Table of Contents
How do you attach 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.
Can you attach stringers together?
In some cases, longer runs of stairs call for connecting stringers at an intermediate support to avoid using long stringers that may twist. Other times, you may connect stringers to make the most of the materials you have on hand. Regardless of the application, the method used must ensure a reliable connection.
Can I use joist hangers for stair stringers?
This will reinforce the stair stringer to rim joist connection and distribute the stair weight more evenly onto the deck framing. Cut them to fit the space perpendicularly between the rim joist and the next interior joist. Use joist hangers to fasten the blocking.
How far apart should deck 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.
How much space should be between stringers?
Stringers should be spaced no more than 36 inches apart from each other for maximum stair support, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. However, local residential codes may vary slightly, so check the building codes before building a staircase.
How do you attach deck stairs to landing?
Step 1 Finish Decking First. Install and trim the decking before starting the installation of the stairs. 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 do I support my deck steps?
If your first tread steps down from the deck, you must extend the rim joist to create a solid surface below the deck rim to attach it to. 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.
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.
Can you build stairs with 2×10?
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.
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.
Do stair stringers need support?
Yes, the stringers need to be supported along their length, but they can span a few feet too, depending on 1) the width of the stairs, 2) the number of stringers, and 3) size of riser board. 1) The wider the stair the more load will be transferred to the stringers.
Do you install tread or riser 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.
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 I use deck pier blocks instead of footings?
Pier blocks can be used instead of footings for a ground-level deck not requiring permits. Piers blocks can also be used if the frost level depth is less then the height of the pier block.
What is code for steps on decks?
Stair rails on decks should be between 34 inches and 38 inches high, measured vertically from the nose of the tread to the top of the rail. Treads must be at least 10 inches deep, measuring from front to back. Stair treads must sustain a weight of at least 300 pounds in an area no more than four inches square.
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 many steps are in a 4 foot deck?
A four-foot high deck can have a range between 6 and 8 steps.
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 .
How do you attach stair stringers to a concrete wall?
The hangers are fitted to the back edge of the stringer and then bent to contour to the bottom edge. You’ll use masonry screws first to secure the hanger to the concrete structure. You can then slide a stair stringer in place and fasten it, using nails or screw fasteners.
