Should my Vancouver deck stairs land on concrete pads?

Yes, deck stairs should land on concrete pads or footings in Metro Vancouver. This is both a BC Building Code requirement and essential for long-term stability in our wet climate.

Concrete pads prevent settling, shifting, and moisture damage that destroys stair stringers from the bottom up. Without proper footings, stair stringers sit directly on soil or gravel, where they absorb ground moisture, rot at the base, and gradually sink or shift as the ground softens during our long rainy season. This creates dangerous gaps between the stairs and deck, uneven steps, and eventually structural failure of the stair system.

The BC Building Code requires stair footings to extend below the frost line and bear on undisturbed soil. In Metro Vancouver, frost depth is typically 450mm (18 inches), though local building departments may specify deeper footings based on soil conditions. Each stair stringer must be supported by its own concrete pad or a continuous concrete footing spanning the width of the stairs. The concrete pad should extend at least 6 inches beyond the stringer on all sides for proper bearing.

Precast concrete pads are the most common solution for residential deck stairs in Metro Vancouver. These are typically 24" x 24" x 4" thick and cost $40-80 each at building supply stores. They're set on a bed of compacted gravel (minimum 4 inches) for drainage and leveling. For wider stairs or heavier loads, poured-in-place concrete footings may be required. The stair stringers are then attached to the concrete using galvanized or stainless steel post anchors or angle brackets.

Proper drainage around stair footings is critical in our climate. The concrete pads should be surrounded by gravel to prevent water from pooling around the stringer bases. Many contractors also apply a moisture barrier (self-adhering membrane or construction adhesive) between the concrete and the bottom of the pressure-treated stringer to further prevent moisture wicking.

For elevated decks over 600mm above grade, stair construction requires a building permit and must meet guardrail requirements if the stairs have more than two risers. The handrail must be 865mm-965mm (34"-38") above the stair nosing, and balusters cannot have gaps larger than 100mm (4 inches).

When to hire a professional: While handy homeowners can install precast pads for simple ground-level deck stairs, any stairs serving an elevated deck should be built by a professional contractor who understands code requirements, proper rise/run calculations, and structural connections to both the deck and the concrete footings.