Installing fiberglass stairs for your mobile home may seem straightforward, but the right approach is essential to ensure safety, long-term durability, and enhance your home's curb appeal. Imagine stepping onto sturdy, weather-resistant stairs that blend seamlessly with your home's exterior and provide peace of mind for you and your family.
Fiberglass stairs are a popular choice for mobile and manufactured homes thanks to their strength and low maintenance. Still, even the best materials won't perform adequately if they're not properly installed. By focusing on careful planning, precise measurements, and thorough preparation, you can ensure that your new stairs remain safe, durable, and attractive for years to come.
Essential Mobile Home Stair Requirements
Mobile and manufactured homes have unique requirements compared to traditional houses, so it’s important to understand your home’s specific needs before installing new stairs. Entry door height, frame dimensions, and ground clearance can vary, making it essential to measure carefully. Before ordering fiberglass stairs, double-check the distance from the ground to your doorway; getting this detail right ensures your steps fit securely and comfortably.
Use a tape measure to record the distance from the finished ground level up to the top of your door sill. Don’t rely on guesswork or old plans; taking a few extra minutes to get an accurate measurement can prevent problems like uneven steps, awkward spacing, or safety hazards down the road.
It’s also crucial to review your local building codes before making any decisions. Many areas have rules for stair riser heights, tread depths, handrails, and landing platforms. Following these codes helps you pass inspection, keep your household safe, and maintain your installation in compliance with legal standards.
Choose the Correct Stair Height and Width
Manufacturers design fiberglass stairs in standard heights. Most units range from two to six steps. Each step typically rises from 7 to 8 inches. Confirm three key measurements before ordering:
- Total rise from the ground to the door threshold
- Door width and clearance area
- Available space for landing and foot traffic
Fiberglass stair systems often include integrated platforms. Make sure the top platform aligns evenly with the threshold. The platform should sit flush, with no gaps or excessive overlap. If the ground slopes away from the home, factor that into your measurements. You may need light grading or a foundation pad to create a level base.
Prepare a Stable Foundation
A solid foundation supports the entire stair system. Fiberglass stairs do not flex like wood, so the base must remain stable. Clear away grass, loose soil, and debris, excavating several inches of soil if needed. Add compacted gravel to create a firm, level surface.
In some cases, a concrete pad offers the best long-term support. A pad prevents settling and keeps the stairs level over time. This option works well in areas with freeze-thaw cycles.
Check the level in both directions before placing the stairs. Use a carpenter's level or a laser level to ensure the surface is flat from side to side and front to back. Even a slight tilt can cause issues over time, such as rocking, stress cracks, and shifting.
If you notice any uneven spots, add or remove gravel as needed until the base is perfectly level. Taking extra care at this stage will help prevent future problems and ensure your stairs stay safe and secure.
Inspect the Stairs Before Installation
Inspect your fiberglass stairs as soon as they arrive. Look for cracks, chips, or shipping damage on the visible surfaces and under or along the edges. Confirm that all included hardware and parts match what’s listed in the instructions or packing slip.
If your stairs include pre-drilled holes or handrail attachments, double-check their locations and make sure they’re clean and properly aligned. If anything appears missing or damaged, contact the supplier immediately before starting installation.
Most fiberglass stairs arrive ready for installation, but always read the full instruction manual before you begin. Some models have handrails, side attachments, or extra hardware that require assembly. Organize all parts and tools in advance, and verify that you have everything you need for the job. Following the manufacturer’s instructions step by step is key to a smooth, safe installation.
If your stairs arrive via LTL freight, take time to inspect the packaging and product carefully before signing the delivery receipt. Note any visible damage or missing parts directly on the paperwork and take photos for your records. This documentation is often required to file a warranty or shipping claim, so don’t skip this step.
Set the Stairs in Position
Carefully move the stair unit into place, positioning it squarely against your home’s entry door. Take your time to align the top platform so it sits flush and level with the threshold. Ideally, it should rest just a fraction below the door sill.
This ensures the door opens and closes smoothly, without catching on the platform or rubbing against any part of the stairs. Test the door swing to make sure it opens fully and doesn’t hit a railing or the edge of a step.
Once the stairs are in position, recheck the level in both directions. Even a slight tilt can cause future issues, so adjust the gravel base or use shims as needed to get everything flat and stable. Don’t try to force the stairs into place if the base isn’t right. Take a few extra minutes to fix the foundation instead.
If your stair model comes with anchor brackets, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to secure the stairs to your home. Use only fasteners and anchors approved for mobile home construction to ensure a safe, up-to-code installation. Tightening the brackets firmly will prevent shifting and add long-term stability, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic or challenging weather conditions.
Secure the Stairs Properly
Proper anchoring is essential to keep your stairs safe and secure, whether you’re dealing with heavy foot traffic, strong winds, or shifting soil. Unsecured stairs can move out of place or even tip over during storms, so it’s worth taking time to anchor them correctly.
Always attach the stairs to your home at the manufacturer-approved mounting points. Avoid drilling into unsupported sections of the fiberglass, as this can cause cracks and compromise the structure. If your installation calls for ground anchors, drive them into compact, stable soil next to the stair base, and connect them only with the hardware provided or recommended by the manufacturer.
When tightening bolts and fasteners, make sure they are snug but not overly tight; fiberglass can be damaged by excessive force. Double-check each anchor and bolt before finishing to ensure your stairs are as secure as possible. Taking these steps helps your stairs stay put and last longer, even under challenging conditions.
Address Drainage and Water Control
Managing water around your stairs is key to a long-lasting, trouble-free installation. While fiberglass itself is water-resistant, the ground underneath and around your stairs needs special attention. If water pools at the base, it can erode the foundation, cause unwanted settling, or even lead to mold and mildew buildup over time.
To prevent these issues, make sure the ground slopes gently away from the stair base so rainwater naturally drains away. Check that gutters and downspouts aren’t emptying right next to the entry area. Redirect them if needed to keep water moving away from the stairs.
If you live in a region with heavy rainfall or high moisture, spread a layer of drainage gravel or small stones around the perimeter of the stair base. This helps water disperse more easily, reduces pooling, and prevents soil from washing away.
After heavy rain, take a few minutes to inspect the area around your stairs. If you notice any pooling water or signs of erosion, adjust the slope or add extra gravel as needed to keep things dry and stable.
Perform Final Safety Checks
Once your stairs are installed, take a few minutes to test them under normal conditions. Walk up and down them several times, paying attention to any movement, rocking, or uneven steps. Each tread should feel sturdy and stable. If you notice any wobbling, address it right away.
Check the connection where the platform meets the threshold to ensure it’s secure and free of gaps that could catch a shoe or pose a tripping hazard. Before you consider the job finished, go through this quick checklist:
- Stairs are level and rest on a solid, compacted base.
- The top platform lines up with the door threshold.
- All anchors and fasteners are tight and secure.
- Handrails are firmly attached and meet code requirements.
- The ground slopes away from the stairs to prevent water from pooling.
If you spot any issues, address them now; small fixes at this stage can save you from bigger headaches down the road.
Maintaining Your Fiberglass Stairs
One of the biggest advantages of fiberglass stairs is their low maintenance. To keep them looking their best, wash the surface with mild soap and water from time to time. This will help remove dirt, salt, and any debris that collect on the treads.
A quick inspection twice a year goes a long way. Look for cracks, loose bolts, or signs that the stairs or base may be settling, especially after winter weather. If you spot anything, tighten the hardware or make small repairs right away to prevent bigger problems down the road.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive tools when cleaning, as they can scratch or dull the finish. With just a little routine care, your fiberglass stairs will stay strong, safe, and attractive for years to come.
Plan for Long-Term Performance
A quality installation is key to ensuring your fiberglass stairs last for years and remain safe for everyone who uses them. By following these best practices for installing mobile home fiberglass stairs, you’ll reduce the risk of accidents and avoid common structural problems down the road.
Because mobile and manufactured homes have unique designs and elevations, it’s important to choose stair systems that fit your home’s exact requirements. Careful selection and precise installation mean you can enjoy safe, worry-free access every day.
At Mobile Home Outfitters, you’ll find stair systems and other manufactured home replacement parts made specifically for mobile homes. This guide is here to help you make informed choices and install your stairs with confidence, so your entryway remains stable, attractive, and up to code.