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+-- Thread: stair stringer question (/showthread.php?tid=7340603)
stair stringer question - ed kerns - 06-29-2018
I'm remodeling an area that used to be enclosed under a stairway. I want to open it up, removing the wall. The studs of the wall I intend to remove also served as support for the stair stringer on that side. Its a standard basement stairway, 2x12 stringers and just one story. I don't believe the stairs required the support of the closed in wall, but thought I'd run it by ya'll before I proceed. Am I correct?
RE: stair stringer question - Phil Thien - 06-29-2018
Worst case scenario, can’t you add additional structure to the inside of the stringer to firm it up, if you feel it is needed after removing the wall?
RE: stair stringer question - Bill Wilson - 06-29-2018
(06-29-2018, 08:04 AM)ed kerns Wrote: I'm remodeling an area that used to be enclosed under a stairway. I want to open it up, removing the wall. The studs of the wall I intend to remove also served as support for the stair stringer on that side. Its a standard basement stairway, 2x12 stringers and just one story. I don't believe the stairs required the support of the closed in wall, but thought I'd run it by ya'll before I proceed. Am I correct?
Individual circumstances differ and each house can have it's own unique construction quirks, so can't say definitively that they aren't structural. But, generally speaking, the stud walls under the stringer aren't necessarily required to support the stringers. My stairs to my basement are completely open on both sides, nothing underneath the stringers.
RE: stair stringer question - ed kerns - 06-29-2018
Thanks guys, Pretty much what I thought. The wall and additional supports are out and the is no discernible difference in the feel of the stairway. This is an older estate sale house and in all likelihood, the under stairs was closed in sometime after the original construction. Just second guessing myself!
RE: stair stringer question - toolmiser - 06-29-2018
How many stringers support the steps? You could also put braces partway up the stringers to shorten the span.
I am not a carpenter. I have built a couple sets of stairs though.
RE: stair stringer question - mike4244 - 06-29-2018
(06-29-2018, 08:04 AM)ed kerns Wrote: I'm remodeling an area that used to be enclosed under a stairway. I want to open it up, removing the wall. The studs of the wall I intend to remove also served as support for the stair stringer on that side. Its a standard basement stairway, 2x12 stringers and just one story. I don't believe the stairs required the support of the closed in wall, but thought I'd run it by ya'll before I proceed. Am I correct?
No additional support needed with 2 x 12 's. Most stairs have 12 risers and even a 2 x 10 would suffice. I generally use laminated beams for stringers as they don't check and crack. Costs more but worth it to me.
mike