What are the dimensions of a stair stringer?
What are the dimensions of a stair stringer?
2-inch by 12-inch
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).
How do you measure for premade stair stringers?
- Measure the height of the rise, or back section, of the precut stair stringer.
- Measure down from the top of the decking on the face board of the deck using the measurement of the rise of the precut stair stringer.
- Place each stringer in position with the top of the stringer at the mark made in the last step.
Can you make stair stringers out of 2×10?
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 of lumber are stair stringers generally cut from?
2x12s
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.
Can you cut precut 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.
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 many stringers do I need for 4 foot wide steps?
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. Some composite materials and lower-grade 5/4 wood decking may require you to reduce the stringer spacing to 10” on center.
What is the maximum distance between stair stringers?
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.
How many stringers do I need for 3 foot wide stairs?
three stringers
The number of stringers you need is a function of the width of the staircase and the tread material. Cut stringers can be spaced no more than 18 inches on center, so a 3-foot-wide staircase needs three stringers, and a set of slightly wider stairs (say 3 feet 6 inches) needs four stringers.
What are precut stair stringers?
Precut stair stringers are an easy solution to the problem of creating your own stair stringers. Choose precut stair stringers based on the height required for your deck. Measure the height needed before purchasing the precut stringers.
Where can I find stair stringer specifications?
STAIR STRINGER SPECIFICATIONS at Inspect A pedia.com – online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice. Try the search box just below, or if you prefer, post a question or comment in the Comments box below and we will respond promptly.
How do you measure for precut stringers?
Measure the height needed before purchasing the precut stringers. Divide the height of the rise on the chosen precut stringer by the height needed for the stairs to determine the number of risers the precut stringer needs to have to fit your deck.
How do you cut a stair stringer for stairs?
Stair stringers are most often cut from a single 2×12 stock board. Situate the tread arm of the square nearest to the end of the board. The tread arm is the one you’re using to indicate the run of the steps, while the riser arm will serve as a guide for marking the rise.