QA

Question: How To Attach Deck Stringers

Attach the stringers to the deck using angle brackets and 3” galvanized deck screws. Cut a 2×6 board to fit snugly between the two stringers at their base. This will be used to fasten the stairs to the concrete pad. Place the board between the stringers and attach to stringers with 3” galvanized deck screws.

Do stair stringers need hangers?

To attach stair stringers to a deck, you must use a metal stair stringer hanger. End-nailing, toe-nailing, or screwing stringers to a header is not allowed per the International Residential Code. Metal hangers must use appropriately sized nails or fasteners specific to the stringer hanger manufacturer.

What do deck stringers sit on?

Your stair stringers will rest on your landing pad, but you should include a base plate. A bearing block is typically a 2×4 that connects your stringers.

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 do you attach wood stair stringers to a deck?

Attach the stringers to the deck using angle brackets and 3” galvanized deck screws. Cut a 2×6 board to fit snugly between the two stringers at their base. This will be used to fasten the stairs to the concrete pad. Place the board between the stringers and attach to stringers with 3” galvanized deck screws.

Can you use joist hangers for stringers?

This metal bracket supports the stringer and holds it on the framing. Stringer hangers look like joist hangers and function in the same way. Most local code authorities require the use of stringer hangers, and using them makes installation easier.

Do you install treads or risers first?

When installing stairs, install the riser first, and then the tread. Start at the bottom of the stairs and work your way up, alternating risers and treads. The back of each tread will sit flush against the riser. Treads and risers fasten with construction adhesive to the subfloor.

How do I secure the bottom of my deck stairs?

How to Anchor Deck Stairs to Concrete Use your jigsaw. Notch out the bottom front of the center stair stringers to accept a 2×4 base plate. Make sure your stringers are level. Fasten the base plate to the stair stringers with screws. Locked in place.

Can I use 2×12 for stair treads?

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.

Can you connect stair stringers?

In some cases, longer runs of stairs call for connecting stringers at an intermediate support to avoid using long stringers that may twist. Other times, you may connect stringers to make the most of the materials you have on hand. Regardless of the application, the method used must ensure a reliable connection.

What is a stair skirt?

A skirt board on your stairs is a long, unbroken piece of trim just for your stairs. It either stands alone against the wall along the closed-end of your stairs, or you can run your regular baseboard along the top of it to create an unbroken line of trim from floor to floor.

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

Because of this, you should never space your stair stringers more than 16” on center. 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.

Do deck stairs need toe kicks?

The tread (or depth) of your steps should be ten and a half inches. The risers (or toe kick) must be between seven and eight inches high. A handrail is only required if your deck is more than thirty inches off the ground.

How far apart should deck supports be?

Starting with your perimeter, mark the location of each deck post to locate the fitting position. In general, posts should be spaced no more than 8 feet apart. Some builders position them every 4 feet for a completely rigid frame. The maximum distance between footings is determined by the size of your joist material.

What is the code for deck posts?

Beams and girders must be made from laminated two-by-fours, two-by-sixes or two-by-twelves rather than solid lumber, and deck joists can’t cantilever more than 24 inches beyond a support beam or girder. All vertical support posts must be made from six-by-sixes, and posts can be no taller than 14 feet.

Do you glue risers?

Don’t fasten treads and or risers with only nails or staples. The adhesive is much more important than the fasteners. There will be times when fastening may be limited, so a good adhesive is critical. Don’t use the stringer as a level for the treads.

How far should a tread overhang the riser?

Stairs must have an overhang between 3/4″ to 1-1/4” to increase the depth of the step, making it better for descent while maintaining a clear 10-inch going for the ascent. Treads that are 11-inches deep or greater do not require an overhang.

Can I just glue stair treads?

Treads should be attached with a combination of adhesive and nails. Nail length being a minimum of twice the thickness of your tread and of 16 gauge or larger. You can just glue the risers but that’s not something I’d personally do either. I’d use adhesive and a few Brad nails ( 18 gauge ) will suffice.

Can I use Liquid Nails for stair treads?

We no longer recommend using Liquid Nails® brand products. Because Liquid Nails’ products are labeled very similarly and packaging can vary between location and retailer, we strongly discourage the use of any other brand of adhesive, including Liquid Nails, for your stair installation.

Which adhesive is best for stair treads?

A polyurethane glue, such as Loctite PL Premium, is a highly recommended adhesive. Since the stair treads, or the surface of your stairs, receives a lot of foot traffic, you’ll want to make sure it’s properly installed.