A Straightforward Guide to Stair Stringers
When remodelling a staircase, it’s important to learn about and consider all possible features and their uses before deciding on an overall design. A stair stringer can often be a crucial feature in a staircase, but you may not know what it is or does.
This comprehensive guide from stair experts covers everything you need to know.
What Is a Stair Stringer?
A stair stringer, which you might also see called a “string” or “stringer board”, is the housing on either side of a flight of stairs, either in an interior or used for an exterior location such as on a deck. The treads and risers that make up the steps of a staircase are fixed into stair stringers.
Generally speaking, a staircase will have two stair stringers. These will beon either side of the steps. If one side of a staircase sits flush against a property’s wall, the stringer that connects the treads and risers to the wall will be called the “wall stringer”, or the “inner stringer”. The stringer not against the wall will therefore be called the “outer” stringer.
What is a Stair Stringer Used For?
A stair stringer’s most basic function is to support the staircase or deck. Different types will then have a number of other functions, depending on the variety used.
Types of Stair Stringers
There are many different types of stair stringers available, in a range of material options. These can then be combined with different types of stair treads to create an almost endless series of combinations, both for commercial and residential properties.
The best type and material for stair stringers will depend on what you want for your staircase’s functionality and aesthetics. Here are the most common types for residential properties:
Residential Stair Stringer Types
Closed
Also called “housed”, “routed”, “side”, and “box” stringers. These are positioned outside the treads and risers, so that the part of the staircase you walk on will be contained between the two.
Closed stair stringers feature notches, where the treads and risers can be inserted. The edge of the tread will not be visible and the vertical parts of the handrail (the balusters and newels) will typically be attached at the top of the stringer.
Cut
Also called “open” or “sawtooth” stringers. When you view a staircase using these stringers from the side, the treads will be exposed. The balustrade supporting the handrail in the construction will be set directly on top of the steps.
Mono
This is a single, heavy-duty stringer that is installed beneath the centre of the treads to support the staircase. These will normally be made of metal and are welded to each tread with a bracket.
All staircases with these stringers will have open risers. They are also a good-looking option for properties with ultra-modern staircases.
Twin
This is a variety of the mono stringer type. Instead of one stringer in the middle of the staircase, two will usually be placed about 6 inches apart. They might also be placed off-centre for another aesthetically pleasing look.
Cantilevered
A staircase that has a cantilevered stringer has one single side stringer. This stringer is mounted inside a wall and reinforced for strength. The treads are supported by this and protrude from the wall. The staircase will most often be open from the other side.
Residential Stair Stringer Materials
Timber
Timber is a particularly popular option for residential staircases in the UK. Oak is very common for this purpose.
Steel
Steel is highly praised as a material for stringers, owing to its strength and durability. It can also be used to create custom staircase options, such as curved and spiral staircases, and aids in achieving a modern look.
Aluminium
Aluminium stringers can also help to achieve an ultramodern design while offering durability and strength, though at a lighter weight that is more easily installed than steel.
How to Calculate for Stair Stringers
To calculate for stair stringers when remodelling, you will need to find out the total height of your stairs and divide this number by the number of steps the staircase has.
Find More Ideas and Accessories with Us
If you are in the process of remodelling your staircase, we can assist with ideas for designing it from the ground up. Perhaps you now need stair riser design ideas to carry on with your project? Maybe you want some newel post ideas to complement the design of your bannisters? No matter what you need in the way of advice or ideas, you will find it here.
If you now have your full design for your staircase, you might also want to look at accessories to perfect its look. A modern or traditionally-styled stair runner, complete with a set of matching stair rods is a popular and stylish combination. The runner will also help to preserve the life of your stairs, and a myriad of designs means you’re bound to find something unique to you.
We can even offer a free UK delivery on orders over £75.