QA

Quick Answer: How To Build Stair Stringer

Can I use 2×10 for stair stringers?

Pressure-treated or cedar 2×10 or 2×12 can be used depending on the depth of the cut-outs you’ll be using. By code you will need a minimum of 3-1/2″ of material left on the stringer after the cut-outs and that area should also be free of large knots which would weaken the stringer.

How do you calculate stair stringers?

How do I calculate a stair stringer? Start by finding the overall height that the staircase will be. Decide the height or “rise” you’ll want for each step. Divide the total height of the staircase by the height or “rise” you want for each step.

Can I use 2×12 for stair stringers?

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.

What size wood is used for stair stringers?

The stair stringers are essentially the backbone of your staircase. Always use straight, high-quality, pressure-treated 2x12s for stair stringers. If you are planning on resting the stringer on the ground, make sure the wood has .

How long should a 2×12 stringer be?

cut stringers. The two most common cut-stringer defects that I see are overspanning and overcutting. The minimum recommended size for a deck stair stringer is 2×12, which has a maximum recommended unsupported span of 6 feet.

What is the formula for building steps?

You divide the height by 7 inches; if, say, the floor-to-floor distance is 8 feet, 10 inches (or 106 inches), then you’ll need 15 treads (106 divided by 7 equals 15.14). Next, you divide the height by the number of treads (15 into 106), producing the exact tread height (7.06 inches).

How far apart do stair stringers need to 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.

What is the standard rise and run of stairs?

The OSHA standard for rise and run of stairs is maximum 9.5″ rise and minimum 9.5″ run (tread depth). The IBC maximum rise of a single stair flight is 12.

What is the best wood for stair stringers?

LP SolidStart Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL) and LP SolidStart Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) are ideal for Stair Stringers because they surpass traditional lumber products in length, strength and consistency.

How long should a 2×12 staircase be?

How to Use the EZ Stair Calculator. We suggest 10.5″ for 2×12 or 2 – 2×6 Treads. Treads may be cut to suit other widths.

What is the code for stair stringers?

Stair stringers should not span more than 13 feet and 3 inches (4039 mm) for a closed stringer. Cut stringers should not span more than 6 feet (1829 mm). Refer to the American Wood Council’s 2018 Prescriptive Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide for stringer spans.

Are stairs 45 degrees?

No matter what the measurements are, the angle between them (treads and risers) will be maintained at 90 degrees. For example, if you were crazy and built a staircase with a 12 inch tread and riser, then the angle of the stringer to the floor would be 45 degrees. A more common angle is about 37 degrees.

What is the angle of a stair stringer?

The standard staircase angle for commercial stairs is a maximum 32.4 degrees. Commercial building egress stairs are designed to be used by the general public in case of an emergency. The 32.4 degree angle provides adequate tread depth for users to walk up and down comfortably and easily during an emergency situation.

How do you figure the rise of stairs?

The stair rise refers to how high each individual step is. To determine the individual stair rise, divide the overall rise by the planned number of stairs. If the rise is 42 inches (110 cm) and the number of stairs is 6, for example, each individual stair will have a rise of 7 inches (18 cm).

Do stair stringers need support?

Yes, the stringers need to be supported along their length, but they can span a few feet too, depending on 1) the width of the stairs, 2) the number of stringers, and 3) size of riser board. 1) The wider the stair the more load will be transferred to the stringers.

How tall is a 5 step Stringer?

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

Can you use joist hangers for stair stringers?

Use joist hangers to fasten the blocking. Pros: Allows for the use of all types of stair stringer hangers. The top of the stair stringer acts as the first tread instead of being flush with the deck’s surface.

How many stringers do I need for a 36 inch 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.

How high is a 2 step Stringer?

Size:2 In. Step stringers are cut for 2″ X 12″ Treads, and have a 7″ Rise.

How thick should stair treads be?

According to general specifications, your stair riser thickness should be no less than ½”. In fact, many professionals recommend risers with a thickness of ¾”. It’s also important to note that if you do build a closed riser staircase, your stair treads will need to have a note as well.

What is code for stair width?

International Residential Code (IRC) The IRC stairs code states that, to comply with stairway requirements, the minimum width for residential stairs be no less than 36 inches. The stair riser code is up to 7.75 inches, and can not vary more than 3/8 of an inch.

What is a comfortable stair width?

In general public spaces a minimum of 44” (112 cm) must be met—providing ample space for one person and allowing the tight passage of two people. Comfortable two person stair widths range between 49” (125 cm) to 60” (152 cm). For three simultaneous users, a minimum of 74” (188 cm) is recommended.