Making Stairs Wider

The wider the treads the more total run the stringers have to span.

Making stairs wider.

A prime example is the standard stair width. A stair tread should be at least 9 inches deep. For stair treads less than 9 inches deep secure a new deeper tread directly on top of the existing tread. It s not as difficult as you.

This includes the recommended 3 4 to 1 1 4 inch overhang. Clamp one stair gauge on the square s tongue directly at the rise dimension. For a typical staircase the stair tread must measure 8 1 4 inches to 9 inches deep measure 1 inch thick or more and have a maximum 1 1 2 inch deep nosing. When you notch stringers you weaken them.

As long as the 3 foot width standard is met you can expand the stairs width as far as you wish. Attach the other gauge to the body of the square at the run dimension. Some builders use the 7 11 rule to create comfortable and safe staircases. Lay out the stairs by drawing on the outside of the square sliding the square along until it meets the last mark to learn how to build steps.

At the same time staircase code measurements do allow for some flexibility since most measurements are accompanied by minimums or maximums. Building codes typically require that stair treads be within 3 4 inch of 10 inches wide. Staircase code states that stairs must be 3 feet wide or wider. Use the narrow part of the square for clamping the riser gauge and the wider part for the 10 1 4 in.

Most interior steps are built from either hardwood composite material or plywood and can be remodeled for more width. Cut lumber to be at or slightly longer than the tread run in width and as long as the stairs are wide or just wider if you prefer a slight overhang on the ends of your stairs. The tongue is the narrower leg of the framing. Now when handrails are introduced they shall not project more than 4 inches on either side.

The 7 11 rule means the risers or vertical boards at the back of each step are no higher than 7 inches. Clamp the stair gauges to the carpenter s square. Stairs with 14 inch runs tread widths should have rises of between 5 1 2 and 6 1 2 inches. This will create a stair stringer calculator.

Secure the treads to the steps of the stringers with 2 5 in 6 4 cm screws over each stringer. The landing is made of concrete pavers set in a sand bed.