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 make stair stringers out of 2×8?
You should attach 2×6 or 2×8 support framing under the rim flush to the bottom of the stringer. The stairs will hang here. Install a piece of blocking below the rim joist to extend the attachment surface for your stairs stringers. Use a level to mark the top step.
What size board is used 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.
What kind of wood should I 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 . 60 RET level.
How thick should stair stringers be?
The thickness of your plywood stair treads should be anywhere from 1” to 1 ½” in thickness. It’s important to invest in quality plywood. As a rule of thumb, always remember that the fewer stairway stringers you use, the thicker you want your stair treads to be.
Can I use 2×10 for deck 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 size wood should I use for 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 wood do you use for steps?
Stair stringers are usually cut from a 2×12: a 2-inch by 12-inch piece of lumber. Stringers look like long, flat boards with notches that serve as the base for stair risers (the vertical part of each step) and stair treads (the horizontal part of each step where your foot plants).
Can you use pressure treated wood for stair stringers?
Pressure Treated
Pressure-treated stringers are the primary choice for decks and other outdoor structures with stairs. The pressure-treating process will aid to resist damage from termites and fungal decay for decades.
Can you use deck boards for steps?
Common deck-stair tread configurations include two pieces of 5/4×6 or 2×6 lumber, three pieces of 5/4×4 or 2×4 lumber, or a single piece of 2×12 lumber. Pick whichever configuration you wish, but for 5/4 treads, stringers need to be spaced no more than 12 in.
Is pine strong enough for stairs?
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.
Is plywood strong enough for stairs?
On a tall staircase, it is possible to work one’s way up, installing riser, tread, riser, tread, all the way to the top. While ¾” thick plywood or OSB is considered sufficiently thick for subfloors, it is not uncommon to use a thicker material for the stair treads.
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 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 do you use for stair stringers?
Wood. Wood stair stringers come in different types of natural wood including oak, maple and walnut. Stair stringers can also be made from pressure treated or engineered wood. Wood stair stringers can be pre-cut for easier installation or uncut if a custom installation is preferred.
How long can a stair stringer be?
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.
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.
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.
Do you need pressure treated wood for deck stairs?
Treated lumber is ideal for projects such as deck stairs, basement steps and steps leading to back porches and outbuildings. Treated lumber is strong and long lasting. It is always a smart choice for ground contact because it resists rot better than most wood products.
How tall is a 5 step stringer?
Stair Stringer-5 step Redwood (Common: 60 in. x 11 in.; Actual: 1.5 in.
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