How many stringers should be there in a staircase
Articles > How many stringers should be there in a staircaseHow many stringers are needed for a staircase?
To answer the question how many stringers are needed for staircase, it depends upon the will and need of the owner. However, there are some factors, which determine the number of stringer used for a staircase. Before going through these determines, first we will find out the function of a stringers used in staircase. The function of staircase is to give support and sustain the treads of the staircase. By defining the function of stringer of a staircase we can easily conclude the determinants of the numbers of stringers.
Length of Treads in a Stair:
Width of a staircase is main factor which tells us how many stringers are needed for a staircase. A wider staircase needs more than two or three stringers. However the strength of the tread also affects the number of stringers. If the treads are strong enough to bear the load, you need only two stringers. In case if the treads are not much strong, you will need more than two stringers. It may be three or four or even five.
Burden and Load on Staircase:
The burden and traffic i.e. how many individuals walk through the stair case at a time is the primary determinant of the number of stringers used in a stair case. If a staircase with single beam stringer can survive five persons at a time, the same staircase needs double beam stringers if the burden will rise. Apart from the number of stringers to support a specific load, the strength and quality of stringer may also matter. Same load could be survived by two stairs with different number of stringers while depending on the strength of stringers. A staircase with single stringer may survive more load than a stair with double stringers. It is because of the quality of the material and strength of the stringers.
How much the treads of stairs are strong?
The strength of the treads tells us how many stringers we are going to install in a staircase. If the treads of the stair case are strong enough you need to install two stringers at each side of the staircase. In case, if the treads are not too much strong, then we are bound to install more stringers to divide the load on each stringer.
Presence of risers along with treads of the stairs:
Using risers with treads gives extra strength to the stair case. In a floating tread staircase, we either install very strong single beam stringer or two or more than two stringers. The riser present along side the tread gives extra strength to the staircase. Thus, risers are another factor which determines the numbers of stringers.
Number of steps used in staircase/ how long is staircase?
The larger number of the steps used in staircase need either stronger stringer or multiple stringers. Longer stairs with higher number of steps increase in the weight of the stairs. Therefore, the longer staircase needs more than two stringers.
Strength of the stringers:
If the stringers are made up of thick and strong material, you need only two stringers to be installed. On the other hand if the stringers are not thick and made up of weak material, only two stringers are not enough. Therefore, the strength of stringers is another factor which determines their number in a straircase.
Kind of Material used in stringers:
If the stringers are made up of hard and strong material like steel/iron, you do not need to install more than two stringers. On the other hand if the material is wooden or not too much strong, then the staircase needs more than two stringers.
Read also:
- 5 Types of Staircase Stringers
- Staircase Components and Details
- What are beam bridges? Types and Structural elements of a beam bridge
- What are Truss Bridges? Structural elements and pros and cons of truss bridges
- Load Combinations of Concrete Design
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