What Is Stringer? Types of Stair Stringers

What Is Stringer? Types of Stair Stringers

Ever wonder how stair steps are so supportive? From where do they get the stability & strength to hold all the weight? What could their backbone look like? Have you ever heard of a stringer? Well, it is the staircase component that plays a significant role. A stair has many parts, and one of those of ‘a stringer’. Today, we will teach some of the important information about the same.

What is a Stringer?

A stair case stringer is a vertical board that runs along the flight. It is the side part of risers and treads. Usually, the treads and risers of a staircase are fixed into this board. They provide support to the structure of the entire flight. A stair can have two or a single stringer. If a stringer is inside the wall, it is called a wall stringer or an inner stringer.

Types of Stair Case Stringers

The design of a stair decides what type of stringer will be installed.

Residential Staircase Stringers

The types of stringers used at the stairs of homes, apartments and any residential place are:

• Cantilevered Stringer: Such staircase stringers are used in floating and open stair designs. The stringers here are mounted inside the wall. They are hardly noticed and are fixed to provide the strength to steps. A cantilevered stringer is only installed on one side (the side of the wall).
• Mono Stringer: Mono stringers are unique stair stringers. They are installed in the middle at the bottom of the steps. They are typically made of metal. The installation is done by welding them under treads. Such staircases give an ultra-modern appearance.
• Twin Stringer: Twin stringers are just like a mono stair stringer. But they are two in number and are installed at about 6 inches apart under treads. Such types of stringers give visually attractive looks to stairs.
• Open Stringer: Such staircase stringer types have open ends. The balusters and banisters are directly placed on the steps. The rises are not sealed in the board. Also known as cut stringers, their sharp edges are clearly visible here.
• Closed Stringer: It contains the staircase’ risers and treads. The edges of the steps won’t be visible. The vertical banisters are installed over the top of such a stringer. A closed stringer is also known as routed, housed, box or a side stringer.

Commercial & Industrial Staircase Stringers

Some stringers’ types are best suitable for commercial and industrial settings. This is due to their superior functional features. And these are:

• Centre Beam Stringers: A Centre beam staircase stringer is just like a mono stringer. However, it is more durable and made of a heavy-duty material. The stringer runs below the tread, providing excellent stability and support.
• Double Stringers: A double stringer is fixed at the outside of each tread. They are used in industrial properties for their strength. Such types also look modern and bold. Mostly, such types are used in prefabricated stair structures.

Popular Types of Stringer Materials and Their Benefits

Different materials are used depending on the functionality and style of the stairway. Common Materials used in the stair case stringer are Wood, Steel and Aluminium.

• Wood Stair Stringer: The wooden stringer of a stair can be of any wood type. Oak, maple and walnut are popular. They can also be designed of engineering wood. Wood stair stringer is easy to install and has high strength. It makes the ambience natural and warm. Due to its aesthetics and practicality, it is applicable in both residential and commercial places. Since it is available in many finishes, it complements contemporary and conventional styles.
• Steel Stair Stringer: Stainless steel stringers are used in versatile settings. It is popular for withstanding high foot traffic and heavy loads. Steel stair stringers can be shaped in any form. Thus any stair design such as spiral, curved or straight can have it. Such stair stringer types are affordable and easy to install other others. They are highly functional and are highly preferred in factories.
• Aluminium Stair Stringer: The most lightweight stringer material is aluminium. It also goes with all styles of staircases easily. Due to its physical properties, it can be shaped into anything. It is affordable and mostly installed in portable stair structures. Stair stringers last longer as they are resistant to corrosion and also do not require much maintenance.

The Bottom Line

Staircase stringers are an important staircase part. It holds the weight of risers and treads, making them stable and supportive. Without a stringer installation, a stair is incomplete & unsafe. The type of a stringer used impacts the style and excellence of a staircase. Therefore, a stair should have a superior stringer. Contact the best staircase manufacturers nearby to get the complete stair case solutions.