Results 1 to 11 of 11

Thread: Stair stringer

  1. #1
    Ryan Murray's Avatar
    Ryan Murray Guest

    Default Stair stringer

    Can I cut into one of the stringers that support the stairs to my second floor in order to relocate a door? If the answer is yes, then how do I reinforce the weakened stringer? I realize this is not ideal, but the relocated door is, so any help/ideas would be appreciated. Sorry no pics.

    Similar Threads:
    Inspection Referral

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,032

    Default Re: Stair stringer

    I am having a difficult time visualizing cutting into a stringer and not having a door open to the stairway - which would be major no-no.

    Pleases explain or describe in greater detail.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Santa Rosa, CA
    Posts
    3,154

    Default Re: Stair stringer

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    I am having a difficult time visualizing cutting into a stringer and not having a door open to the stairway - which would be major no-no.

    Pleases explain or describe in greater detail.
    Sounds to me like he wants to cut underneath the stairway.

    Department of Redundancy Department
    Supreme Emperor of Hyperbole
    http://www.FullCircleInspect.com/

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Plano, Texas
    Posts
    4,245

    Default Re: Stair stringer

    Quote Originally Posted by Ryan Murray View Post
    Can I cut into one of the stringers that support the stairs to my second floor in order to relocate a door? If the answer is yes, then how do I reinforce the weakened stringer? I realize this is not ideal, but the relocated door is, so any help/ideas would be appreciated. Sorry no pics.
    NO, don't cut the stringer.

    Jim Luttrall
    www.MrInspector.net
    Plano, Texas

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,032

    Default Re: Stair stringer

    Quote Originally Posted by Gunnar Alquist View Post
    Sounds to me like he wants to cut underneath the stairway.
    Got it! Thanks.

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Luttrall View Post
    NO, don't cut the stringer.
    What Jim said!

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  6. #6

    Default Re: Stair stringer

    You'd have to take a pic so we could see exactly what you are dealing with. You could cut the stringer, but you'd have to do much more than just cutting the stringer. Cutting all of the stringers and installing a landing may work depending on your application, and could give you more head room.


  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,032

    Default Re: Stair stringer

    *IF* the door was framed such that it effectively supported the stringer as a column and beam, and laterally supported the stringer so it could not move laterally, it *could* be done.

    Think of it as landing and bearing the stringer on a landing at the top of the stringer and then at the bottom of the stringer.

    It *could* be done, with emphasis on *could*, but it would need to be done correctly.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  8. #8

    Default Re: Stair stringer

    Jerry,

    I think from now on, we all need to request pictures before answering some of these questions.....


  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,032

    Default Re: Stair stringer

    Quote Originally Posted by Brandon Whitmore View Post
    Jerry,

    I think from now on, we all need to request pictures before answering some of these questions.....
    Except that not everyone always has photos, especially of things they are proposing to do.

    Drawings and sketches would help, but not everyone can do that.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  10. #10

    Default Re: Stair stringer

    Except that not everyone always has photos, especially of things they are proposing to do.

    Drawings and sketches would help, but not everyone can do that.
    Correct, but they can take a picture of the work area-- sure would help when he is trying to explain things. In this instance, the guy is just wanting to move a door over. I think it would help to see a pic of that area. It may give us ideas as to what to recommend. Heck, we've had answers on this one from "no-- don't do it", to "Yes, it can be done" depending on what the individual inspector is picturing in their mind when they read the post.


  11. #11
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,032

    Default Re: Stair stringer

    Quote Originally Posted by Brandon Whitmore View Post
    Heck, we've had answers on this one from "no-- don't do it", to "Yes, it can be done" depending on what the individual inspector is picturing in their mind when they read the post.
    That happens with most threads, even WITH photos.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •