QA

Question: How Many Stair Risers Do I Need

To determine the number of risers in the staircase take the total height between floors, in inches, and divide by 8.25.

How far apart should stair risers be?

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.

Do I need 2 or 3 stair stringers?

If cut stringers are used in the stair construction, then at least three stringers are required. Cut stringers should be spaced no more than 18 inches on center. For example, a 36-inch-wide stairway should have three stringers. If the stairway is wider than 36 inches, four stringers should be installed.

How do I figure out how many steps I need?

To determine how many steps, or treads, you need, measure from the top of the finished floor on the lower level to the top of the finished floor on the upper level. Don’t forget to include the finish — the flooring, the carpet, the tile, or whatever surface treatment the floor will get.

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.

Can 2×10 be used 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 far can 2×12 stair stringers 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 many stringers do I need for 3 foot wide stairs?

The number of stringers you need is a function of the width of the staircase and the tread material. Cut stringers can be spaced no more than 18 inches on center, so a 3-foot-wide staircase needs three stringers, and a set of slightly wider stairs (say 3 feet 6 inches) needs four stringers.

What are 2 types of stringers?

What are the different types of stair stringers? Double stringers (two stringers on outside of treads) Center beam stringer (one stringer underneath the tread).

How do you calculate stair risers?

There are four main components that need to be considered when measuring a staircase: Rise, Run, Width, and Headroom. To determine the number of risers in the staircase take the total height between floors, in inches, and divide by 8.25. In a straight staircase, there will always be one fewer stair tread than riser.

How do you calculate stair landing?

The height of the landing is determined by where it is located along the stair run. In this design, since it is half way from the top level, it is 8 steps high (8 x height of each step (6 7/8) equals 55 inches). The horizontal positioning of the mid-level landing is determined by the number of treads on the stair run.

What is the formula for calculating stairs?

How to Calculate Stairs – Example 1 450mm / 150mm = 3. This tells us that with a riser of 150mm we will need 3 risers/steps. 450mm / 2 = 225mm. Twice the Rise plus the Going (2R + G) should be between 550mm and 700mm. 2 x 150mm + 275mm = 575mm.

Why do stair treads crack?

Wood stairs utilize thick stair treads for stability. These hardwood treads can be between 1 1/2 to 2 inches in thickness. When wood is cut this thick, it can split due to humidity changes. Once a stair tread is split or cracked, you can’t glue it back together.

How far should stair tread overhang riser?

Stairs must have an overhang between 3/4″ to 1-1/4” to increase the depth of the step, making it better for descent while maintaining a clear 10-inch going for the ascent. Treads that are 11-inches deep or greater do not require an overhang.

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.

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.

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 code for deck stringers?

Requirements for Deck Stairs 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.

How many stringers do I need for 30 inch wide 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.