Stair Stringer Rise

What is a biggest acceptable rise for steps.
3 steps high

Using 2x10s for steps so run will be....
Top step even with deck will be 18.5 inches
Middle and bottom step will be 9.25 inches

Total height is 21 inches but what I want to know is 7 inches the maximum acceptable rise or can I make a short ground to bottom step and use 8 inch rise between steps.
 
11" on run, 7" MAX on rise. If these are outside, I would use 2-2x6s for the tread, so rain can drain. A solid board usually will cup from water.
 

Keep in mind.... you ain't gettin any younger..... I'd keep em shallow and not as steep for them sore/stiff knees and hips that are around the corner.....
 
Cant speak to code but somewhere 7-8 inches is what you want. 8 inches is a little steep, 7 is a little low. I would avoid the short step and go 7 inches as will be unnatural to climb a short then long steps.
 


Keep the risers all equal or you will create a tripping hazard. Code only allows 3/8" difference in a run of stairs.
 
The ICC Code for residential allows risers to range from 4" tall up to 7 3/4" tall. Risers and treads must be within 3/8" of adjacent risers / treads, so there's no tipping hazard. Supposed to have at least one handrail, too.
 
I am a carpenter and you can have a max of 3/16 diffrence in rise not 3/8 max of 7 in. in comeral and 8 in. in residancal if you need help my email is open
 
If you have 21" height you need 3 risers @ 7" with a total of 2 treads.Why have one even with the top of the deck?

Vito
 
NC says Rise + Run should = 18" or 18 1/2"
If you use 7" rise with 9 1/4" treads, you should be right on the money. Might be asking for unwanted trips with first step higher.
 
Make them all the same, whatever you do. 3 short steps is fine. If you make 2 tall steps I could live with that, probably not to code.

I would curse the one 'short step' every time I used them if done that way...... Not good.

--->Paul
 
Yup, make 'em all the same height (rise). My recollection says the magic number is 66. Rise x run, in inches, should equal 66. I always try to use as close as possible to 7 1/4" rise, and 9" run. Anything greater than 7 1/2" rise will feel steep. Also, be sure to put your step boards on so they will bow downwards (not cup upwards). It seems counter-intuitive, but the heartwood should be at the upper side of the tread. They cup opposite the growth rings. That's because the rings shrink the same amount laterally, and you have a much longer ring on the outside of the tree, so it shrinks more.

I seem to recall that 66 is also the height, in inches, from the closest tread to any overhead obstruction.

Good luck with them, stair building is the mark of a true carpenter.

Troy
 
(quoted from post at 23:49:19 10/13/12) I guess spelling isn't emphasized much in carpentry where you are?

Dam superdavie.....You's just an alround expert.... Too bad they don#t put a lot of stress on balls where you're at.............
 
49 years as a carpenter. I did interior trim mostly, probably did a couple thousand stair case's over the years. Subbed a many a stairway from other trim carpenters who just didn't have the experience or knowledge on the subject to do their own. Still do 'em occasionally for a couple builders that were regular customers back in the day.

Ideal rise & Run is 7" rise X 11" run. You don't want to go OVER 7-1/2" or under 6" unless there's no other alternative. Absolute drop dead minimum for run is 10", max in 11-1/2". Every step should be EXACT same. Even a slight variation will trip someone.

Stair specs will always be listed in local building codes.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top