FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Advice on stair to be built

BDohrn | Posted in Construction Techniques on June 6, 2009 10:10am

I am midway through building a house and am soon going to need to replace a very temporary for-construction-use-stairway with one that will incorporate the stringers that will eventually get dressed up to be the permanent stair.

I am going to use temporary 3/4″ treads on the stringers for the rest of construction process. My question is this: should I plan to leave the plywood and attach treads to it later or should I plan to remove the plywood and replace it with the solid wood (1 1/4″ thick) treads later? Obviosuly I need to decide this now as it dictates the cuts in the stringers.

My inclination is to plan to leave the plywood becasue it will give me a lot of surface to attach the final treads , including screwing up through the bottom . Just not sure if there are other concerns that might over-ride that advantage.

THanks in advance for any help.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Piffin | Jun 06, 2009 11:04pm | #1

    I generally leave it

     

     

    Welcome to the
    Taunton University of
    Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
     where ...
    Excellence is its own reward!

  2. cargin | Jun 07, 2009 12:05am | #2

    BDorhn

    Is the plywood glued to the stringers?

    If not it could be a squecky stairway.

    Rich

    1. Piffin | Jun 07, 2009 12:34am | #3

      If I understand him right, it is not yet built.
      Seems he is in planning so has to calculate what happens to decide what cuts and elevations for the stringers.I glue the ply to the stringers, and the treads to the ply later. 

       

      Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

      1. cargin | Jun 07, 2009 01:19am | #4

        Piffin

        I don't build interior stairs enough to give advice.

        I know just enough to be dangerous. LOL

        I have built my share of stairs, but it is the exception and not the rule.

        Rich

      2. BDohrn | Jun 07, 2009 08:00am | #7

        THanks for your advice. I think I'll do the same.
        Please try not to assume that everyonewho builds is a man, because it's not true, and in some cases it creates a self-fulfilling cycle of women not entering the trades.

        1. MGMaxwell | Jun 07, 2009 08:41am | #9

          I suggest filling in your profile in order to prevent possible misimpressions.

        2. Piffin | Jun 07, 2009 03:03pm | #11

          I am one who is far more supportive of women in trades than most, but you give no indication in advance of your sex, so the generic 'he' is perfectly appropriate grammar in this case. 

           

          Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          1. Snort | Jun 07, 2009 03:18pm | #12

            I wouldn't skimp on the center stringer. I would also add a 2x4 to the side of each. I would also rather pull the temporary treads, I find it much easier to tweak the finished treads into submission.http://www.tvwsolar.com

            Now I wish I could give Brother Bill his great thrill

            I would set him in chains at the top of the hill

            Then send out for some pillars and Cecil B. DeMille

            He could die happily ever after"

          2. BDohrn | Jun 07, 2009 11:11pm | #17

            Thanks for being supportive. Probably you don't care about this discourse, but in case you do I'll follow up to say that in the trades is exactly where the assumption of male-ness (i.e. the "he as generic" ) causes real problems/losses -- so it would be great if tradespeople who see no indication of my gender would use language that does not look like male is always the default. That same assumption finds its way into girl's educations and expressions of their possibilities... and that's where it would be great to continue seeing changes.

          3. Piffin | Jun 08, 2009 02:59am | #20

            I have hired several women in my life contracting, and taught them too, not just used them for cleanup and gophers.And I have several times told here at BT a story of one of the greatest successes in contstruction I have seen was a woman who started as a broom pusher and gopher and who had taken over the supervisor's job within 8-9 months by being bright, alert, and a good communicator, as well as hardworking.And when I was chairman of the local Planning board, I started calling the position Chairperson for those three years, while I groomed the woman who I had spotted to succeed me, eliminating the hassle of her having to deal with the title chairman personally.but I can't agree with you as to grammar. Sorry. If you want to be recognized regarding your sex, make it known. 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          4. BDohrn | Jun 08, 2009 06:39am | #21

            I don't want to be recognized for my sex. I don't want to be assumed to be male unless I indicate otherwise. THere's a difference.

    2. BDohrn | Jun 07, 2009 07:58am | #6

      It will be now. THanks, good tip.

  3. User avater
    bluejae | Jun 07, 2009 02:10am | #5

    Remember, the more material you take off the riser height the closer you get to the underside of the stringer. May not really be a problem unless your treads are deep. Using LVL as stringers will make a stonger stair, plus deeper than solid sawn is availabe, no cross grain breakage, and more stable

    1. BDohrn | Jun 07, 2009 08:02am | #8

      THanks. WIth a 2 x 10 stringer I get 3 1/2 " of material, which I think meets code, so I was gonna use that in the middle and 2 x 12's at the two sides (5 1/2" left.). Do you think I should use ans LVL instead?

      1. cargin | Jun 07, 2009 03:33pm | #13

        BDohrn

        For a few dollars more you could have the LVLs.

        That would would give you a knot free board. 1 3/4" wide stringer surface and more strength.

        The stairs will be there for years to come. I would spend the extra dollars.

        According to my most recent cost numbers and 48' of stinger you would spend about $100 more.

        Rich

        Edited 6/7/2009 8:34 am ET by cargin

        1. BDohrn | Jun 07, 2009 11:12pm | #18

          THanks to all on this post. I think I got great advice and am ready to move on it.

      2. Squash | Jun 07, 2009 04:37pm | #14

        Definitely use the same stock for the center stringer(s) as the outer two - less figuring and more stable.  I will say that I do use 2x12s when building some stairs, but - as already noted by many - will always, always try to lean towards using LVLs.

        Picture it this way.  Not only do you have a thicker, stronger stringer, you also have one that won't move with seasonal weather changes.  It won't shrink over time, and it won't develope checks.  When you saw a stair stringer from solid wood, it will literally move over time and your nice, plumb, and level cuts will now be out of whack.  Even the driest of kiln-dried stock will move with time, and there isn't a guarantee as to how each individual stringer will react - meaning a likelyhood of a completely out of whack staircase.  We're not talking inches here mind you, but building a staircase is more on the lines of cabinetmaking where tolerances become much tighter - a lot of this is to avoid squeaks and creaks over time.

        So, use the LVLS if you can.  It's worth it. 

        As far as the sub-treads...  For solid, 5/4 and up tread thicknesses with stringers 12-16" OC I usually won't use them.  For 3/4 treads, I always use them.  However, here's my caviat to the whole thing.  I really don't like using the rough treads that have been down throughout construction.  They're usually caked with just about everything one can imagine.  My usual solution is to get a sheet of subfloor decking - I'm a big fan of Advantech, but plywood works well too - and cut new sub-treads to be glued - use LOADS of it - and screwed to the stringers.  I use PL Premium adhesive and 2 1/2 inch deck screws for this. 

        Don't skimp on the 'rough' work of building a staircase, a lot of money sits on top of the frame and it's not a whole lot more to do it right.

        Hope that helps...

        Nick

        1. logcrafter | Jun 07, 2009 05:01pm | #15

          wow! the lightbulb is burning brightly. i have fought cruddy 2x12's to try and find material that i could use. thanks to all for a solution.

        2. MikeSmith | Jun 07, 2009 11:22pm | #19

          hi, nick !

           Mike Hussein Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

      3. User avater
        bluejae | Jun 07, 2009 10:55pm | #16

        I agree with Squash and cargin, use LVL if you can afford them. But if not don't decrease the middle stringer dimension and reinforce as suggested. As a side note, pad the outer sringers 1/2 or 5/8 so you can slip drywall between the stringer and the wall later, that is of course only if this applies to your situation.

  4. gordsco | Jun 07, 2009 02:21pm | #10

    If the stairs are to be carpeted it does not matter how you do it.

    If the stairs are hardwood, I prefer to have the stringers open to ensure the riser/tread joint is fastenable from above with screws or nails.

     

     

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Picture-Perfect Pergola

Built from locally sawn hemlock, this functional outdoor feature uses structural screws and metal connectors for fast, sturdy construction.

Featured Video

Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With Viewrail

Learn more about affordable, modern floating stairs, from design to manufacturing to installation.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes
  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data