Deck Stair With Soil-Bearing Stringers and Inconsistent Risers
An inspector is checking a deck stair that serves a 7-foot-high deck. The stair has nine risers, pressure-treated 2x10 stringers, and a 5-foot clear width. Only two stringers are visible, one at each side, and the treads sag noticeably in the middle. The bottom of each stringer rests directly on soil; there is no concrete footing, and the wood at the ground line is dark and soft when probed. The top of the stair is attached to the deck rim with two lag screws through the stringer, and a gap has opened between the stringer and the rim. Riser heights measured from bottom to top are 6 1/2, 6 1/2, 6 1/2, 7, 7, 7, 7 1/2, 8, and 8 1/2 inches. A handrail is present on one side but ends without a return or post at the bottom.
1. Separate the stair findings into structural, safety, and cosmetic categories, and explain your reasoning.
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Structural: stringers bear directly on soil with no footing; wood at the ground line is dark and soft (decay); only two stringers support a 5-foot-wide stair and the treads sag in the middle; the top connection has a gap and only two lag screws. Safety: riser heights vary from 6 1/2 to 8 1/2 inches, a 2-inch variation and a trip hazard; the handrail ends without a return or post. Cosmetic: none of the major findings are cosmetic; staining alone would be, but soft wood is decay. The sag and soil bearing are not cured by replacing a tread.
2. What is the order of concern and what recommendation belongs in the report?
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Order: (1) decayed, soil-bearing stringers - possible collapse; (2) gap at top connection - stair may pull away; (3) riser variation - trip hazard; (4) handrail termination - fall hazard. Recommendation: restrict use of the stair until evaluated and repaired by a qualified deck contractor; repair should include proper footings, adequate stringers, secure top connection, consistent risers, and a graspable handrail with proper termination. Re-inspect after repair. Use observation-based language: 'stringers rest on soil, decayed at grade; treads sag; riser heights vary approximately 2 inches; handrail lacks return.'
3. The seller says the stair 'just needs a new bottom step.' How should the inspector respond?
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Respond: 'The bottom step is not the main issue. The stringers are bearing on soil and are decayed at the ground line, and the stair is sagging with only two stringers across a 5-foot width. Replacing the bottom step would not fix the support or the top connection.' Keep it factual. Recommend a contractor evaluate the whole stair, not a cosmetic repair. Do not argue code; explain the safety consequence.