TryBuildCalc

Wood Stair Stringer Quantity & Code Verification Checklist

Essential Checklist+

Complete these critical checks before approving the work or proceeding to the next construction stage.

✓12 Inspection Points
✓4 Verification Categories
✓Rise, Run & Width Inputs+
  • Total rise (finished floor to finished floor) confirmed from actual field measurements, not assumed
  • Computed riser height confirmed at or below the IRC maximum of 7¾"
  • Tread depth confirmed at or above the IRC minimum of 10"
  • Stair width confirmed at or above the IRC minimum of 36" clear width
  • Headroom (minimum 6'-8" per IRC) checked separately — not computed by this calculator
✓Throat Depth & Code Compliance+
  • Remaining throat depth confirmed against the applicable standard for this project — IRC's 3.5" floor or the more conservative AWC DCA-6 5.5" figure
  • Stringer lumber size selected genuinely gives adequate throat depth for this project's riser/tread combination, not just a default guess
  • Confirmed the stringer will never be field-notched deeper than the checked throat depth allows
✓Stringer Layout & Support+
  • Stringer count confirmed adequate for the actual stair width and tread material, not just the computed default
  • Stringer bottom bearing (kick plate, concrete pad, or ledger) confirmed adequate and won't shift or rot
  • Stringer top connection to the header/ledger confirmed with an adequate hanger or ledger board, not toe-nailed alone
✓Materials & Safety+
  • Pressure-treated lumber confirmed for any exterior/deck stringer, treads, and risers exposed to weather
Full QC Checklist+

Verify rise/run/width inputs, throat depth and code compliance, stringer layout/support, and materials/safety.

✓20 Inspection Points
✓4 Verification Categories
✓Rise, Run & Width Inputs+
  • Total rise (finished floor to finished floor) confirmed from actual field measurements, not assumed
  • Computed riser height confirmed at or below the IRC maximum of 7¾"
  • Tread depth confirmed at or above the IRC minimum of 10"
  • Stair width confirmed at or above the IRC minimum of 36" clear width
  • Headroom (minimum 6'-8" per IRC) checked separately — not computed by this calculator
  • Correct run mode selected (By Tread Depth vs. By Total Run) for how this stair is actually being designed
  • Total rise checked against the code limit for a single flight without an intermediate landing
✓Throat Depth & Code Compliance+
  • Remaining throat depth confirmed against the applicable standard for this project — IRC's 3.5" floor or the more conservative AWC DCA-6 5.5" figure
  • Stringer lumber size selected genuinely gives adequate throat depth for this project's riser/tread combination, not just a default guess
  • Confirmed the stringer will never be field-notched deeper than the checked throat depth allows
  • Solid (uncut) stringer with cleats, or an engineered/LVL stringer, considered as an alternative where a cut stringer can't meet the throat minimum
  • Computed stringer cut length checked against real available stock lengths before ordering
✓Stringer Layout & Support+
  • Stringer count confirmed adequate for the actual stair width and tread material, not just the computed default
  • Stringer bottom bearing (kick plate, concrete pad, or ledger) confirmed adequate and won't shift or rot
  • Stringer top connection to the header/ledger confirmed with an adequate hanger or ledger board, not toe-nailed alone
  • Middle stringer(s) confirmed included in the actual cut list for any stair wider than roughly 36"
✓Materials & Safety+
  • Pressure-treated lumber confirmed for any exterior/deck stringer, treads, and risers exposed to weather
  • Tread nosing requirement checked separately if tread depth is under 11" (commonly 3/4" to 1 1/4" projection)
  • Handrail and guard requirements confirmed separately — not computed by this calculator
  • Local code amendments to the adopted IRC edition checked before finalizing
Inspection Notes+
Use the latest approved drawings, specifications, and site measurements.
Complete all critical checks before proceeding to the next work stage.
Record deviations and confirm rectification where required.

Related Calculators & Guides

Wood Stair Stringer Quantity & Code CalculatorOpen the related calculator and verify the current project inputs.

FAQ

Use it after collecting the project inputs and again before approving or closing the relevant work stage.
No. It supports verification but does not replace approved drawings, specifications, codes, manufacturer requirements, or professional inspection.