Table of Contents
How do you calculate stair stringers?
How do I calculate a stair stringer? Start by finding the overall height that the staircase will be. Decide the height or “rise” you’ll want for each step. Divide the total height of the staircase by the height or “rise” you want for each step.
Can I use 2×10 for stair stringers?
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 far apart should stringers be on deck 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.
What size lumber do you 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 .
Do you use 2×10 or 2×12 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.
Can I use 2×12 for deck 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 you cut premade stair stringers?
But you can use pre-cut pressure-treated stair stringers. “It’s much simpler for a homeowner to use pre-cuts, instead of having to calculate exact cuts and cut a 2-by-12 to make stringers,” said Chris Doerfler, contractor sales representative at Lumber in Fallston.
What is code for stair stringer spacing?
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.
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.
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 tall is a 5 step Stringer?
Stair Stringer-5 step Redwood (Common: 60 in. x 11 in.; Actual: 1.5 in.
How do I anchor my deck stairs to the ground?
How to Anchor Deck Stairs to Concrete Use your jigsaw. Notch out the bottom front of the center stair stringers to accept a 2×4 base plate. Make sure your stringers are level. Fasten the base plate to the stair stringers with screws. Locked in place.
How thick should a stair stringer be?
According to general specifications, your stair riser thickness should be no less than ½”. In fact, many professionals recommend risers with a thickness of ¾”. It’s also important to note that if you do build a closed riser staircase, your stair treads will need to have a note as well.
What is code for deck stairs?
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 long should a 2×12 stringer be?
How to Use the EZ Stair Calculator. We suggest 10.5″ for 2×12 or 2 – 2×6 Treads. Treads may be cut to suit other widths.
What size are deck joists?
Commonly used joist sizes are 2-by-6, 2-by-8 and 2-by-10. For example, when you space joists 16″ apart — which is standard for residential decks — a deck spanning 9 1/2′ would require 2-by-6 joists, a 13′ deck would need 2-by-8 joists and a 16′ deck calls for 2-by-10 joists.
What is the best wood for stair stringers?
LP SolidStart Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL) and LP SolidStart Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) are ideal for Stair Stringers because they surpass traditional lumber products in length, strength and consistency.
What saw to cut stair treads?
Table saws can do the job on parallel cuts, but cutting treads perpendicular across the grain can be tricky, often requiring a miter gauge. The best way to accurately and safely cut stair treads is by using two different saws: a table saw to cut width and radial arm saw to cut length.
How high is a 2 step Stringer?
Size:2 In. Step stringers are cut for 2″ X 12″ Treads, and have a 7″ Rise.
Can you shorten a stair stringer?
Modifying stringers can raise or lower stair height. Locate the bottom end of the stringer. Measure up from the bottom edge of the stringer the distance that you would like to shorten each stair. Make a line parallel to the stringer bottom, spaced from the bottom edge the distance you want the step shortened.
