Deck Stairs and Step Construction in Greater Cincinnati, OH

As a deck stair builder in Greater Cincinnati, OH, we build stairs sized to the deck height, the footing depth, and the code, not stock stringers cut to length. Stringer count, rise-run math, and landing placement are settled at the home consultation before the first cut.

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What Custom Deck Stairs and Steps Add

Stock kits handle standard heights. Custom stairs and steps handle everything else.

Rise and run sized to the deck for a consistent step height, top to bottom
Wide entry steps, multi-riser stair runs, or landing turns matched to the actual layout
Handrail and guard heights that meet code where required

How Deck Stair Construction Comes Together

Every stair build comes down to three layers: stringer support, treads and risers, and code details.

Stringer Support: Multiple stringers sized to code, resting on poured concrete footings
Treads and Risers: Composite treads matched to the deck surface, with open or closed risers per code
Code Details: Handrail height, guard height, and rise-run ratio checked against the local building code

Deck Stair and Step Design Ideas

Deck stair and step designs don’t have to be a straight run to grade.

Wide entry stairs: Multiple treads spread wide across the deck edge, doubling as informal seating
Stairs with a landing: A landing that turns the stair into an L-shape or U-shape mid-descent
Cascading corner stairs: Wrap around a corner, descending to grade with the deck’s shape
Box steps: Single-riser platform steps between deck levels or at grade, clad in the same composite as the deck

Experience Over Decades

Luke Wooldridge and Chris Omeish have been friends since high school, with 20+ years of combined construction work between them. The shop sits in Liberty Township between Cincinnati and Dayton.

Size the Stair to the Deck, Not the Stock Kit

Stock stringer kits are sized to the box, not the deck. We size stringers and footings for the build, so nothing gets shimmed on site.

What Custom Deck Stairs and Steps Add
How Deck Stair Construction Comes Together
Deck Stair and Step Design Ideas

Our Deck Stair Work

Cascading stairs down a hillside deck. Wide entry treads span the deck edge. A landing turn breaking a long run. See the deck stair installs across Greater Cincinnati.

Check Out Our Work in Cincinnati and Surrounding Communities

We’ve built custom decks all over Greater Cincinnati, from Liberty Township to Springboro. Every project reflects our dedication to quality and doing things the right way.

What Our Clients Say About Us

Our clients don’t just leave reviews—they share real stories about how we’ve transformed their outdoor spaces. Here’s what they have to say about working with us:

Why Choose The Custom Deck Guys?

Luke and Chris, longtime friends, started The Custom Deck Guys to do things the right way. With over 20 years of combined experience, every pergola and every deck project gets our full attention, just as if it were for a friend.

With over 250 decks built in Greater Cincinnati, we bring hands-on expertise to every project. You’ll work with the team that built our reputation, ensuring your project is in the best hands.

We adapt to how you want to work on your project. We’re also dedicated to giving back, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, and participating in local community events. Plus, with our 1- to 5-year warranty, we guarantee the quality of our work.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you decide the stairs' rise and run?

Rise-run math starts with the deck’s finished height above grade. Total rise divides into equal risers within the Ohio code (7 3/4 inches max per riser), and the tread depth is set at 10 inches minimum. The stringer count comes from the total stair width and the tread material’s span rating. We work out the math at the design table, so no adjustments are made on site with shims or off-cuts.

When does a deck stair need a landing?

Ohio code requires a landing when the total vertical rise exceeds 12 feet or when the stair changes direction (L- or U-shaped turns). Landings are also worth considering on long straight runs for comfort, even below the 12-foot threshold. Landing size is set at a minimum of 36 inches in the direction of travel.

Are composite deck stair treads slip-resistant?

Yes. Composite treads from Trex, TimberTech, Deckorators, and Fiberon carry embossed grain patterns and cap technology that give more traction than smooth wood decking, wet or dry. For homes with pool decks or heavy shade, we recommend the deeper-textured composite lines and can add stair-tread grip strips on the leading edge as an add-on.

Can you move the stairs to a different location on an existing deck?

Sometimes. Moving a stair means opening the joist framing at both the old and new locations, patching the deck surface, and pouring a new footing at the new landing point. If the deck is structurally sound and the framing supports the new stair opening, we can do it. On older decks, the cost of moving the stairs often approaches a partial rebuild, so we walk through the trade-offs at the home consultation.