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How far apart can deck stringers be?

How far apart can deck stringers be?

– Stringers should be spaced close enough to adequately support the treads. This spacing depends on the tread materials. If treads are 2-by lumber, stringers can usually be as far apart as 16 inches on center. If 5/4 decking or composite decking is used, they should be 12 inches or closer.

How many stringers do I need for a 36 inch wide staircase?

If you have a stairway that’s 48 inches wide and you divide 16 inches into 48 inches, you will find that you need four stair stringers. If you’re stairway is between 30 and 36 inches you will need three stair stringers.

How wide should stringers be?

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 Is a Stair Stringer?

How thick do stair stringers need to be?

What is the proper thickness for stair treads? According to building codes, stair tread for wood stairs has to be anywhere from 1” to 1 ½” in thickness. When it comes to other materials, the thickness may differ.

Do I need 2 or 3 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 size board should I use for stair stringers?

2x12s
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 far apart should stringers be for composite decking?

Because stringers support some of this force, they cannot be spaced too far apart from each other. For a normal deck step, two stringers should be placed no more than 16 inches away from each other. Click to see full answer. In this way, how far apart should joists be for composite decking?

What should the spacing be for stair stringers?

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. Always read the composite decking installation instructions for stair treads before building your stairs.

How many inches does a decking board need to be?

Decking boards span from joist to joist. If you use 5/4 decking, joists must be no farther apart than 16 inches. Decking made of 2x4s or 2x6s can span up to 24 inches. If you will run decking at an angle, you may need to put the joists closer together; know your local codes.

How do you lay out stair stringers on deck?

Determine the total rise for your stairs using a level and a tape measure. Measure the distance from the top of the deck surface to the top of the stair landing. Input the total rise number into the Decks.com Stairs Calculator to determine the number of stairs, each stair rise and run for laying out your stair stringers.