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DeckAndStair

Interactive 2D & 3D Stair Visualizer

Watch your staircase come to life as you type. Real-time 2D profile and full 3D model — drag, rotate, and inspect before you buy a single board.

✓ Real-Time 2D + 3D ✓ Drag to Rotate ✓ Code Compliance Warnings ✓ Free — No Sign-Up Deck & Stair Calculator → Stringer Calculator → Concrete Footing Calculator → Baluster Spacing Calculator → Fence Calculator 3D → Deck Plans 3D →
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Stair Parameters

Unit: Imperial (in/ft)
Imperial Metric
Total Height 94"
Riser Height 7"
Stair Width 36"
Tread Depth 11"
Tread Thickness 1.5"
—Steps
—Footprint (ft)
—Actual Riser
⚠️ Riser outside IRC code range (4"–7.75" / 102–197mm)
⚠️ Ergonomic formula: 2×riser + tread should be 17–18" (43–46cm)
Side Profile — Live Elevation Drawing Updates as you move the sliders
Adjust the sliders to generate the profile DeckAndStair.com
3D Model — Drag to Rotate · Scroll to Zoom Loading Three.js...
Drag to orbit · Scroll to zoom DeckAndStair.com
How It Works

Why Visualize Before You Build?

The most common — and expensive — mistake in stair construction is discovering a geometry problem after you've already cut your stringers. A single riser that's 1/4 inch off from the others is an IRC code violation and a serious trip hazard. Catching it on screen costs you nothing. Fixing it on site costs you an afternoon and a trip to the lumber yard.

Reading the 2D Profile

The side-elevation view shows your staircase exactly as a structural drawing would: each tread and riser drawn to proportion, with annotation lines showing the actual riser height, tread depth, total height, and horizontal footprint. The blue number on each step confirms the step count — critical for checking that your stringer notch layout matches your real rise.

The ergonomic formula (2×riser + tread = 60–65 cm) is checked live. If your combination falls outside this range, the warning appears immediately — saving you from building stairs that feel awkward to climb, even if they technically pass code.

Using the 3D Model

The 3D view renders a full model including both side stringers, tread boards, and guardrail posts with handrails. Drag to orbit the model to check clearances, confirm the angle feels right, and verify that the footprint fits your available space. This is the view to screenshot and show to a client or homeowner before construction begins.

From Visualization to Materials

Once you're happy with the geometry, hit Full Stair Calculator to get the exact lumber list: stringer length, tread board count, and hardware quantities — including a 15% waste factor and your choice of material. Then generate a PDF Shopping List to take to any hardware store or send to your lumber yard for a quote.

Code Reference: Stair Geometry by Country

United States (IRC 2021): Max riser 7.75" (197mm), min tread 10" (254mm). United Kingdom (Doc K): Riser 150–220mm, tread min 220mm. Canada (NBC 2020): Riser 125–200mm, tread min 210mm. Australia (AS 1657): Riser 190–240mm for platforms. All countries require consistent riser heights within a flight — max variation typically 3/8" (9.5mm).

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

The target riser is what you set. The real riser is the total height divided by the rounded number of steps — the value actually built. Because total height rarely divides evenly by your target, the real riser is usually slightly different. IRC requires all risers in a flight to be within 3/8" of each other, so the real riser is the number you must cut consistently across every stringer.
This formula (two times the riser height plus the tread depth equals 60–65 cm) is the universal comfort rule for stair geometry. It ensures a natural stride length that matches typical adult gait. Stairs within this range feel effortless — too far outside it and climbers either shuffle (too shallow) or strain (too steep). This visualizer checks it live and warns you if your combination falls out of range.
As a general rule: one stringer per 16" (400mm) of stair width, minimum two (one each side). A 36" stair = 3 stringers. A 48" stair = 4 stringers. For composite or heavy stone treads, use closer spacing. Use the Full Stair Calculator to get an exact stringer count and length based on your geometry.
Yes — the geometry is identical regardless of material. The 3D model renders a wood-stringer style for clarity, but the rise, run, width, and footprint dimensions apply to any stair type. For concrete stairs, the tread depth you set is the cast-in-place tread, and you'd skip the tread board count from the shopping list. For steel stairs, the stringer dimensions drive your fabrication order.