Instead of leaving your deck with no access point, consider building stairs that are attached to one side. Steps for a deck are easy to install. There are various designs that you can add based on the design of the deck and the function that you need, such as steps that are larger and farther apart for those who have difficulties walking.
The first thing that you want to do is enlist help. This could be from a contractor or from friends and family who can help you hold the pieces of the steps in place while they are being put together. You also need to determine the size of the steps that you need so that you can get the proper materials. It's best to get wood that is too large and cut it down instead of getting pieces that are too small. This would mean that you need to get more pieces of wood, causing you to spend more money on the project.
Another aspect to consider is where the steps will be added. Most decks are attached to an entry door of the home. You want to add the steps at a point where it's easy to access them from the yard. Determine how large the steps need to be to hold the number of people who will be using them at one time. You will then need to determine how many steps will be needed from the platform of the deck to the ground. Larger steps often give a grand appearance compared to smaller steps that offer a contemporary look.
When you begin building stairs for a deck, think about whether you want them to have a design on them or if you simply want pieces of wood attached to each other so that you have a way to get from the ground to the deck. Try to get treated wood so that it's protected against the weather and splintering. However, if you can't get wood that's treated, you can get products to apply that will do the same job. Match the wood used with the steps to the wood used for the deck. It might be best to stain the entire deck and the steps at the same time so that there is a uniform appearance.
