Adding A Stringer To An Existing Outside Stair Case
Tracy writes - “Our home is a 27 year old four level split. There are seven steps up from the front entrance to the main level. These stairs are 58″ wide. There are only two stringers for these stairs and so the stairs are very creaky and squeaky. Is it possible to add another stringer in the middle of the tread width without removing the whole set of stairs? I am worried that we will have to take the stairs out completely in order to fix this. Any help would be greatly appreciated.”
A 58 inch wide treads on a stair case should have at least three stringers. With only two stringers a stair case that wide will have a tendency to feel bouncy and wobbly not to mention creak and squeak.
Can an additional stringer be added without disassembling the stair case?
Maybe, but it depends on several factors. First, do you have clear access to the underside of the stair case? You mentioned that the staircase has seven steps. I am guessing that the rise is 7 inches, standard for most residential staircases. That would make the total height about 56 inches. That is a tight fit but you can work underneath the staircase.
What is the stair case attached to? Is it attached to the house or to a porch? If it is attached to a porch, then you might have some additional space to work with. If the staircase is tied directly to the exterior of your home it will be very difficult to add a stringer without disassembling the staircase.
What if there isn’t enough space to work underneath?
You don’t need to disassemble the entire staircase. However, you do need to remove all of the treads. Once the treads are out of the way it will be easy to work in and add the additional stringer. Removing the treads will make it easier to get an accurate measurement of the cuts required on the stringer to make a copy for the new stringer.
Once the new stringer is in place it is time to put the treads back on the stair case. Get a couple of tubes of exterior grade construction adhesive. Lay a bead of adhesive on the stringer where the tread will rest. Instead of using nails use exterior grade deck screws. If necessary drill a pilot hole first before driving the screw in. It will make driving the screws in a lot easier and prevent the wood from splitting.
