Table of Contents
Do stair stringers need to be supported?
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.
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 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.
How far apart should stair 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.
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.
What is a stringer joist?
The stringer is the piece of lumber bolted to the house upon which the joists are fixed on or to. The spacing between the bolts depends on the size of the stringer and the span of the joists which are fixed on or to it.
What is a stringer support?
A stringer is the vertical support board or structural member that runs along each side or center of the staircase. The treads and risers are fixed into the stringer. Different stringers can combine with different types of stair treads to provide an almost endless combination of stair designs.
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.
Can you put 2 stair stringers together?
Both visually and structurally, it is preferable to break long stair runs with intermediate landings. You also may consider doubling your stair stringers by nailing two 2x12s together like a beam in order to increase strength. Adding blocking between stringers also can strengthen the entire stair structure.
How do you attach stair stringers to a deck?
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.
How much support does a staircase need?
Regarding structural design criteria, 2018 IBC Table 1607.1 (30) requires stairs to resist a minimum live load of 300 pounds (concentrated load) or 100 pounds per square foot (psf), or 40 psf for one one-and two-family dwellings. ASCE 7-16 Table 4.3-1 indicates the same loading.
How do I fix my wobbly steps?
Driving wood shims into the seams between the stair parts and the stringers will usually cure looseness. The best shims to use are wood-shingle scraps. It is also common to find wood blocks fastened where the treads and risers meet. If any blocks are loose, knock them off completely with a hammer.
How do I stop my stairs creaking from underneath?
Squeaky stairs are easy to fix from underneath—provided they’re exposed. A simple fix is to tap shims into voids between the treads and the stringers and add some glue. Then screw the stringer to each stud. But most stairs are finished on the underside with drywall or plaster.
Why are my stairs separating from the wall?
One of the most common problems are loose stairs that begin to pull away from the wall. This is one of the simpler stair tread problems to solve because it doesn’t involve replacing the tread itself. With the help of a few lag screws, the tread can be pulled back tight to the wall.
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.
How far does tread overhang riser?
The acceptable tread overhang requirements according to the IRC protrude 3/4″ to 1-1/4” past the face of the riser or riser line to ensure the going is 10-inches. The overhang increases the foot placement space on the tread, but doesn’t change the depth of the going, or tread depth under the IRC definition.
How many stringers do I need for 36 inch deck 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.
Are screws better than nails for decks?
For the decking boards, many agree that screws perform better than nails. They have better tensile strength and will less likely to pop out, which is a common problem in decking. Many also agree that nails are better used for the frame of the deck.
Can I use Liquid Nails for stair treads?
We no longer recommend using Liquid Nails® brand products. Because Liquid Nails’ products are labeled very similarly and packaging can vary between location and retailer, we strongly discourage the use of any other brand of adhesive, including Liquid Nails, for your stair installation.
