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Stair Stringer to floor connection

sam40 | Posted in General Discussion on September 3, 2023 03:44pm

My basement stair stringers are not properly attached and pulling away from first floor anyone have any advice on how to properly secure them?

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  1. User avater
    unclemike42 | Sep 03, 2023 05:27pm | #1

    I would look for some suspended joist hangers and add a couple 2x4s parallel to the step under the top of the stringers.

    If they are very close to a joist above, you can look for a different type of framing hardware, but it looks like there may be more space between the floor joists above and the stringers.

    1. sam40 | Sep 03, 2023 06:19pm | #2

      I like your idea but have a question which direction do the joist hangers go hanging off the front or back of header?
      I added a photo with joist hangers to show what I'm asking (obviously not the hanger I would use and I would need the 2x4)

  2. User avater
    unclemike42 | Sep 04, 2023 06:10am | #3

    The photo seems to show the header is not flush with the supporting floor joists above.

    It also is a little difficult to see everything that has moved. (couple boards at strange angles)

    Two challenges here.

    1. Moving the stairs back in to place where they belong.

    2. Keeping them where they should be.

    The forces from the stringer are not only going to be up and down, they will also want to push horizontally at the attachment point.

    My first thought was to ignore the existing header and hang a substitute below the stringers suspended from the floor joists above.

    However, your upper right hanger position might work if you can find a hanger long enough to secure to the entire height of the header. Use the connector-specified structural screws. Would have to get between those joists to access the entire header face.

    Probably want to complement this with an angle connector between the top of the stringer and the header to help keep the stringer from moving to the right.

    There might be a more elegant solution.

    1. sam40 | Sep 04, 2023 07:30am | #4

      My plan so far is

      Jack the header back into position and secure it with 8in structural screws

      Cut nails and jack stairs back into position and fasten them with permanent structural screws thru the back of the stringer into the header

      Then add 2x4or6 under top step and hang it with suspended double joist hanger to the header the only question is where do I put the hanger while I also think the right position is better the landing there is only a 2x4 floor(sorry I forgot to add this detail earlier) and if I put the hanger on the right I only have 3 1/2in to secure to whereas if on the left I can bend it over the floor and nail to blocking thru the subfloor

      I think the structural screws would help with your horizontal concern
      If you don't think the 2x4 header is sufficient to support them how would I support them from the joists?
      If the header can support them which direction should the hangers go and do you think the long structural screws will hold any horizontal forces?

  3. User avater
    unclemike42 | Sep 04, 2023 09:55am | #5

    I was thinking you might want to cut the pointed end off to leave 1.5 inches of height, and secure a 2x6 or larger with structural screws on the bottom of the joists above.

    After all is in place, snug this 2x6 to the top of the cut-off stringer to keep it from moving. You would be able to use more structural screws to transfer horizontal loads into the joists.

    There are specs online for the horizontal ratings of snug structural screws, and also for the pull-out strength.

    It would be better to put the hanger on the front, if you are taking it apart and will have access to the top of the header.

    Another way to go is to build a wall under the stairs

    1. sam40 | Sep 04, 2023 10:19am | #6

      Sounds good thanks for the help!

      I'll post photos once I'm done

  4. 1095mike | Sep 04, 2023 08:41pm | #7

    Can you put a 2x4 under each stringer. Perhaps build some shelves or storage between the 2x4s.

  5. vividkreations | Sep 06, 2023 08:47am | #8

    Use the proper brackets or fasteners, such as joist hangers, to provide a secure connection between the stair stringer and the floor. This provides stability for the stairs and improves house security.

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