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Hanging Header for new Stringers

almadillo | Posted in Construction Techniques on March 18, 2020 03:02pm

Hello.

I started a project to only replace deck boards and wound up deciding to put in new steps as well.  I will have 4 stringers across hanging on an existing header/joist.  Please see attached pic for the what I am working with.

Turns out this header is a 2×10 and the stringer will hang too far down for the Simpson LSC stringer connector to work.  I need another 5″ so I want to add two 2×6’s (it is a double joist at that point).

However, for this to work, half of the LSC would be on the original joist and the other half on the new joist.  Will this be strong enough to hang 4 stringers on?  These are long steps (11 steps).

If not, any other suggestions?  I am trying to limit how much demolition and rebuilding I need to do but keeping the steps functional and safe.

Cheers!
Alan

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Replies

  1. florida | Mar 18, 2020 08:22pm | #1

    Nail a strap to the bottom of the stringers and up behind the header. You can also strap your 2 X 6" nailer to the existing header as well, or both.

    1. almadillo | Mar 19, 2020 08:40am | #2

      Thank you.

      I assume that using the straps to the header backside, then don't use the stringer connectors on the front side?

      Alan

  2. User avater
    mikeljon | Mar 19, 2020 10:52am | #3

    can you change your stringer design to have the top step be flush with the deck surface? Then you can attach to the existing joist (assume that's a joist that extends to the house)?

    Regardless, even with 4 stringers, I'd put in a mid span support (I made mine with two posts in frost footings and a double 2x12 cut at an angle and put a 6" structural screw into the joists; the stairs have zero give or bounce).

    1. almadillo | Mar 19, 2020 03:54pm | #4

      Good suggestion. However, the steps at the bottom stick out into the sitting area quite a bit. Adding a top step level with the deck will push them out even further.

      I thought about the mid-span support. The steps are over 3'x6' bluestone pavers and the pavers are fairly sturdy but I am not sure if they are sturdy enough. I pulled up the pavers where the steps land and poured a concrete slab under the pavers. But any support legs would rest on non-slab pavers. I will put in the step and add supports if there is bounce .... or I will sister some of the stringers.

    2. andy_engel | Mar 20, 2020 07:24am | #5

      That's a good way to support the stringer, but it complicates the railing installation.

      1. almadillo | Mar 20, 2020 08:27am | #7

        Yeah. The railing really threw me off. Face mount them on the fascia or surface mount on deck and steps. I did not like the face mounts on the deck corners (I have a few non-90° corners) so I went with surface mount.

        Which drove me to stringer steps versus full skirt steps that I had previously.

  3. andy_engel | Mar 20, 2020 07:25am | #6

    Fine Homebuilding has a good piece about this. https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/decks/critical-deck-connections

    1. almadillo | Mar 20, 2020 08:28am | #8

      Thank you. That looks informative. I will read it .... hopefully the changes I need won't cause a major re-design ....

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