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Call 616 490 2487 for a free estimate to restore your Lake Michigan property
Beach Stairs
"I loved the consultative approach with DRS during the design, and they had great communication throughout the project. The quality of construction is incredible while also minimizing the impact on the bluff and vegetation. Very pleased with the end result - I will let the pictures speak for themselves." -- Jim, Fennville MI
You belong at the beach. Let us help you get there.
You belong at the beach. Let us help you get there.
Building safe and long-lasting beach stairs on Lake Michigan requires knowledge of how wind and water dynamics affect the lakeshore and dune. DRS carefully considers the geological characteristics of each client's particular property and how it is likely to change in the future. Our stairs are noticeably stronger and will last longer than any of our competitors' work.
We safely remove and dispose of any old/damaged stairs and walkways.
Our standard stairs use pressure-treated, ground contract lumber, a 5-stringer support system, and deep foundation posts that remain secure even in an eroding dune. Our well-built stairs should last 30-40 years.
We can build stairs and decks that extend over rock revetments or use steel pilings; we can also install custom-built, seasonally-removable aluminum stairs over revetments or at the end of permanent stairs to reach the beach.
We offer many stair and deck options, including a range of decking materials (e.g., pine, Accoya, Ipe hardwood, composite), cable railings, benches, lighting, storage, racks, and thru-flow polymer treads
We are conscious of our own impact on the dune, so whenever possible we use these strategies:
Drive helical screws or steel pipes ("piers") straight into the dune instead of digging foundation holes
Build with hand and power tools instead of heavy equipment
"DRS has really delivered for us on a couple of projects. Their attention to detail, good design work, and quality craftsmanship have addressed our huge dune erosion losses. The DRS work crews were persistent, careful, and polite; Nick's communication skills, with patience and professionalism in coordinating with the various agencies, enabled our projects to succeed." -- Tony & Nancy, Grand Haven
"Dune Restoration Services did a wonderful job building our beach stairs. The crew was one of the most professional we have used in the area. We were impressed with the quality of the workmanship and the care they took in the planning and construction of the stairs (including some changes on the fly). The job site was kept clean, and the work was completed on schedule. We couldn’t be happier with the results."
-- Pat, Grand Beach MI
Our customized stairs give new homeowners a safe and beautiful path to the lake . We design our stairs to minimize the removal of vegetation, which provides dune stabilization as well as shade and shelter for animals (Coloma, MI)
Custom-designed stairs were built on a steel frame mounted on a single steel piling over rock revetment (Grand Haven, MI)
DRS carpenters seamlessly incorporate new stairs with existing structures and can build over seawalls, rock revetments, and geotextile bags (New Buffalo, MI)
These stairs incorporate Thru-Flow polymer treads to decrease the effects of waves on the structure (Stevensville, MI)
Many clients ask for a removable aluminum stair section to protect their investment against high water, storm waves, and winter ice; we can remove and install these each year (Fennville, MI)
Parts of a Staircase & the MI Building Code:
The handrail and baluster are part of the guardrail system (or "balustrade"); Michigan code requires a continuous, graspable handrail on at least one side for stairs and requires a maximum 4" spacing between the vertical balusters.
Parts of a Staircase & the MI Building Code:
The handrail and baluster are part of the guardrail system (or "balustrade"); Michigan code requires a continuous, graspable handrail on at least one side for stairs and requires a maximum 4" spacing between the vertical balusters.
Stringers support the steps and connect to the foundation posts. Cut stringers are usually hidden under the steps; full (uncut) stringers are on the outsides of the staircase. Michigan code does not allow a flight of stairs to exceed 147" (just over 12 feet) in length before requiring a landing or platform.
Treads are the horizontal boards onto which one steps; Michigan code requires a 9" minimum depth.
Risers are vertical boards placed between treads. Although EGLE (Michigan's environmental division) does not recommend risers on dune stairs because they limit light for vegetation growing below, the Michigan building code requires risers large enough to prevent more than a 4" space around them.
DRS Standard Stairs & Options
DRS Standard Stairs & Options
Structure: Standard
Structure: Standard
Foundation: 48' galvanized steel helical screws attached to 4" x 4" pressure-treated, ground-contact lumber
Framing: 4' wide stairs using 2" x 8" or larger lumber headers and joists with Simpson strong-tie connectors
Stair support: 5 stringers (3 cut, 2 full) for 3-4' wide stairs
Structure: Options
Structure: Options
Foundation:
Galvanized steel posts (for dunes with clay layers)
4" x 4" pressure-treated, ground-contact lumber on concrete or composite footing pads (for soil with rocks or roots)
4" x 4" pressure-treated, ground-contact lumber attached to steel pilings or large rocks (for rock revetments)
Framing: 3' or 5' wide stairs; steel stringers or other supports
Stair support: 4 to 7 stringers (0 or 2 full)
Treads: Standard
Treads: Standard
5/4" x 6" pressure-treated, ground-contact lumber (Southern Yellow Pine) attached with exterior-grade, coated T-25 deck screws
2 treads per step
Treads: Options
Treads: Options
High-strength, lightweight, adjustable aluminum stairs
Ipe hardwood (Brazilian Walnut), a beautiful reddish-brown color that naturally resists decay, insects and mold. Its hardness and strength give it very high wear durability; its longevity surpasses all other decking material choices
Accoya wood, a lovely light yellow-gray, is type of pine that is chemically changed into a hardwood using a form of vinegar. It is extremely durable and warranteed to last 50 years above ground (25 years in freshwater).
Composite lumber (a mixture of wood fiber, plastic particles, and a binding agent) is denser and stronger than lumber, does not create slivers, and never needs staining.
Bottom Staircase:
Standard
Bottom Staircase:
Standard
Pressure-treated, ground-contact lumber
Bottom
Staircase:
Options
Bottom
Staircase:
Options
This stair section is most vulnerable to high water, storm waves, and lake ice movement. Option selection depends on the distance from the water's edge and other site conditions
Thru-Flow marine-grade polymer treads
Removable aluminum stair system
Guardrail
System:
Standard
Guardrail
System:
Standard
Handrail: Pressure-treated 2" x 6" lumber with specially-routed grooves for graspability
Guard system: Vertical 2" x 2" x 42" tall pressure-treated, beveled vertical wooden balusters
Guardrail System:
Options
Guardrail System:
Options
Handrail: ipe or Accoya hardwoods; powder-coated aluminum pipe; painted steel pipe
Guard system: horizontal 2" x 4" treated lumber or hardwood, horizontal stainless steel cables, Deckorator aluminum and cable railing system
Optional Accessories
Optional Accessories
We work with each client to custom-design their beach access from house to lakeshore. These are some of the common options:
Custom gates
Storage rack (e.g., paddleboards, kayaks)
Lighting & outlets
Drink railing
Storage bench (e.g., beach toys, life jackets)
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