Please do not turn this into what a terrible idea to do this thread. I know it is not optimal but is what I need to do. No codes to adhere to so lets not go there.

The stairs I need to build are from the ground up to an platform that is at 8'. The run is 8'. The treads will be 11". My question is just have navigable will they be when finished. Oh, they will be 3' wide stairs. Thanks for you input.

How many steps ?

https://treehozz.com/what-is-a-stair-run

Not sure. My buddy was doing the calcs. According to the link you provided it will be 11

I think the “normal” tread height is about 7”. If in your 8’ calculations one comes up short, make it the bottom one, or split them all evenly. 96” high divided by 7” equals 14.14(number of steps). So each step would be a little less than 7”. Before cutting the stringers lay them out in pencil on one and set it in place. See how they fit.

Treads can be any width you want, their length just lengthens or shortens the stringers (side pieces).

Making the steps (riser height) taller to reduce the number of steps will make them more difficult to walk up (ie bigger step). Making the treads too wide will also make using them them a bit awkward.

Having built more than a few sets of steps, I now shy away from cutting the stringers in a “step” pattern and setting the treads on those cuts. I put the treads between two uncut stringers and attach them with what looks like angle iron with holes in it. Lag bolts attach the treads to the stringers. HD and Lowe’s has these pieces of steel specifically for this purpose.

By your calculations, you are looking at 11 steps with about 10 1/2" risers. That's going to be a steep set of stairs. Is there any way to put a landing at 8', then reverse or turn 90 degrees the direction of stairs? You could probably get in the 7" riser range by doing that

Thanks guys, I appreciate the thoughts and suggestion. I know it will be steep. I just do not have any options and cannot do the landing thing. There is no room. We will have a good handrail on one side and then a wall on the other side. It is not a staircase that will be used regularly. Will have it done next week so will know once done. But yes H2D it will be fairly steep. Thanks guys

quote:

Originally posted by Chris42:



Having built more than a few sets of steps, I now shy away from cutting the stringers in a “step” pattern and setting the treads on those cuts. I put the treads between two uncut stringers and attach them with what looks like angle iron with holes in it. Lag bolts attach the treads to the stringers. HD and Lowe’s has these pieces of steel specifically for this purpose.

Or you can just cut strips of wood and screw to the stringers to mount your stair treads to as well.

But we plan to use (3) 2x12's so there will be a third stringer in the middle. So we will cut them out.

I know that you’re not interested in code but let me provide some guidance (this may be state dependent but here goes).

Code in Virginia allows for a maximum tread of 8 1/4” high by 9” wide.

The most comfortable stair tread is 7” high by 11” wide. Anything between those will work.

If the stringers are not going to be secured to a side wall you should run a 2x4 along the bottom chord of the stringers. Sometimes we put one on each side of the center one if the width was more than 36”.

If the stairs are going to be steep, don’t forget a solid handrail. Always good to have a third point of contact for stability.

Thanks guys. There is going be a 2'3' platform at the top to turn and enter. Would of preferred a 3x3' but again. No enough room. I will report back once built to see how they compare to your specs smlsig. Thanks again.

and yes there will be a wall on one side and a robust rail assm. on the outside of the stairs.

ORC, I know you have limitations under which you're working, but that abbreviated a "landing" at the top and the rise of this staircase sounds to me like a nasty trip and fall hazard.

Have you considered putting in a spiral staircase? Much as I hate them, I think I'd still do that before doing what you plan to do.