QA

Quick Answer: How To Build Stringers For Steps

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 you 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.

Can I use 2×6 for stair 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. Attach the 2×6 board to concrete pad with masonry anchors.

What size lumber do you use 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 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.

Do you use 2×10 or 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.

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.

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 tall is a 5 step Stringer?

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 high is a 2 step Stringer?

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

What size should deck joists be?

Commonly used joist sizes are 2-by-6, 2-by-8 and 2-by-10. For example, when you space joists 16″ apart — which is standard for residential decks — a deck spanning 9 1/2′ would require 2-by-6 joists, a 13′ deck would need 2-by-8 joists and a 16′ deck calls for 2-by-10 joists.

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.

How do I figure out how many steps I need?

The vertical distance between the floors to be linked by the staircase is the principal determinant of the riser and tread dimensions. 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).

How many steps are in a 4 foot deck?

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

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 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 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.