QA

Quick Answer: How Many Stringers For 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.

Do you need 3 stringers for stairs?

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 many stair stringers do I need?

Most staircases will have 4 or 5 stair stringers, though this depends on the width of your stairs and the material you’re using for your stair treads. Most composite deck boards need a stringer every 8 to 12 inches on stairs.

How far apart should stringers be for stairs?

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 many stringers are required for deck 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.

How many stringers do I need for 4 foot wide steps?

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. Some composite materials and lower-grade 5/4 wood decking may require you to reduce the stringer spacing to 10” on center.

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.

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 many stringers do I need for 40 inch stairs?

A 3-foot wide staircase and a set of slightly wider stairs need three and four stringers, respectively. The maximum 18 inch spacing presumes the treads of 5/4-inch wood deck or 2-by stock.

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.

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 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.).

How many steps do I need for stairs?

In a typical home with 8-foot walls, a flight of stairs has between 13 – 15 steps. A home with 9′ ceilings will require 15 – 17 steps. Homes with 10′ ceilings will need 17 – 19 steps. A maximum rise of 7 ¾” per step is permissible, according to the IRC.

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.

How many steps are in a 4 foot deck?

A four-foot high deck can have a range between 6 and 8 steps. Twelve-foot wide stairs using Deckorators composite.

How far apart should steel stringers be?

NOTE: 6 to 18 inches of plank can stick over each end of the stringers, but the stringers may not be more than 36 inches apart. You may now install a railing, by cutting the front post to the proper length, so that the top post sits perpendicular to the deck.

What size board should I use to cut 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 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.