My old wood deck is deteriorating and the stairs could be hazardous. What is the easiest way to install new ones for an inexperienced DIY-er?

For ambitious DIYers, deck stairs are a natural next project after building a stylish floating wood deck. Or perhaps your old stairs have worn out from years of exposure to the sun, moisture, and use.

Picture a stair slope in your mind to estimate about a 40-degree slope and guess at a landing point. Rest any straight piece of deck lumber on the deck and level it over to the landing point. Measure ...