QA

Question: How To Install Stair Stringer

How do you attach stair stringer to 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.

How do you install interior stair stringers?

To attach the stringers, nail through the plywood hanger and into the plumb cut of the stringer. The top of the stringers can be toenailed into the floor framing. Line up the temporary treads with the front and outside edges of the stringers, and nail them in.

Do you need support under stair stringers?

Stair stringers are normally designed to be supported at the top and bottom, with no further support needed.

How do you secure a stair stringer?

1. Attaching Stair Stringers to Rim Joist. The simplest way to attach stair stringers to a deck is to attach them directly to the rim joist of the deck using hangers or lag bolts.

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.

Should stair treads or risers be installed 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.

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 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 are stairs anchored?

To anchor stairs you must secure the stair stringers in two locations: to the joist or stud wall of the floor or deck above and at the bottom of the stairs. Anchoring the bottom of the stairs requires installing a kickplate and using a concrete hammer if you’re securing the stairs to concrete.

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.

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 .

Do you glue or nail stair treads?

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.

Can I 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 do you reinforce 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.

Can you put 2 stair stringers together?

Both visually and structurally, it is preferable to break long stair runs with intermediate landings. You also may consider doubling your stair stringers by nailing two 2x12s together like a beam in order to increase strength. Adding blocking between stringers also can strengthen the entire stair structure.

What is the longest stair stringer you can buy?

What is the maximum stair stringer length? The maximum stair stringer length depends on the material used for stringer construction, the stringer size, and the stair building code requirements. IBC stair code limits stair stringers to a maximum vertical height of 12′ in a single run.

How do you fix a stair stringer that is separating?

Tighten loose steps by drilling a pilot hole, through the point where the tread and riser meets, then sinking small screws through the junctures. If you must attach from the top for any reason, countersink screws instead. Fill visible holes with wood putty and sand to cover.

How do you attach a stringer to the wall?

How to Attach Stringers to a Wall Hold a stair stringer in place along the wall studs. Make marks on the wall studs right below the bottom of the stringer. Cut a 2-by-4 to match the stringer dimensions. Position the cut 2-by-4 so the bottom of the board lines up with the guide marks you made on the wall studs.