Joining stringers for long stairs

tony.botchagaloop · 2016-05-31T22:55:46+00:00

I have this botched job a "pro" did for me. Unfortunately there are no bui lding codes here so the only option is to sue in small claims court, and th at is not a sure thing either due to the lack of codes here. The stairway is 18 steps long, outside up to the attic/loft of my garage. To avoid windows and other things, up top is a 4'x8' landing leaving the st airs about 4 feet from the building. Instead of ordering special order str ingers long enough, he used 2 sets and he did a number on how they join and are supported in the middle of the run. I've been going through multiple idea's on how to fix it (multiple problems) and I've gotten to the point wh ere I'm thinking of making something out of steel U channel that would fit the 2x12 stringers at the bottom edge, centered at the stringer joints, not sure how far to extend it, an I'd weld upside down U's to fit 4x4 posts to set on and be bolted to. Without you seeing this I suppose this is hard o r impossible thing to picture? Lets say you have an idea that uses wood and doesn't involve welding. How would you join these stringers? I searched and searched and could not find anything like my situation. I believe most builders would have put a 4'x4 ' landing between the two sets. This guy put a not quite double depth step in the middle because he didn't realize he was doing it until he put on th e treads. I plan on cutting that one extra step and sliding the lower set of stringers forward to properly meet the upper stringers. A 4x4 landing i s not possible, the steps would extend too far into the driveway. If you h ave a picture that would be great although I'm not sure where we could post them, I assume they aren't allowed here. Thanks, Tony

May 31, 2016 22 Replies

Rate this thread:

clare 10 years ago

Put the "sisters" on the inside and there is no effect on the ballisters. I'd use PL Plus to glue it, and I'd want the wood pretty dry.

Vote

clare 10 years ago

PT ply can be pretty well saturated with water too. I've cut it with a circular saw and had a plume of more water than sawdust.

Vote

Tony Botchagaloop 10 years ago

If the right side was the same as the left, that would be no problem. But it's not, so it is.

Vote

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required