QA

How To Make Wood Steps

What is the formula to build 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).

What material is used for stairs?

Concrete is the commonly used material to construct a stairway. A plus point of using it is that it conveniently takes the shape you desire for your stairs. Curved and spiral staircases are the usual examples of staircase designs that can be easily made from concrete.

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.

What is the code for outdoor steps?

Exterior Stair Construction The rise of the stairs should be between 125 mm (5”) and 200 mm (8”). This is measured from top of a tread nosing to the top of the next tread nosing or landing. The run should be between 210 mm (8 ¼”) and 355mm (14”). Unit run is measured from face of nosing to face of nosing.

How do I calculate how many steps I need?

Divide the rise by 6 or 7 inches (15 or 18 cm) to find the total number of stairs. For larger stairs, divide by 6 and for smaller stairs, divide by 7. The total you get is how many stairs your future staircase will have so you can plan accordingly.

What size wood do you use for steps?

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.

Can I use 2×4 for deck steps?

Either way, 2x4s as deck joists are safe as long as your design doesn’t span too far or include guard rails or stairs. The other main limitation is the size of your deck. 2x4s are the smallest dimensional option, making them great for low, ground-level decking if they’re spaced no further than 12” on center.

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 .

What do you use for stair stringers?

Most stairbuilders use dimensional lumber for stair framing, but if you want super strong and straight stringers, consider making them out of engineered lumber.

How do you build uneven ground stairs?

Although building on top of ground that’s uneven can be challenging, you can succeed if you follow these basic tips: Use a Raised Platform Deck. One solution to building deck stairs on ground that slopes is building a raised platform deck. Align the Stringers Correctly. Cut Your Own Stringers. Use Pressure Treated Wood.

What is the best wood for interior stairs?

Oak Stair Treads Oak is a common type of wood for stair treads. It has a lot of positive qualities that make it a good option. Oak matches virtually any home style and is among the most durable of wood species. It’s also available with several additional options.

Can PINE be used for stair treads?

A softwood, pine is suitable for stair treads in your home. Pine is one of many kinds of wood that is ideal to make up the stair treads in your home. White pine and red pine provide slightly different appearances, but both are readily available at wood stores and share the same benefits.

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.

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.

How many steps can you have without a handrail?

(2) Stairways having less than four risers need not have handrails or stair railings.

How deep should outdoor steps be?

The 7-11 rule is one that’s frequently used (maximum riser height of 7 inches and minimum tread depth of 11 inches). Risers should also be at least 4 inches in height.OUTDOOR STEP HEIGHT. When riser height is: Tread depth should be: 5″ to 5-1/2″ 16″ to 17″ 6″ to 6-1/2″ 14″ to 15″ 7″ to 7-1/2″ 10″ to 11″.

Is a landing required for exterior stairs?

Stairways must have a landing, top and bottom, equal to the width of stairs. The minimum dimension measured in the direction of travel shall equal to the width of the stairway, but need not exceed 48” where the stairway has a straight run.

How do I calculate how many steps I walked?

To determine the number of steps it will take you to walk a mile, divide 5,280 by your step length. To determine the number of strides it will take you to walk a mile, divide 5,280 by your stride length.

How are stone steps calculated?

Convert the rise into inches; Divide the total rise by 6 inches to figure out the number of steps you need. Example: Using the example from Step 2, convert the rise, or 14′ 6”, into inches (14′ x 12 ”+ 6”= 174 inches) and divide by 6 to get the correct number of steps, in this case 29.

What is the standard step height for stairs?

Riser Heights In the United States, the step height standard should be between 7 or 7 ¾ inches at the most, and no less than 4 inches. You should follow other measurements if given by local building codes. In Canada, the maximum step riser height is 8 ¼ inches.