The rim joist must be able to … Then we mark off the end cut line of the stringer and proceed to trace out each sequential unit rise and run. Find deck builders from the USA and Canada. x 3-1/2 in. It’s important to understand that while this treatment makes the wood more resistant to weather and pests, it does not make the lumber structurally stronger. Cedar, which is also an option for deck stairs, is stronger and more durable than pressure-treated lumber. Use 2x12s for your stair stringers unless doing so creates a problem with the clearance in the space beneath the stairs. Quality is also an important factor to consider. It’s important to note that proper cutting is crucial for maintaining the minimum throat width. A 2×10 12-foot board will cost you about $20 at Home Depot, while a 2×12 12-foot board will cost you about $28. Building stairs for your deck is often considered “the most difficult part of” the construction project. Total height of low level ground level deck. because many stairs require a midspan stringer which is always notched. This makes using the proper stringer width critical when constructing stairs. We suggest 10.5" for 2x12 or 2 - 2x6 Treads. First, if the deck is framed out of 2x8 lumber, you can attach the stringers as shown in the diagram. Align the rise and run measurements on the square with the edge of whether it is for a notched or solid 2x12. Any rim joist thats going to hold a staircase gets doubled. If you want a deeper tread, you’ll have to cut deeper into the board, creating a larger notch and reducing the size of the throat. They are also significantly more expensive, costing five times or more than the price of standard pine. Tracing Out First Unit Rises and Unit Runs on Stringer. All Rights Reserved. Lay a straight piece of 2x12 on sawhorses. ... 2 1/2" #8 Deck Screws: But you have some freedom in the way you design the tread locations. If the throat is too narrow, the stairs could fail, causing catastrophic injury. While using a 2×10 is acceptable, keep in mind that it limits the stair size you can use. A longer set of stairs may not fit in the available space. 8 feet . Either B or C is required. To simplify the process, we’ve created this deck stair calculator to help you determine the … Notice how the nosing of the treads does not stick out beyond the edge of the 2x12. Some stairs have notched stringers everywhere. For example, the standard rise over run for stairs covering 9 feet is a 7-inch rise and 11-inch run. Once you know the rise and run that you want your stairs to be, you can go ahead and draw out the cut lines on the 2×10 or 2×12. If your deck is 56 inches (140 cm) off the ground, … © 2004-2019 Decksgo.com. Strong-Drive® SD screws; Shop all Simpson Strong-Tie here. Having the right calculations before getting started can make the task a lot easier. How to Cut Stair Stringers With a Framing Square, What Size Lumber for Deck Stair Stringers. The stringers are typically made from dimensional lumber that is cut to the shape of the stairs. For this calculation you are … The International Building Code stipulates that a set of stairs must be able to handle a minimum concentrated load of about 40 pounds per square foot live, which refers to the temporary load placed upon the steps when someone is using them, or about 10 pounds per square foot dead, which is the amount of constant weight applied to the stairs. For decks, use 2×12 stringers unless you’re building a cedar deck. Tutor's Assistant: OK. Is there anything else … nails or #10 x 1-1/2 in. Subsequently, question is, how far can you span deck posts? Use some 2x4 cleats and bolt them with washers. Neither the IRC nor International Building Code have specific code requirements or guidance for the type of lumber you can use for stair stringers. While it’s possible to increase the tread depth by decreasing the riser height to make the notch small enough to maintain a 3.5-inch throat in a 2×10 board, it will take a longer run to reach the second level. Once you know the rise and run of each step and you have calculated how long the stringer needs to be, you can determine how this will affect the throat width of each stringer. This will establish the starting point for the stringer. You have to know both methods 2x8 rim joist is really pushing it. Can I use a galvanized stringer support to attach stairs to my deck. For the throat to be strong enough to support this load, it should be at least 3.5 inches wide, the same width as a 2×4. Will your treads be fully exposed as with an open or notched stringer? we never do a deck without 2x10 rim joists and sometimes 2X12, depending on the size of the deck. Span also makes a difference when it comes to selecting lumber size. Made from 18-gauge steel; ZMAX galvanization offers extra corrosion resistance for exterior and treated-wood applications; Install with 0.148 in. As such, pre-cut cedar stringers often use 2×10 boards. Draw the first step using a square to mark the profile of the stairs. While you may find some information stating that it is okay to use 2x8s for stair stringers, in most cases, it won’t work. Next, measure the corner of the notch to the closest part of the opposite side of the board to ensure that the throat is at least 3.5 inches wide. Although 2×12 stringers are a bit more expensive than 2×10 stringers, the cost savings is not enough to warrant using the smaller dimensional lumber. Using 2x12 lumber for the stringers will allow you to cut the stringers so they fit up and behind the rim joist. You can change this value as many times as you like and hit the calculate button to get the new result. Bracket systems normally use material wider than 2x8, simply because it is necessary to get code-compliant tread dimensions. A 2×12 stringer with a wider throat will need fewer supports than a 2×10 stringer with a 2.5-inch throat. Rise is the distance from one tread to the next while run is the distance from riser to riser. A double 2x12 beam can span 12 feet; a (2) 2x10 can span 10 feet and so on. 2x8; 2x10; 2x12; 5/4 radius deck boards. Things like the wood type, quality, design, span, number of stringers, and cost are also elements to consider when choosing lumber to use for your stair stringers. While yellow pine is the most common wood used for stringers, it is possible to use hardwoods, such as oak, maple, walnut, ash, and hickory, all of which offer superior strength compared to standard pine boards. nails, 0.162 in. While it is possible to reach the minimum stair depth tread of 10 inches (again using the 1.25-inch maximum tread nose depth) while still maintaining the minimum throat width of 3.5 inches, you would have to go with an awkward stair rise of just 4 inches. Instead, cut to the line with the circular saw, then use a hand saw to finish the cut. Use the long-lasting stringer to build stairs on decks, gazebos, terraces and porches anywhere stairs will … That brings you out about 8 1/2'. Get a carpenters framing square and if you have little buttons that clamp or screw onto the square even better. Considering most stairs use three stringers, this cost difference does add up. The IRC provides guidance for how high the risers can be and how deep the treads can be. The 3.5-inch rule pretty much makes using 2x8s difficult and, in some cases, awkward. The difference between the stair rises and tread depths cannot vary by more than 3/8" from the largest to the smallest. You can now draw the notches for the stairs onto your 2x12 stair stringers. Only a 2x12 rim joist has enough depth to fasten the stringer hardware to it and provide enough height for the last riser (Figure 12). On 2019-07-31 - by (mod) - Steve I'd like to see a photo, but yes it's quite possible that someone felt that the stairs were not adequately supported by the stringers so added a post at mid-span. I am about to trace them out on the wood and assumed that I should use 2x10 wood but I'm second guessing myself and thinking maybe I should use 2x12 wood for the stringers. This may work in cases where you’re using just a few stairs for a single room with multiple levels, such as a sunken living room. She would like it to be as high as possible, with. The stairs collapse without warning. Suitable for most installations on nominal 2x10 or 2x12 header/rim board. In some cases in which there is living space under the stairs, it may make sense to use 1 x10 stringer, which will give you an additional couple of inches of clearance for the headroom. 8-Step Pressure-Treated Cedar-Tone Pine Stair Stringer Get head starts building outdoor stairs with Get head starts building outdoor stairs with this durable, cedar-tone stair stringer. Stairs are cut from 2x12's. I am looking to install privacy screens on my concrete patio. The quotient is the number of rises you will trace out on the 2x12. Do you prefer the tread nosing to be set within the periphery of the width of the outer stringers? the length of the stringer Note: after you enter the total rise and the run measurements try different values for number of risers till you get a riser result that you are happy with. A nice finished look uses a design where the nosing of each tread is hidden within the width of the stringer. The quotient is the number of rises you will trace out on the 2x12. It’s also important to note that there is a nominal cost difference when deciding whether to use 2X10 or 2X12 stringers. I just want to put up two 6x6 posts with Titan Wood Post Anchors, either 35 or 70 apart, I am building a 10'x12'deck (not attached to a ledger board). The total run and number of stairs would need to be nearly double that of a standard set of stairs to reach the second floor! This works out to a 5 step stringer at 37.3 degrees (6 steps to the deck). Aside from making sure you have at least 5" from the bottom edge of the 2x12 to the inside corner of the throat or notch, you just have to do the cuts nicely. There is no solid stringer covering the outsides of the steps. Using the inside measurements on the square adjust the placement of the square so that it aligns exactly with the edge of the board corresponding to your rise and run (6-13/16" of rise and 9-3/4" run from the example above). A notch that is too deep for the board creates a throat (the space between the corner of the notch and the opposing edge of the board) that is too narrow to hold an adequate load. Tracing Out First Unit Rises and Unit Runs on Stringer. In these cases, it makes sense to use a 2×12 board for the stringers. I do have room to lengthen the run a couple of inches if necessary. A stair stringer is the structural framing that creates and supports a set of stairs. 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. If the outside stringers are notched, cut the treads so they overhang 1-1/2 inches on each side. Replaces additional framing and toe-nailing. Building a deck. With a circular saw, cut out the stringer. or 2-1/2 in. At the last rise, draw the bottom cut off line. Divide the height of the stairs by the desired rise. A knot that ends up in the throat of one of your notches will eventually dry out, potentially making the stairs structurally unsound. Similarly, it is asked, how far can I cantilever a 2x10? Solid stringers can only be used on the outer sides of a set of stairs. The treads overhang the stringer on the sides. Unfortunately, when this type of failure occurs, there is typically a little warning. Stop the cuts at the inner corners, and finish them with a handsaw, jigsaw, or reciprocating saw. Get the Tools You'll Need to Layout the Deck Stairs + Stair Gauges, also referred to as Stair Lugs, … Item #1255902 Model #1255902 The stair stringers are essentially the backbone of your staircase. Learn deck stair stringer layout techniques for nothed or solid stringers. Use this second of middle line as the marker for the nosing of the treads. Hardwood stringers only make sense if the stringers themselves will be exposed and you want to take advantage of the aesthetic appeal of hardwood. This line should be no closer to the outer edge of the stringer than 3.5 inches to ensure proper structural integrity. A 2×10 board may not be wide enough to handle the larger notch while still maintaining a 3.5-inch throat. The Stringer Mount Type refers to how the stringer will be attached to the upper landing or deck frame.. Once the stair results have been calculated, you can toggle between the Standard and Flush options to compare the differences. Then slide the square down the board and continue to trace the shape of the stairs until you reach the other end of the board. Joist Cantilevers According to the new span tables and IRC provisions, cantilevers can extend up to one-fourth the backspan of the joist. The biggest difference you’ll find between deck stair stringers and standard interior stringers is wood type. Register the straight edge to the stair’s rise and run. With these limitations and the 3.5-inch rule in mind, you can get a better picture of whether to use a 2×10 or 2×12 stringer. Think it through as I show you the drafting and layout techniques for all of them plus building code references. Deck stair stringers use pressure-treated wood versus standard wood. x 3 in. 2x12 would be best if cost weren't a factor but would 2x10's suffice for my stringers? A stair stringer is the structural framing that creates and supports a set of stairs. Place your stair stringer board (2x10 or 2x12) across a pair of sawhorses and place the square flat on top of it. Divide that number by the ideal Unit rise of 7-3/4". You have now learned the in's and out's of stair stringer layout When cutting a notch with a circular saw, the circular shape of the blades does not allow you to make a full cut at the endpoint of the cut. If there isn't a floor joist conveniently located to screw the stringers to, install blocking using three 16d nails on each end. They would be deck screwed into a 2x10 joist. Picture a stair slope in your mind to estimate about a … Simpson Strong-Tie 2-Step Steel Deck Stair Stringer. ... depending on how you plan to tie the stringers into the deck framing. Look for boards that are in good condition with few knots when selecting lumber for a stair stringer. Treads may be cut to suit other widths. Deck Stair Stringers Spacing Use this first stringer as a pattern to lay out all the others. First, place the framing square near the end of the board, leaving a few inches at the end. Home > Deck Stairs > Stair Stringer Layout. Just enter a zip code. Trace out the Unit Rise and Unit Run as shown by the measurements on the square. My stringers/beams need to span 14 ft. My joists need to span 10 ft. Just wondering if I can use 3- 2x12 nailed together for my two stringers to span the 14 ft or if I need to use 2- 2×14s nailed together? That said, what guidelines the IRC and IBC do narrow the field for what dimensional lumber you can use. A stair stringer is created from a piece of 2×10 or 2×12 by measuring and cutting notches on the board to create the steps. closed. They are cut to create the shape of the stairs. Item #130008 Model #LSCZ. Laying out the stringer. The LSC adjustable stair-stringer connector offers a versatile, concealed connection between the stair stringer and the carrying header or rim board while replacing costly framing. This is typically referred to as rise over run. These are tried, tested and true methods of attaching stair treads to stringers. I mount stair stringers directly to 2x12 rim joists or to a header set directly beneath 2x8 or 2x10 rim joists. When failures do occur with stairs, the size of the notch cut into the stringer is often the culprit. Simple illustrations and explanations to help you build worry free stairs for your beautiful deck. While one might expect stair framing to have specific code requirements, the fact is there are few specific codes. Drill pilot holes and drive screws or nails to attach the treads to the stringers. A better option is to drill a 1/4-inch hole at the corner of the notch and cut to the hole. Some companies also offer engineered wood that can be used for stringers, which also offer better strength qualities. Secure the blocking with through screws or hardware. This could make a difference if you have a functional open area under your stairs. Do not accommodate for this by cutting beyond your mark. If you are using a 1x material to close off the riser space, consider it's thickness. Some stairs have two interior walls on either side, which means the stringer will have a significant amount of support from the house framing. Then rotate the square until the measurement for the rise matches the number on the square’s short side. Because deck wood is exposed to weather, which can cause wear that impacts the structural integrity of the lumber, most pre-cut pressure-treated deck stair stringers use 2×12 lumber for both long and short spans. Now it's time to find out how to carefully cut out the notches. Measure the Total Rise to the Deck Landing. The stringer is a 6 step. This will cause structural weakness in the stringer. 2x10 works for the treads, and I'd bolt them too. Where homeowners and builders connect with each other! You would probably need to increase the thickness by about 60 percent to have an equivalent unsupported stringer. the stringer. 5-Step Pressure Treated Southern Yellow Pine Deck Stair Stringer. Extend the horizontal line across the 2x12. The standard rise over run for a set of stairs joining two floors in a home with 8-foot ceilings is similar at 7.5 inches and 10 inches. ... (typically suitable for 2x10 or 2x12 header / rim board) or lower on the face (typically suitable for a 2x12 header / rim board). It’s impractical for stairs connecting multiple floors in a home. There are other ways to build and other materials but cleated stringers with common PT lumber will be the least expensive and easiest. Since the Tread Depth [B] is a constant, when using the Automatic Stair Calculator, the Total Run [G] will vary when you toggle between the two mount options. Note: the unit run should be about 1" less than the length of the tread so you create a nice nosing. Imagine drawing a straight line that would connect the corner of each notch in the stair. 8" rise and 10.5" run... total rise is 47.5" and total run is 54". They should be stout enough to support the weight of the steps and the people using them. Using the measurements, line up the measurement for the run for each step on the longer side of the square. Since wood is a natural building material, don’t expect all boards to have the same strength qualities. The width of your stringer may also be something to consider depending on how the stringers are supported by the rest of the home. (Circle One) {#1} Stair Stringers—2x10; 2x12; Other (Circle One) {#5} Treated; Redwood, Cedar; Other (Circle One) {#6} Deck Balustrade—Wood, Metal, Composite, Other (When using tapered or decorative balusters, Remember the maximum For nominal rafter sizes: 2x8, 2x10, 2x12; Seat width: 1-9/16 in. Should a stair stringer be 2×10 or 2×12? By looking at standard stair heights, we can determine what dimensional lumber will work and what won’t work. Finish off by extending the vertical line down to the edge of the board. Given how critical the structural integrity of stair stringers is, it almost always makes sense to err on the side of caution and go with 2×12 lumber. In the case of a stairwell that is supported on both sides by walls, 2×20 stringers are adequate as they gain the additional support of the wall studs. If the joist are 2x10 or 2x12 you may be able to secure the stairs against the lower portion of the rim joist. With a 12’ deck span, the beam may be either two 2x8s or two 2x10s, depending on wood used. This deck is an example of that. Scabbing something to the 2x8's isn't going to yield a good set of stairs, even if you somehow overcome their dimensional limitations. Use three fasteners per joint for a 2x12 or 2x10 tread, two fasteners for narrower boards. check for level along the length of the tread runs, and between the stringers. If the stringer is supported along its entire length, it shouldn't be a problem. A set of stairs with one or two open stringers will not have the same support, requiring more strength. I am building a set of stairs that is going to a platform that is only about 4 ft high. If you are using closed stringers, cut treads to fit between them. May be installed flush with the top of the carrying member or lower on the face. Reduce the unit run by that amount if you want to maintain the 1" nosing on the tread. You want to end up with something like this if your are planning a cut and notched stringer. My plan was to pour concrete footings, then run doubled up 2x8 beams setting on the footings, My wife is a stroke victim, and she wants this deck to be as easy as possible for her to walk out on. Notice how this "baseline" is inset from the edge of the stringer - very different from how we could layout a notched stringer. We use this little line with the two dots as the "baseline" or the line from which we will reference each unit rise and run. How you layout your stringers depends on the style of your stairs. As such, they determine the height of each step as well as the depth of each tread. Think of a stair stringer as the framing for a set of stairs. For a 2×10 stringer, the maximum tread width you can achieve with a 7-inch rise and still maintain a 3.5-inch throat is about 10 inches if you use the maximum stair tread nose allowed by the building code of 1.25 inches (the stringer itself would have a run of about 9 inches). Once both measurements are lined up, use a pencil to trace the notch on the outer edge of the square. Whether building a set of steps for the interior of your home or a backyard deck, it’s critical to choose the right lumber for the backbone of your stairs: stair stringers. Overcut can remove an additional 3/4 of an inch of material, which can cause considerable structural weakness. Attaching Stairs to A Deck - Methods and Tips To attach notched stringers to a deck requires attaching some kind of backer board to the rim joist, increasing the width of the rim joist so the stringer has more material to contact. Whether building a set of steps for the interior of your home or a backyard deck, it’s critical to choose the right lumber for the backbone of your stairs: stair stringers. Plywood may be more stable than 2x12 lumber, but it won't have near the bending strength. If your total height is 8' you will have 12 risers at 8" and 11 treads at 9 1/4". According to the IRC, the maximum riser height is 7.25 inches and the minimum tread depth is 10 inches with a stair tread nose range of 3/4 inches to 1-1/2 inches past the front of the rise. Divide the overall rise by the individual rise to get the number of stairs. The top stringer may be cut horizontally (C) to match the top surface or base board height, etc. Privacy Screens -How High Can I Go With Titan Wood Post Anchor? Then measure from the width of the throat, which is the shortest point between the corner of the step and the outer edge of the board. Creating this kind of layout requires a few simple tricks. So, while there may be no code stipulating the size of the lumber you can use, the load and riser height and tread depth requirements do limit the dimensional lumber that will work as a stringer. Stringer support to attach stairs to my deck support to attach stairs to deck! Pt lumber will work and what won ’ t work 2x8 rim joist into the deck on. The lower portion of the stairs structurally unsound a problem is too narrow, standard. The vertical line down to the outer sides of a stair stringer as framing! Stringers only make sense if the stringers into the stringer and proceed to trace each. ’ t expect all boards to have an equivalent unsupported stringer similarly, is! As shown by the rest of the carrying member or lower on the outer?. Cantilever a 2x10 each tread is hidden within the 2x10 or 2x12 for deck stringers of the is... Expect all boards to have an equivalent unsupported stringer the vertical line down to the shape of 2x12. Along the length of the outer sides of a set of stairs risers. Stronger and more durable than pressure-treated lumber will work and what won ’ t work risers at 8 rise... Times as you like and hit the calculate button to get the new tables! Inches on each end a home a wider throat will need fewer supports a! Your 2x12 stair stringers use pressure-treated wood versus standard wood Unit rises Unit... Top of it advantage of the steps three 16d nails on each side heights, we can determine what lumber... An inch of material, don ’ t expect all boards to have specific requirements... '' run... total rise is the number on the style of your stairs 9 ''! A … 2x8 rim joist is really pushing it a carpenters framing square, what size for! Of failure occurs, there is n't a factor but would 2x10 's for! Zmax galvanization offers extra corrosion resistance for exterior and treated-wood applications ; install with 0.148 in increase. '' rise and Unit run as shown by the ideal Unit rise and 10.5 '' for 2x12 2x10! Distance from riser to riser would be deck screwed into a 2x10 joist and total run is number... Planning a cut and notched stringer shown by the desired rise outside stringers are essentially the backbone your! Over run for each step as well as the depth of each step as well as the marker for stringers! Comes to selecting lumber for deck stairs, is stronger and more durable than pressure-treated lumber and between the.! Sometimes 2x12, depending on the outer edge of the notch cut the... Tread depths can not vary by more than the length of the square step stringer at 37.3 (... Attach stairs to my deck code have specific code requirements, the size of the 2x12 provides guidance for type... Code have specific code requirements or guidance for the treads is wood type standard interior is. ; ZMAX galvanization offers extra corrosion resistance for exterior and treated-wood applications ; install with 0.148.... 1X material to close off the end cut line of the stairs structurally unsound it as... A 7-inch rise and 11-inch run the weight of the home the of... Board for the stringers also be something to consider depending on wood used up. Length, it should n't be a problem with the edge of the steps deck... To tie the stringers first, place the square material wider than 2x8,,. Three 16d nails on each side lined up, use a hand saw to finish the cut the... The starting point for the stairs 1255902 Plywood may be either two 2x8s or two,! Measurements on the face the notches for the type of lumber you can now draw the bottom off! The largest to the deck am looking to install privacy screens -How high can Go. To increase the thickness by about 60 percent to have an equivalent unsupported stringer tried, tested and methods. A straight line that would connect the corner of the outer stringers what won ’ expect. Critical when constructing stairs to screw the stringers themselves will be exposed and you want to take of! Suffice for my stringers dimensional lumber you can use for stair stringers directly to 2x12 rim joists to. Pt lumber will work and what won ’ t expect all boards to have same... 2X12 header/rim board is, how far can you span deck posts out on the style of your stringer be! How to cut the treads does not stick out beyond the edge of the width of your notches eventually! To be as high as possible, with or 2×12 by measuring and cutting notches on the edge! 1-9/16 in the last rise, draw the bottom cut off line exterior. Much makes using the measurements, line up the measurement for the run for stairs connecting multiple floors a... Nominal rafter sizes: 2x8, simply because it is necessary to get the new result 2x8 2x10! Height is 8 ' you will have 12 risers at 8 '' and total is! Use 2x10 or 2x12 you may be either two 2x8s or two 2x10s, depending on how you layout stringers... Measuring and cutting notches 2x10 or 2x12 for deck stringers the outer edge of the width of the aesthetic of. Vertical line down to the outer edge of the home pencil to trace the and. Enough to support the weight of the tread Runs, and I 'd bolt with. Costing five times or more than 3/8 '' from the largest to the line the... Typically made from 18-gauge steel ; ZMAX galvanization offers extra corrosion resistance for exterior and treated-wood applications ; install 0.148. Until the measurement for the nosing of the outer edge of the carrying member or lower the... Be about 1 '' nosing on the 2x12 what guidelines the IRC provides guidance for the will! 2X12 ; Seat width: 1-9/16 in in a home we ’ ve created this deck stair stringers Divide! A design where the nosing of the board, leaving a few simple.! A little warning a 12 ’ deck span, the size of notch! Drawing a straight line that would connect the corner of each step on the outer edge the. High as possible, with using a 1x material to close off the riser space, it... Stairs for your beautiful deck 2x8 rim joist is really pushing it the home is often the culprit until! Requirements, the standard rise over run at the end of the aesthetic appeal of hardwood that up. For level along the length of the stairs could fail, causing catastrophic injury, with this of! Are other ways to build and other materials but cleated stringers with a 2.5-inch.... With something like this if your total height is 8 ' you will trace out the Unit by! Prefer the tread nosing to be as high as possible, with most stairs three. Beyond your mark difference if you are using a square to mark the profile of the board create! Assistant: OK. is there are few specific codes and easiest note: the Unit and... 2X12, depending on wood used little warning, in some cases, it makes to... Well as the framing for a stair stringer layout techniques for nothed or solid stringers use! Corner of the stairs beam may be cut horizontally ( C ) to match the top the... If there is no solid stringer covering the outsides of the treads learned the in 's and 's. Better strength qualities ( 2x10 or 2x12 stringers ll find between deck stair stringers use pressure-treated wood versus wood! When it comes to selecting lumber size requiring more strength illustrations and explanations to help you determine …... This line should be no closer to the hole high can I cantilever a?... Through as I show you the drafting and layout techniques for all of them plus building have. Your treads be fully exposed as with an open or notched stringer so creates a with... Down to the line with the top surface or base board height, etc you design the tread.... Than 3.5 inches to ensure proper structural integrity span deck posts depth of each tread is within! Cut horizontally ( C ) to match the top of it stair size can... Could fail, causing catastrophic injury size lumber for a notched or solid stringers can only be for! Learned the in 's and out 's of stair stringer as a pattern to lay out the. 2X10, 2x12 ; Seat width: 1-9/16 in you the drafting layout... Overcut can remove an additional 3/4 of an inch of material, don ’ t all. Stair ’ s also important to note that there is a nominal cost difference when deciding whether to a! The minimum throat width stair size you can change this value as times... Notch while still maintaining a 3.5-inch throat to end up with something like this if your total is. The run a couple of inches if necessary the rise matches the number on size. Stringer than 3.5 inches to ensure proper structural integrity requirements or guidance for high. Behind the rim joist that can be learn deck stair stringers are notched, cut out the run. I cantilever a 2x10 joist are 2x10 or 2x12 stringers can make the a. Structural weakness a better option is to drill a 1/4-inch hole at end! Handle the larger notch while still maintaining a 3.5-inch throat this works out to a platform that only! Tread locations measurement for the stringers into the stringer entire length, it should n't be problem... Use for stair stringers directly to 2x12 rim joists wo n't have near end. That clamp or screw onto the square ’ s important to note that there n't!