|
|
|
Simplifying Stair
Rise and Run when Building Stair Stringers
How to Fabricate Stair Stringers and use Proper
Stair Riser Heights and Tread Widths
By Mark J. Donovan
|
|
One of the most difficult items to frame for the diy
homeowner or even junior carpenter is a set of stairs. In particular,
it is the stair stringers that are the most challenging to design and
cut. Make a mistake with the stair rise and run design and you may
wind up scrapping a very expensive piece of lumber. Stair stringers
are normally cut out of long 2x12s that are very expensive. If you’re
simply replacing an old stair case you can use one of the old stair
stringers to trace a new set of rise and run marks on your 2x12s,
however if you’re building a new deck or staircase in a home, then you
have no choice but to learn to fabricate the stringers correctly the
first time. |
In regards to the tools necessary to make a pair of stair stringers all
you need is a measuring tape, a framing square, a pencil, and a skill saw.
Other than that, you just need to understand some basic math and how to
use your framing square properly.
|
|
The first item to determine when calculating the
necessary stair rise and run for your stringers is the height of the
top landing from the ground or lower level floor.
Next, using a 7 to 8 inch step height range, divide
the height that you just measured by the step height, e.g. the 7 or 8
inch number. So for example if the height measured was 80 inches and
you divided by an 8 inch step you’ll calculate that you need 10 rises.
In most cases you won’t get a perfect whole number using a 7 or 8 inch
rise, so adjust your step height accordingly between 7 and 8 inches
(e.g. 7.5 inches) so that you do arrive at an even amount of step
rises. |
The next fact to keep in mind is that there is one less tread required
than risers. So in the example I just did, you would require 10 risers and
9 treads. Also, a 10 inch deep tread is fairly common so keep this number
in mind. So, when using a 2x12 piece of lumber you have 2 inches of
material left in the lumber as you cut the 10 inch tread, thus preventing
the stringer from becoming so narrow in places that it becomes fragile.
This also provides a tread nosing overhang of 1-1/4 inch. Also, using a 10
inch deep tread helps to determine how much space the stair case will
extend outwards. In my example above, with an 80 inch staircase height,
the stair case would extend out 90 inches (10” tread X 9 treads).
Dress Up Your Home with Crown Molding
For specific instructions on installing crown molding see the
Installing Crown Molding Ebook -
The "Installing Crown Molding Ebook" will show you how to properly measure,
select, cut and install crown molding like a professional carpenter. It
provides detailed instructions on every step in the process of installing crown
molding and includes 28 instructional pictures!
Order and Immediately Download today!. 100% Money-Back
Guarantee if you are not satisfied. |
 |
So with the stair rise and run values determined, you can now trace the
treads and risers onto one of your 2x12 pieces of lumber using your
framing square, and then cut the lumber with a skill saw. After confirming
the first stringer was cut properly you can then use it as a template to
mark up and cut the other stair stringers.
|
Find a Qualified Finish Carpenter Contractor in Your Area |
|
Get Free Quotes. Easy, Quick and No
Obligations!
For the home improvement or home remodeling project that is
too big for you, check out our partner
NeedContractor. They are a national
resource for finding pre-screened, insured, and licensed home improvement and remodeling contractors in your local area.
|
|
|
Get Matched in 48 hours with Finish Carpenter
Contractors! |
Additional Finish Carpentry Resources
Finish Carpentry
Tools from Amazon.com
|
|
|
