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How To Build Step Stringers

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.

What size lumber 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 .

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 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 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).

Can I use 2×12 for stair stringers?

I use 2×12 if there is not an issue with head room below the stairs. Makes a strong set of stairs but it seems the majority of framers around here use 2×10. Allot of times I’m not in the norm. I always build 16 oc as well.

Can you make stringers out of 2×10?

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 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 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 tall is a 5 step Stringer?

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

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.

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.

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 do I calculate how many steps I need?

Divide the rise by 6 or 7 inches (15 or 18 cm) to find the total number of stairs. For larger stairs, divide by 6 and for smaller stairs, divide by 7. The total you get is how many stairs your future staircase will have so you can plan accordingly.

What is the code for outdoor steps?

Exterior Stair Construction The rise of the stairs should be between 125 mm (5”) and 200 mm (8”). This is measured from top of a tread nosing to the top of the next tread nosing or landing. The run should be between 210 mm (8 ¼”) and 355mm (14”). Unit run is measured from face of nosing to face of nosing.

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.

How high is a 2 step Stringer?

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

What to use for risers on deck stairs?

Most risers are made from deck boards or fascia material. Make sure the material is heavy duty enough to resist feet kicking the risers. If you are using 1x material, you may want to install blocking behind the riser board for added strength.

How many steps are in a 4 foot deck?

A four-foot high deck can have a range between 6 and 8 steps.

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.

How tall is a 4 step Stringer?

Mendocino Forest Products Stair Stringer 4 step Redwood (Common: 48 in. x 12 in.; Actual: 1.5 in. x 11 in.

What is the standard step height for stairs?

Riser Heights In the United States, the step height standard should be between 7 or 7 ¾ inches at the most, and no less than 4 inches. You should follow other measurements if given by local building codes. In Canada, the maximum step riser height is 8 ¼ inches.