A Step-by-Step Guide to MoistureShield® Staircases

While stairs are certainly functional — bridging the gap between a flat and elevated space — they can also add a dramatic element or focal point in the design of your outdoor deck. Although MoistureShield^® does not sell stand-alone staircases, any of our composite and composite enhanced PVC decking products can be used to build stairs providing you utilize products featuring the benefits of our CoolDeck^® technology, TrueTexture™ Surface, DiamondDefense™ Coating, and more depending on the board you choose. Thinking of incorporating outdoor composite stairs into your deck project? We have a step-by-step guide (yes, pun intended) that can help you consider the many factors that go into composite stairs and railings. 

Step One: Developing a Budget

Adding composite stairs to your deck design does introduce an additional investment that must be factored into the project. If you are unsure of the cost, feel free to use our Deck Estimator page to calculate costs and get a rough estimate of your project. For the most accurate cost, it’s important to consider additional items to install, such as substructure, railing and lighting. These additions not only help you meet safety regulations, but they also add an element of design to each staircase.

Step Two: Designing Your Composite Stairs

Now, the fun part: designing your deck! MoistureShield offers a wide variety of composite decking and staircase product options. Review them all to discover what works best for you.

MoistureShield Vision^TM: Our strongest capped wood composite board is available in beautiful color options and textures that reflect the look of real hardwood. Its unmatched performance features are designed to last a lifetime.

MoistureShield Meridian^TM: Our resilient, color-enriched capped composite deck boards feature a low-profile wood grain pattern and reduced pattern repetition that evokes the look and feel of real wood.

MoistureShield Elevate^TM: This composite decking offers advanced protection and beauty that allows you to create a stylish, durable outdoor environment simply and affordably.

MoistureShield Vantage^TM: Our uncapped composite decking board works better than pressure-treated lumber. Vantage offers the same workability as real wood, so it cuts, rips or bends better while still maintaining its integrity. Plus, you can use the same tools that are used to install a traditional wooden deck and the boards are reversable.

MoistureShield Stratos™: Our composite enhanced PVC decking is a breakthrough innovation in outdoor flooring. Stratos brings together the best features of both wood composites and PVC decking to stay lightweight while delivering stronger and longer-lasting performance than any PVC decking on the market.

From the impermeable protection of our composite decking to the unmatched strength of our composite enhanced PVC, all these products are constructed to last for decades, resisting damage from moisture, rot, insects, and other harmful elements.

Step 3: Options, Options, Options!

The design of your MoistureShield deck and staircase doesn’t end with choosing the perfect product. There are a variety of options that can enhance the look of your deck. 

Railing
We offer three different types of railing options: composite, aluminum, and steel. Like MoistureShield decking, our solid core composite railing is specially formulated to fight damage from outside elements and is available in three different series with multiple infill options, colors, and price points to complement any deck design. In addition, our rust-resistant, durable Compass™ Aluminum Railing offers a variety of options featuring patented Connex™ technology to ensure secure connections and a premium powder coat that exceeds industry standards by three times. Our Fathom^TM Steel Railing offers two infill styles: traditional square balusters or horizontal rods. Fathom Railing systems have pre-attached brackets for easy install and feature premium powder coating for protection against the elements.

Outdoor Deck Lighting
Lighting can be added to staircases or strategically located around the deck to enhance the overall look as well as increase visibility and safety at night. Solar Post Cap lights and a full LED Lighting system are available for use with all MoistureShield decking and railing products.

Looking for more ideas? Our Inspiration Gallery features a variety of decking and staircase photos to get you started.

Step 4: Building Your Decking Staircase

Now it’s time to put your ideas and design into action. If you’re planning to hire a contractor, we have a team of MoistureShield professionals available. Search here to find pros in your area. If you’re a DIYer and planning to build a deck and staircase yourself, check out MoistureShield’s Decking Installation Guide to provide direction, tips, and best practices that will make the process easier. We also have a Dealer Page listing a variety of locations where both supplies of the product and help are available for your decking and staircase needs.

With MoistureShield, take the next steps to install the deck of your dreams with the crowning touch of a beautiful staircase that will “wow” your family and friends. Good luck and good decking!