Stair parts made in Montana
Stair Stringer: Types and Dimensions
A stair stringer is the sloping structural support carrying a flight of treads. Its construction determines where each tread bears and how the stair connects to the floors.
Cut, closed and mono stringers
Cut stringers have a stepped top edge that supports treads and risers at each notch. Removing wood for the notches reduces the remaining section.
Closed stringers keep an uninterrupted sloping outer edge. Housed wood stringers have recesses that receive tread and riser ends.
A mono-stringer is a single main support beneath the treads, often used for open-riser stairs. Brackets and tread construction must be designed for the support system.
Stair stringer dimensions to review
Record total rise, horizontal run, individual riser height and tread depth. Board width is measured across the face, perpendicular to the long edge; actual width differs from a nominal stock name.
Wood species, grade, thickness, span, spacing, remaining throat and connections all affect structural capacity. A stock width alone does not establish suitability.
Check your local code; requirements vary by jurisdiction.
Stringers, treads and risers
Treads are the horizontal walking surfaces; risers are the vertical faces. Stringers support those parts, while a skirt board generally finishes the wall-side joint rather than carrying the stair.
Tread Space makes approved wood and LVP stair parts from the flooring identified for your project. Suitability is confirmed during project review; structural support and installation are handled by your builder or installer.
Common questions
What is a stair stringer?
The sloping structural support carrying a flight of stair treads.
What is a cut stringer?
A stringer with a stepped edge cut into it to support the treads and risers.
What is a housed stringer?
A closed stringer with recesses receiving the ends of treads and risers.
What dimensions should a stringer be?
Dimensions depend on rise, run, material, loads, span, spacing and connections. Have the complete support design reviewed; check your local code.
Is a skirt board a stringer?
Usually not. A skirt board is finish trim along the wall, while a stringer carries the stair loads.
Related guides
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