Table of Contents
How do you build stair stringers for a deck?
How do you measure and cut stair stringers for a deck?
How do you calculate stair stringers?
Choose a stair rise somewhere between 7 and 7-1/2 inches. Take your total height divided by that stair rise number. This will almost always give you a long decimal number. Round to the nearest whole number – this will be the number of steps you will have in your staircase.
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 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.
What size lumber is used for stair stringers?
Stringers should always be cut from 2x12s. Notching smaller stock doesn’t leave enough wood to safely carry the loads of a stair. When ordering stringers, allow about 14 inches of stringer length for each step. Look for straight stock with as few knots as possible.
How many steps is a 4 foot high deck?
A four-foot high deck can have a range between 6 and 8 steps. Twelve-foot wide stairs using Deckorators composite.
How long of a 2×12 do I need for stairs?
We suggest 10.5″ for 2×12 or 2 – 2×6 Treads. Treads may be cut to suit other widths. Either B or C is required.
Can I use 2×8 for stair stringers?
You should attach 2×6 or 2×8 support framing under the rim flush to the bottom of the stringer. The stairs will hang here. Install a piece of blocking below the rim joist to extend the attachment surface for your stairs stringers. Use a level to mark the top step.
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 can a 2×12 stair stringer span?
A 2×12 stringer has a maximum unsupported span of 6 feet. These stairs (7) are likely to deflect and cause the stringers to either pull loose from the framing or shear along the grain.
How tall is a 5 step stringer?
Stair Stringer-5 step Redwood (Common: 60 in. x 11 in.; Actual: 1.5 in. x 11 in. x 60 in.).
Can I use 2×12 for stair treads?
Stair treads may be made of a single 2×12, but are often made of two decking boards or 2x6s. A stringer is a wide board, usually a 2×12, that runs at an angle from the landing pad to the deck framing and supports the treads. The stair treads should be at least 36 inches wide.
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.
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 high is a 2 step stringer?
Step stringers are cut for 2 In. x 12 In. treads, and have a 7 In. rise.
Do deck stairs need risers?
Most high-end deck projects use closed risers to finish the stairs. They also are often in violation of IRC code for decks over 30″, which maintains that they meet the same requirements as guardrail infill. Stair risers may not have openings present that would allow a 4” diameter sphere to pass through.
What kind of wood should I 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 . 60 RET level.
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.
How do you build deck stairs with landing in the middle?
There are 6 steps to completing this project: Step 1: Finish Decking First. Step 2: Make Lower-stair Stringers. Step 3: Install Center Stringers. Step 4: Attach Stringers to Pad. Step 5: Attach Toe-kick. Step 6: Attach Stringers to Toe-kick.
How many steps is a 5 foot high deck?
Using these measurements as a starting point to calculate actual step dimensions and how many stairs you’ll need using the height of your deck. For example, if your deck is 5 feet (60 inches) from the yard, and you want steps at 7 inches maximum, divide 60 by 7 to get 8.57 stairs.
What is a good rise and run for stairs?
Over the years, carpenters have determined that tread width times riser height should equal somewhere between 72 to 75 inches. On a main stair, the maximum rise should be no more than 8 1/4 inches and the minimum run should be no less than 9 inches.
