QA

Question: How To Hang Stair Stringers

What is the best way to attach stair stringers?

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 stair 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. It requires you to cut a 2×4 profile at the end of each stringer so that your stairs are resting on that piece of wood.

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.

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.

How do I fasten 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.

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.

Can deck stairs land on pavers?

If you don’t want to go through all of the work involved in pouring a concrete landing for your deck steps, then you might consider flagstone, pavers, or brick instead. These materials are cost-effective and they will not require as much digging as would be necessary with a concrete landing pad.

Can deck stairs land on grass?

Yes, it is a good idea to have a landing at the bottom of steps.

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 does tread overhang riser?

The acceptable tread overhang requirements according to the IRC protrude 3/4″ to 1-1/4” past the face of the riser or riser line to ensure the going is 10-inches. The overhang increases the foot placement space on the tread, but doesn’t change the depth of the going, or tread depth under the IRC definition.

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.

Should I use nails or screws for stairs?

The answer is both. You should use nails to attach the deck’s joists and stair stringers to its framing. You should use screws to attach decking and railings to the framing.

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.

How long can stringers be without support?

The minimum recommended size for a deck stair stringer is 2×12, which has a maximum recommended unsupported span of 6 feet. Often this maximum span is dangerously exceeded, resulting in overspanned stringers that will deflect and cause the connection at the deck to pull loose and fail.

How do you reinforce stair stringers?

One of the easiest methods of reinforcing your wood stair stringers is using 2×12 skirt boards along the outsides of your stairs. A skirt board is pretty much what it sounds like; triangular shaped wood that goes along the sides of your stair and hides all of the unsightly notched stringers and hardware.

Do you put padding under stair runners?

Do you need padding under stair runners? Yes, you do need to put padding under your stair runner, unless you choose a stair runner that has a non-slip backing on it. A non-slip pad keeps your runner in place and can even add a bit of cushioning to the stairs.

How do you end a stair runner?

Ending the Runner When you get to the end, just simply cut off the excess, fold it under and staple it along the top edge of your trim. It’s really quite a bit easier than I thought it would be to install a stair runner. It’s literally just tucking the rug tightly and stapling.

Are stair runners a good idea?

Staircase runner ideas are a classic part of hallway design for a reason. Not only do they look lovely, they are usually the most practical choice to go for too, covering tired-looking staircases in beautiful colors, patterns, and textures and protecting against everyday wear and tear.

Do deck stairs need footings?

SAFE, SUPPORTED STAIRS: Deck-stair construction varies, but the general requirements are consistent: proper footing support, and an adequate landing. Regardless of the stair run and number of treads, the stairway needs a footing at the bottom to support the stringers—they can’t just rest on the ground.

How many steps are in a 4 foot deck?

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