Prineville, Oregon, and all surrounding areas.\nTo bring you the absolute best results, we partner with an elite network of trusted, licensed local contractors. By combining our skills, we offer a massive range of top-tier services while ensuring every single phase of your project is handled by dedicated specialists.\nWe are fully licensed, insured, and bonded, giving you complete peace of mind from ground-break to final walkthrough.\n📐 What We Can Do For You:\nCustom Builds: Barndominiums, Pole Barns, Custom Homes and Remodels, additions and outbuildings.\nExterior Upgrades: Siding, Roofing, Windows, & Doors\nOutdoor Living: Custom Decks & Fences\nStructural Work: Precision Framing\nInterior Finishes: Drywall, Professional Painting, & Flooring

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Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

Most building codes list a minimum width of 36 inches and a maximum height of 7¾ inches. However, for the most comfort and spaciousness, you’ll want to aim for a width of at least 48 inches and a height of 7 inches. Again, it’s always a good idea to base your numbers off steps that you already use comfortably.

Deck boards should be spaced no more than three-eighths of an inch apart. This is enough space to allow water and small debris to pass through without collecting on the surface, but not enough to create a tripping hazard. Certain materials, like pressure-treated wood, shrink over time, so they may need less space at installation.

Hangers are one way of attaching stair stringers to a deck. These metal hangers are usually adjustable, allowing you to find the ideal angle for a secure installation. They’re the best choice for installing longer staircases, such as one on a two-story deck, to reduce the load on the deck frame while keeping the stairs stable.

Deck stairs should have at least three stringers rather than two. The recommended minimum width for stairs is 36 inches, and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors recommends at least three cut stringers to provide sufficient support on wood decking stairs of this width. Generally, stringers should be a maximum of 16 inches apart for wood decking and 12 inches apart for more flexible composite decking.

A deck that isn’t attached to a house is called a floating or freestanding deck. These standalone decks are built near ground level, so they usually don’t need deck stairs. Some don’t even require permits. Generally speaking, building a floating deck is faster and more DIY-friendly than constructing one that’s connected to your home.

The John Day, OR homeowners’ guide to deck maintenance services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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