Do deck stairs need closed risers?
Most high-end deck projects use closed risers to finish the stairs. Open risers sometimes appear cheap and unfinished. They also are often in violation of IRC code for decks over 30″, which maintains that they meet the same requirements as guardrail infill. Most risers are made from deck boards or fascia material.
What is a closed stringer staircase?
Closed stair stringers feature notches in which the treads and risers can be inserted. With this type of stringer, the edge of the tread is not visible and the vertical parts of the handrail (made up of balusters and newels) are typically attached to the top of the stringer.
Should deck stairs be open or closed?
Closed Deck Stairs Closed stairs are safer for small children or pets that might accidentally slip through open risers. (Gaps in stair risers are rarely a safety hazard, but they do make some people nervous while climbing because they can see through.)
Can deck stairs have open risers?
Many deck builders seem to be unaware that open risers allowing a 4-inch-diameter sphere to pass through are not permitted on stairs that are more than 30 inches above grade (or the floor below). This is a common defect in older decks, but I often find it on newer decks too.
What is a closed stair?
Also known as closed tread stairs or box stairs, closed riser stairs often have a full timber riser between each tread. In other words, the gap between each step is closed by a small, vertical wall, preventing you from seeing underneath or in between the steps.
How to build stair stringers?
1) Fit the kicker board into the notches at the bottom of the stringer and then check for level across the stringers. 2) Drill a hole through the kicker board and into the concrete with an appropriately sized masonry bit. 3) Drive a masonry fastener into the concrete to secure the kicker board. 4) Secure the stringer bottom to the kicker with toe screws, being careful not to split the stringer end.
How do you cut stair stringers?
Cutting a Stair Stringer. When cutting a stair stringer, you must cut the marks that you just made using a circular saw, ensuring that you don’t go beyond the lines, and finish the cuts using a jigsaw or handsaw. Then, cut the bottom of the stringer to an amount equal to the thickness of the tread.
How to measure and cut stair stringers?
Use a framing square to trace the stair pattern on your stringer board.
How to cut stair stringers?
1) Prepare to use a circular saw safely. Put on your personal protective equipment, including safety glasses. 2) Cut down the lines you marked on the stringer with a circular saw. Start the saw running before it makes contact with the wood. 3) Finish your cuts with a handsaw. Cutting beyond where the rise and run lines meet can severely weaken your structure. 4) Trim the bottom and top of the stringer. Cut the top of the stringer along the first rise line. 5) Use the first finished stringer as a template. Use this one as a stringer template for all of your other stringers so they all match exactly.