We're in the process of rebuilding the staircase on our outdoor deck, which also serves as our main entrance. Currently, the stairs have a standard depth of around 11-12 inches, but my wife is pushing for a deeper tread of about 16.5 inches for a more luxurious feel and improved functionality. I'm skeptical about how practical this is, especially considering we're using typical 2x12 stringers. How should we approach this?
4 Answers
Not sure where that 16.5-inch number is coming from, but it sounds like someone might think bigger equals better, and that's not always the case!
There's a classic formula for stair comfort: 2 × Rise + Run should equal 24 to 25 inches. So, if your rise is around 7 inches, the ideal tread depth should be about 11 inches. That balance is key for comfort and safety!
Functionality definitely matters here. A deeper stair might sound nice, but it could just complicate things when it comes to walking up and down. Stick with what’s functional and comfortable!
I totally get your concerns! Stairs usually have a 12-inch depth for a reason. When you have overly deep stairs, like the wide, low-pitched ones in parks, it can be a hassle to navigate. It often feels like you're taking 1.5 steps for each tread, which can be annoying.
That makes me think about aging too. Maybe those deeper treads could be a blessing as we get older, allowing for a little breather on each step!