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 size lumber should I use 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.
How far can a 2×12 stair stringer span?
6 feet
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 long of a 2×12 do I need for stairs?
10.5"
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 board do you use for steps?
Stair treads are the horizontal boards that you step on. 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 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.
What are 2 types of stringers?
Types of Staircase Stringers
- Routed or Housed Stringers.
- Sawtooth or Open Stringers.
- Mono Stringers.
How long can stringers be without support?
Solid stringers seem to be able to get to about 13 feet without support.
How high is a 2 step stringer?
Step stringers are cut for 2 In. x 12 In. treads, and have a 7 In. rise.
How many stringers do I need for deck stairs?
Deck Stair Basics
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.
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.
What is a good rise and run for stairs?
The OSHA standard for rise and run of stairs is maximum 9.5″ rise and minimum 9.5″ run (tread depth).
How far apart should stringers 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. However, local residential codes may vary slightly, so check the building codes before building a staircase.
What do you use for deck risers?
Most risers are made from deck boards or fascia material. Make sure the material is heavy duty enough to resist feet kicking the risers. If you are using 1x material, you may want to install blocking behind the riser board for added strength.
What kind of wood do you use for deck risers?
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 . 60 RET level.
What is ship stringer?
Definition of deck stringer
: a strake of plating secured to the deck beams along the outer edge of a ship’s deck in order to connect the beams to the side of the ship and to each other.
What is a semi housed stringer?
Housed – a stringer that has grooves and dados for the treads and risers that are then held in place by wedges. Semi Housed – basically a notched stringer fastened to a 2×6.
Can you put 2 stair stringers together?
Other times, you may connect stringers to make the most of the materials you have on hand. Regardless of the application, the method used must ensure a reliable connection. Connecting two stringers requires some experience with carpentry tools and basic bolted attachments.
What is the longest stair stringer you can buy?
What is the maximum stair stringer length? The maximum stair stringer length depends on the material used for stringer construction, the stringer size, and the stair building code requirements. IBC stair code limits stair stringers to a maximum vertical height of 12′ in a single run.
How do you measure for stair stringers?
How do I calculate stair stringers for a deck?
- Measure your total rise.
- Figure out how many steps you will need.
- Lock in the exact rise per step.
- Determine the run of each step.
- Calculate the total run of your staircase.
- Sketch out your stair stringers using the dimensions you’ve calculated.
How high is a 4 step stringer?
Mendocino Forest Products Stair Stringer 4 step Redwood (Common: 48 in. x 12 in.; Actual: 1.5 in. x 11 in.
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