2. Stairs and Stair Framing

3. Stair Framing
A structure placed between two floors that has a series of steps that allows you to move up or down freely to different level.
The rough-in is placed during the framing but the main stair system is usually placed after the sub-floor is down.

4. Equipment Needed Hammer Circular Power Saw Framing & T-Squares
Ear, Mouth Protection
Handsaw
Nails          
Level
Tape Measure          

5. Placing the Rough-In
You are cutting a hole in the flooring so it must be supported
On the edges where you have a joist running the full span you double up. These joists are called a double trimmer.
Between the two double trimmers you place a double header

6. Parts of a Floor System

7. Terms of a Stair System Tread- The horizontal surface of one step.
Riser- The vertical board between treads (kick board)
Unit Run- The distance an individual unit travels
Unit Rise- The distance an individual unit moves up.
Total Run- The distance the stair case travels.
Total Rise- The distance the stair case go up.
Stairwell Rough Opening- Opening in the floor system.
Stringer- The main support unit of a stair case.
Headroom- Distance from the ceiling to the tread.

8. Terms of a Stair System
Nosing- The part of the tread that extends past the riser
Newel- The post the supports the railing.
Handrail- A surface that is intended for grabbing by a person going up and down the stairs.
Balusters- Some times called spindles. They support the railing and keep children from falling to the floor.
Platform- A horizontal surface placed between two flights of stairs
Landing- The start point and finish point of a stair system.
Winders- Wedge-shaped treads installed where stairs turn.

9. Parts of a Stair Unit

10. Codes to Consider Maximum unit rise Maximum unit tread
Fire blocking requirements
Maximum material spans
Framing requirements
Special considerations

11. Calculating Stair Dimensions
Most stair angles should fall between 30 and 35 degrees
This can be accomplished with a 11 inch run and a 7 inch rise.
To calculate how many stairs you will need you take the total rise and divide it by 7. This will give you your total number of treads. You will need to round up or down and recalculate your rise.

12. Calculating Stair Dimensions
To find your total run you multiply your total treads by 11. You can shorten this number if need be to increase headroom.
Now that you have total rise and run you can calculate how long your stringer must be.

13. Stringer Layout

14. Activity
Calculate the number and size of risers for a straight run stairway.
Calculate the unit run and the total run
On paper layout one stringer for this activity

15. Spiral Stairs

16. Disappearing Stairs

17. Escalators