Stair Stringer Rise

[john in la]

What is a biggest acceptable rise for steps.
3 steps high

Using 2x10s for steps so run will be....
Top step even with deck will be 18.5 inches
Middle and bottom step will be 9.25 inches

Total height is 21 inches but what I want to know is 7 inches the maximum acceptable rise or can I make a short ground to bottom step and use 8 inch rise between steps.
 

[omahagreg]

11" on run, 7" MAX on rise. If these are outside, I would use 2-2x6s for the tread, so rain can drain. A solid board usually will cup from water.
 

[dave2]

Keep in mind.... you ain't gettin any younger..... I'd keep em shallow and not as steep for them sore/stiff knees and hips that are around the corner.....
 

[Bill in IL]

Cant speak to code but somewhere 7-8 inches is what you want. 8 inches is a little steep, 7 is a little low. I would avoid the short step and go 7 inches as will be unnatural to climb a short then long steps.
 

[Scott 730]

Keep the risers all equal or you will create a tripping hazard. Code only allows 3/8" difference in a run of stairs.
 

[FBH44]

The ICC Code for residential allows risers to range from 4" tall up to 7 3/4" tall. Risers and treads must be within 3/8" of adjacent risers / treads, so there's no tipping hazard. Supposed to have at least one handrail, too.
 

[Jason the Red]

Code only allows 1/4" on riser difference. It also allows 1/2" on tread depth.
 

[brandon j]

I am a carpenter and you can have a max of 3/16 diffrence in rise not 3/8 max of 7 in. in comeral and 8 in. in residancal if you need help my email is open
 

[Vito]

If you have 21" height you need 3 risers @ 7" with a total of 2 treads.Why have one even with the top of the deck?

Vito
 

[batractorman]

NC says Rise + Run should = 18" or 18 1/2"
If you use 7" rise with 9 1/4" treads, you should be right on the money. Might be asking for unwanted trips with first step higher.
 

[David G]

If you have the run, add a step and even them out between 6 and 7 inches.
 

[paul]

Make them all the same, whatever you do. 3 short steps is fine. If you make 2 tall steps I could live with that, probably not to code.

I would curse the one 'short step' every time I used them if done that way...... Not good.

--->Paul
 

[blunosr]

Yup, make 'em all the same height (rise). My recollection says the magic number is 66. Rise x run, in inches, should equal 66. I always try to use as close as possible to 7 1/4" rise, and 9" run. Anything greater than 7 1/2" rise will feel steep. Also, be sure to put your step boards on so they will bow downwards (not cup upwards). It seems counter-intuitive, but the heartwood should be at the upper side of the tread. They cup opposite the growth rings. That's because the rings shrink the same amount laterally, and you have a much longer ring on the outside of the tree, so it shrinks more.

I seem to recall that 66 is also the height, in inches, from the closest tread to any overhead obstruction.

Good luck with them, stair building is the mark of a true carpenter.

Troy
 

[john in la]

Why have one even with the top of the deck?


Because it allows me to attach the stringer to the face of the rim joist rather than under the porch. I feel it is stronger that way.
 

[john in la]

Thanks for the advise guys.