June 12, 20196 yr I am in process of replacing complete set of outside steps. The tread are 48" long and will have seven. Do I need a center support. I have two already sawed out, and I don't think I need a center one. They are 2"x12" and are about 7' long. If I need to, I could nail vertical supports in place instead of third support. d
June 12, 20196 yr for the first year or so, you wouldn't see much droop, but over time the 48" span would sag. why take a chance?
June 12, 20196 yr Please check your local inspector or standards. 3 is the requirement >36" around here.
June 12, 20196 yr One extra cost next to nothing compared to having to go back later and do it over..
June 13, 20196 yr Author I used three, although I do not believe it would have made any difference. Why take a chance!
June 13, 20196 yr I believe code in my area would require qty 4 for 2x tread material. If you are using composite matl for the treads you will have to consult the mfg. Some matl require spans to be 12" or less for stairs. Danl
June 13, 20196 yr 44 minutes ago, Danl said: I believe code in my area would require qty 4 for 2x tread material. If you are using composite matl for the treads you will have to consult the mfg. Some matl require spans to be 12" or less for stairs. Danl With a 48" span, four would be over kill, I'd think.
June 13, 20196 yr Stair stringers should be 16" on center just like the deck floor. Three stringers would be fine for 36" wide stairs. Hear is a link to decks.com https://www.decks.com/how-to/69/deck-stair-stringer-layout This means you will need to install a minimum of four stringers on any stairway wider than 36”. Always check the maximum span for your decking material as it applies to stair treads. Edited June 13, 20196 yr by HandyDan
June 13, 20196 yr Our deck stair treads are 48" wide, each made of two 2x6 redwood decking boards, for a 12" deep tread. We used 3 stringers and, it's worked well for 11 years. Passed inspection, too. Though, our codes my not be as stringent as some.
June 14, 20196 yr 11 hours ago, Gene Howe said: With a 48" span, four would be over kill, I'd think. Okay I admit it, I would do 4.....
June 14, 20196 yr 36" wide Too wide a span makes for "bouncy" steps....that start to work fasteners loose.
June 14, 20196 yr 4 minutes ago, steven newman said: Too wide a span makes for "bouncy" steps....that start to work fasteners loose. Make it out of concrete no more bouncy stairs.
June 14, 20196 yr BTDT....@ $28/hour...... One of the first jobs on a new jobsite...was to build the steps and a deck for the job trailer/office....sometimes even had to build the steps out of the tool trailer, too.
June 14, 20196 yr 56 minutes ago, steven newman said: .sometimes even had to build the steps out of the tool trailer, too. I need a sloped entrance to my deck. Rise is about 2 1/2 inches over 4 feet.
June 14, 20196 yr 9 hours ago, Woodbutcherbynight said: I need a sloped entrance to my deck. Rise is about 2 1/2 inches over 4 feet. Itsy bitsy risers?
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