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

LVL for stair stringers?

CVBReno | Posted in Construction Techniques on October 6, 2005 02:15am

Anyone have experience with using LVL vs. regular fir 2x12s for stair stringers?  Which do you prefer?

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

Replies

  1. Notchman | Oct 06, 2005 02:46am | #1

    LVL's have become pretty much the norm for me for the last 3 years.

  2. Mitremike | Oct 06, 2005 04:13am | #2

    Here is what I have used recently--was real nice to have such straight knot free material---Guess you can get a similiar material PT for decks,

    Mike

    " I reject your reality and substitute my own"
    Adam Savage---Mythbusters

    1. MikeSmith | Oct 06, 2005 06:19am | #7

      we had some rim board left over from one job... used it for our stringers on the next job..

      rimboard costs less than LVLMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

      1. Mitremike | Oct 06, 2005 06:27am | #8

        rimboard costs less than LVLthe exact reason I used these.Pays to have a friendly lumber guy--guess he could have sold me LVL but instead he suggested these.No looking back now--No more dancing around knots---playing the crown or busting off a point.for the one or two a year that I cut I am sticking with rimboard.In this set I used 3/4 ply for the risers and carpet treads--A little glue and ring shank nails---sweet, quiet set of stairs.John told me to say this---" Is this the real Mike Smith?"Mike" I reject your reality and substitute my own"
        Adam Savage---Mythbusters

        1. BillBrennen | Oct 06, 2005 06:55am | #9

          I have used LVL's too, but I really like the rimboard idea. Less $$$, less weight for same depth. Solid 2x is no good unless it is dry. I have recut old 2x for stringers, ones that acclimated for a decade plus, and thay are good, too. They were also free on the job.Bill

  3. Shep | Oct 06, 2005 04:23am | #3

    LVL- straight, flat, stable

    what's not to like?

    1. blue_eyed_devil | Oct 06, 2005 04:36am | #4

      LVL- straight, flat, stable what's not to like?

       

      The cost.

      blue 

      1. Shep | Oct 06, 2005 04:46am | #5

        but when the dimensional 2x starts warping, and twisting, and shrinking, and basically screws up your nicely cut stair strings-

        the LVLs will seem cheap 

        1. blue_eyed_devil | Oct 10, 2005 02:24am | #10

          Over 30 years with no callbacks. I think dimensional lumber works good enough.

          blue 

          1. Shep | Oct 10, 2005 03:09am | #11

            you must get better stuff in Mi.

            But I have to admit my regular yard leaves all the dimensional out in the weather, so Its usually pretty wet

          2. blue_eyed_devil | Oct 10, 2005 03:45am | #12

            Shep, wet is bad. I do try to find a reasonably dry piece.

            They send out a fairly decent grade of syp for the treads, but the stringers are usually a hem fir or doug fir. We typically fasten the stringers to the walls, or they are supported by walls, so they really don't move much and if they do, it really doesn't matter...they're covered by drywall anyways.

            I don't mind that you guys uses such a high priced stringer, but it's not something that I'd do. One reason is that I don't like pounding nails into the edges of products like that. I just don't think that they have as good holding power. I might be wrong about some of the products though. I also tend to think that the rim material is too narrow for stringers. Again, I might be wrong.

            blue 

          3. Shep | Oct 10, 2005 04:46am | #13

            I felt the same way when i read about the rim joist- not really enough meat for stair strings. I do sometimes use dimensional 2x for strings, if I can find something fairly dry, especially for basement stairs.

            But I still prefer LVL

  4. IdahoDon | Oct 06, 2005 05:20am | #6

    I really like them and don't see a downside other than the cost and weight (for solo installs).  Convincing aunt Rita or cousin Mert it's worth the extra $ might be a tough sell, but on a custom stain-grade job it's a small percentage of the cost.

    :-)

  5. stinger | Oct 10, 2005 05:13am | #14

    TrusJoist makes their LSL (laminated strand lumber) in 1-3/4 thickness, and that is what I would use if I could, but my dealers cannot get it.

    LSL is what they make their rimboard stock in, but it is thinner, maybe 1-1/8". 

    Just because someone says they have been using sawn lumber for stringers without callbacks for a half-century or more, doesn't mean you should shy away from the no-shrink engineered lumber and use boards.  Some of those folks out there with squeaky stairs may have been too shy to call back.

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

Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans

Hover's smartphone app offers an easier way to get precise 3D scans.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 686: Brick Steps, Ground-Source Heat Pumps, and Greenhouses in Nova Scotia
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Efficient HVAC for a New Build
  • Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans
  • FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

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 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 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

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