Plans / Stair stringers
Stair stringer calculator for deck and shed steps
Find your total rise below, or open any row and slide to your exact measurement. Each layout splits the rise into equal risers, gives the stair gauge settings, and lists the lumber.
15 plans on this rack. Materials run from $143 (12 in rise) to $735 (120 in rise) at typical big-box prices.
Every size, priced
Open a row for its drawings, cut list and build steps. Prices are typical Home Depot and Lowe's shelf prices; yours will differ a little.
| Plan | Risers | Treads | Total run | 2x12 stringers | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 in rise | 2 at 6" | 1 at 10-1/2" | 10-1/2" | 4 | $143 |
| 18 in rise | 3 at 6" | 2 at 10-1/2" | 1' 9" | 4 | $152 |
| 24 in rise | 4 at 6" | 3 at 10-1/2" | 2' 7-1/2" | 4 | $220 |
| 30 in rise | 4 at 7-1/2" | 3 at 10-1/2" | 2' 7-1/2" | 4 | $220 |
| 36 in rise | 5 at 7-1/4" | 4 at 10-1/2" | 3' 6" | 4 | $229 |
| 42 in rise | 6 at 7" | 5 at 10-1/2" | 4' 4-1/2" | 4 | $239 |
| 48 in rise | 7 at 6-7/8" | 6 at 10-1/2" | 5' 3" | 4 | $248 |
| 54 in rise | 7 at 7-3/4" | 6 at 10-1/2" | 5' 3" | 4 | $280 |
| 60 in rise | 8 at 7-1/2" | 7 at 10-1/2" | 6' 1-1/2" | 4 | $388 |
| 66 in rise | 9 at 7-3/8" | 8 at 10-1/2" | 7' 0" | 4 | $426 |
| 72 in rise | 10 at 7-1/4" | 9 at 10-1/2" | 7' 10-1/2" | 4 | $435 |
| 84 in rise | 11 at 7-5/8" | 10 at 10-1/2" | 8' 9" | 4 | $509 |
| 96 in rise | 13 at 7-3/8" | 12 at 10-1/2" | 10' 6" | 4 | $528 |
| 108 in rise | 14 at 7-3/4" | 13 at 10-1/2" | 11' 4-1/2" | 4 | $537 |
| 120 in rise | 16 at 7-1/2" | 15 at 10-1/2" | 13' 1-1/2" | 4 | $735 |
Before you cut a stringer
What are the code limits?
The residential code (IRC R311.7.5) allows a riser of at most 7-3/4 in and a tread of at least 10 in. These layouts use a 10-1/2 in run per step with treads overhanging the riser line.
How far apart do stringers go?
No more than 16 in apart here. A 36 in wide stair gets 4 stringers, about 11-1/2 in apart, which keeps 2x6 treads from flexing.
How long can a cut stringer span?
About 6 ft of horizontal run for a cut 2x12. Longer stairs in these plans get a beam on two posts at mid-span.
What is the throat?
The solid wood left under each notch. These layouts keep at least 5 in so the stringer stays strong.