QA

Quick Answer: How Far Apart Should Stair Stringers Be

Deck stairs are typically made from 2 x 12 stringers spaced about 12 to 16 inches apart. They rest on a solid foundation and are attached to the deck with hangers. They have risers (also called toe kicks), treads and railings. The stairs should be at least 36 inches wide.

How far apart can you put stair stringers?

Cut stringers can be spaced no more than 18 inches on center, so a 3-foot-wide staircase needs three stringers, and a set of slightly wider stairs (say 3 feet 6 inches) needs four stringers. The maximum 18-inch spacing presumes treads of 5/4-inch wood decking or 2-by stock.

How many stringers do I need for a 36 inch stairs?

If cut stringers are used in the stair construction, then at least three stringers are required. Cut stringers should be spaced no more than 18 inches on center. For example, a 36-inch-wide stairway should have three stringers. If the stairway is wider than 36 inches, four stringers should be installed.

How wide can stairs be with 2 stringers?

Stringers should be spaced close enough to adequately support the treads. This spacing depends on the tread materials. If treads are 2-by lumber, stringers can usually be as far apart as 16 inches on center. If 5/4 decking or composite decking is used, they should be 12 inches or closer.

Are stair stringers 2×10 or 2×12?

It is acceptable and within building code guidelines to use either 2×10 or 2×12 dimensional lumber to create a set of stairs; however, a stair stringer should not be less than 3.5 inches wide at its narrowest point to provide adequate strength for the load the stairs will be supporting.

How many stringers do I need for 40 inch stairs?

A 3-foot wide staircase and a set of slightly wider stairs need three and four stringers, respectively. The maximum 18 inch spacing presumes the treads of 5/4-inch wood deck or 2-by stock.

How far apart should steps be?

A standard number of treads in a stair between first and second floors is 14. One hundred-five divided by 14 equals 7 1/2 . That means the distance from the top of each step to the top of the next step will be 7 1/2 inches. With a riser height of 7 1/2 inches, tread width (run) should be at least 9 inches.

How far apart should risers be?

Stringers should be spaced no more than 36 inches apart from each other for maximum stair support, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.

What should I put on the bottom of my deck stairs?

Adding crushed stone of any variety is one way to nicely cover up any evidence of the footings beneath your stairs while adding aesthetic value. Similar to crushed stone, patio blocks placed around the last stair can also work. However, they should only be used on level ground.

How many stringers do I need for 4 foot wide steps?

This means you will need to install a minimum of four stringers on any stairway wider than 36”. Always check the maximum span for your decking material as it applies to stair treads. Some composite materials and lower-grade 5/4 wood decking may require you to reduce the stringer spacing to 10” on center.

How long of a 2×12 do I need for stairs?

We suggest 10.5″ for 2×12 or 2 – 2×6 Treads. Treads may be cut to suit other widths. Either B or C is required.

How far can a 2×12 stair stringer span?

A 2×12 stringer has a maximum unsupported span of 6 feet. These stairs (7) are likely to deflect and cause the stringers to either pull loose from the framing or shear along the grain.

Can I use 2×8 for stair stringers?

You should attach 2×6 or 2×8 support framing under the rim flush to the bottom of the stringer. The stairs will hang here. Install a piece of blocking below the rim joist to extend the attachment surface for your stairs stringers. Use a level to mark the top step.

How tall is a 5 step stringer?

Stair Stringer-5 step Redwood (Common: 60 in. x 11 in.; Actual: 1.5 in. x 11 in. x 60 in.).

How far apart should steel stringers be?

NOTE: 6 to 18 inches of plank can stick over each end of the stringers, but the stringers may not be more than 36 inches apart. You may now install a railing, by cutting the front post to the proper length, so that the top post sits perpendicular to the deck.

How many stringers are needed?

How many stair stringers do I need for each staircase? Most staircases will have 4 or 5 stair stringers, though this depends on the width of your stairs and the material you’re using for your stair treads. Most composite deck boards need a stringer every 8 to 12 inches on stairs.

How many stairs can you have before a landing?

– A landing is required every 12′ of vertical stairway rise.

What is a normal step height and depth?

The average step height in America is 7.5 inches. The depth is generally around 9 inches. As far as width goes, or the long part of the stairs, it’s primarily up to the homeowner.

How do you layout stringers?

Step-by-step Clamp a guide to the square. Find the crown. Lay out the first tread and the second riser. Lay out the second tread and the third riser. Mark the back of the top tread. Mark the plumb cut at the top of the stringer. Lay out the bottom riser. Adjust the first riser height.