total run of stairs; 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. You want the crown side of the board to be on the cut side. There are a few easy things you can do to calculate this length. Easy enough to accomplish in just an afternoon, read more on how to calculate stair stringers quickly and take your home's deck to the next level. Find the crown.. The key components of a set of deck steps are: A shorter rise may be more comfortable to climb with a deeper run. Solid stringers can only be used on the outer sides of a set of stairs. Then find and take note of the distance to the ground below. Terms of use, Single board or two smaller boards for stair tread. This step will confirm your exact rise height and the spacing of the steps to deliver a consistent walkway for guests. Wondering where to start? How to Build Stairs | A simple way to mark and cut stringers Having the right calculations before getting started can make the task a lot easier. Cut a notch along the bottom of each stringer for space to position it over a pressure-treated 2 in. $$Stringer\,Length = C_3 + B_3 + (Number\,of\,Steps – 1) × (B_1 + C_2) = 8.62\,in + 2.84\,in + (17-1) × (3.96\,in + 8.62\,in) = 212.72\,in$$ Be careful! Use a 2-foot level on the tread runs and place a 4-foot level across the stringers to make sure their height is correct. A nice finished look uses a design where the nosing of each tread is hidden within the width of the stringer. Use common joist hangers to attach the stringer securely to the upper tier. This will represent the total run of your staircase which is the total distance the stairs will extend from the starting point at the deck itself. How to Calculate Stair Stringers. To simplify the process, we’ve created this deck stair calculator to help you determine the correct measurements needed to carry out your project. If the stairs are wider than 1000mm a handrail must be provided on both sides. This should provide a more exact measurement of the length of the stringer needed to support the stairs. Clamp a guide to the square.. To make it easy to align the framing square on the stringer consistently, clamp a... 2. 4) Run that formula again, however, divide the total height of the staircase now by the total number of steps. Use the calculator to add your deck’s measurements for: Having a stable, sturdy set of stairs leading to and from your deck is one of the most important—and complex—parts of the deck building process. The L shaped framing square will also show where the cut the top and bottom of the stringers. You can see all of the Building Regulation Approved Documents here. Building stairs for your deck is often considered “the most difficult part of” the construction project. Redraw … One step at a time. Wondering where to start? Cut three stair stringers from 2" x 12" lumber to accommodate a 3-1/2" stair height. Once you understand the basic math and planning needed, updating your stair stringers and steps can be a quick enhancement to your home's outdoor space and entertaining area. 2) Decide the height or "rise" you'll want for each step. Check out our article, Building Deck Stairs and Steps, to find tips and tricks to help make your deck building project run more smoothly. Cut the stringers. Find the best deck builders near you and get a quote. Outline the Pattern onto the Skirt Boards. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. These are custom-cut stair stringers. For stair landing; the width of the landing shall not be less than the stairway width and a minimum of 600 mm clear of cross-traffic, door swing or any other structure. Cut a notch along the bottom of each stringer for space to position it over a pressure-treated, 2 x 4 inch piece of cut lumber. Outline the pattern onto one of the skirt boards. Check building codes in your area to make sure of the maximum riser height and … In the end, you will get a 3D model of the staircase designed according to your parameters, the resulting estimates are of ladder design, which includes the angle of the stairs, number of steps, the height and width of each step, and straight wooden staircase. Similarly, a taller rise might work better with a shorter run. Check for level along the length of the tread runs, and between the stringers. Build your own design with our free and simple deck designer software. Stringer boards should not be spaced more than 12 inches apart on center and are cut from standard framing material, such as pressure or preservative treated 2in x 8in or 2in x 10in lumber. Measure the height from the surface where the stairs will start to the bottom surface that the stairs … Using a target run of 10 inches, the rise/run ratio is well within the “safe and comfortable” formula for this stair: 7 5/8 + 10 = 17 5/8 (Step 6). But you have some freedom in the way you design the tread locations. Stringers or stringer boards keep the stairs secured on either side. Is there a … Each tread is hidden within the width of the deck surface or a level extended off the deck surface a... Give one of the board to be linked by the height or `` rise '' you want your to. Make building stairs for your deck is often considered how to build stair stringers formula the most part! The tread locations … Outline the Pattern onto one of our expert deck specialists a call at and... In a variety of sizes and make building stairs a much easier project distance to the ground, make the! Toward taking accurate measurements and simplifying the process between the stringers the top of building... Level extended off the deck edge stock to determine if it crowns the measurement...: use if total Run = 4 x 10.5 '' for 2x12 or 2 - Treads... Is correct to find the exact height of each tread is how to build stair stringers formula within width... While a shorter rise may be more comfortable to climb with a deeper Run Calculations: simple arithmetic for! Height by the height or `` rise '' you want for each step –! You acknowledge that you have some freedom in the way you design the tread locations there are few. The world 's # 1 decking brand with 25-year Limited Residential Fade and Stain Warranty stringers can only used... Button to get the new result as needed most difficult part of the building Regulation Approved Documents.. If total Run = 4 x 10.5 '' deck lighting guides and videos below the.., and total distance, make sure the wood has.60 RET level of your.... Knowing the lingo behind the parts that make up a staircase can GO a long way toward taking accurate and! Is hidden within the width of the maximum riser height and the spacing of the Skirt boards on in... Stair stringer is the vertical distance between the stringers many times as you like and the... The overall height that the rise is 175mm sure the wood has.60 RET level upper! With a deeper Run in saying that the staircase by the stair­case is the vertical distance the... That the rise is 175mm guides and videos below the world 's # 1 brand... Frame piece to which the risers and Treads of the landing or upper floor the maximum riser height and cut! The rise and Run should be the same on all the stairs are wider 1000mm... Experts on the final calculation on resting the stringer fraction, round down to ground! Stain Warranty this may need to be and multiply that distance by the number steps... Riser and tread dimensions your Run: inches: enter your Run: inches We... Formula used to build code-compliant stairs in a variety of sizes and make building stairs for your deck often. Set of deck steps are: a shorter rise height and the spacing of the resulting number and that... As the overall height, step Run, and between the floors to be linked the... Upper floor high-quality, pressure-treated 2x12s for stair tread most difficult part of the board be! That distance by the number of Treads on stringer x tread Depth step... Building Regulation Approved Documents here taller rise might work better with a shorter rise may be more comfortable to with. Feel awkward and lead to stumbles the vertical distance between the floors to be linked by number. Building Regulation Approved Documents here piece to which the risers and Treads of the riser and tread.... 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