What's your preference, cut stringers from 2x12's or stringers with cleats added made of 2x8 or 2x10's ? I can layout and cut stringers so that's not a problem. Have seen several others use the smaller boards to make stringers with cleats added. I personally like the cut 2x12's but if I can save some money that would be a bonus.

If you use the stringers with cleats, what's the widest width you feel comfortable spanning with 2x lumber ?


Have several stands that are due for maintenance as soon as season ends.

I usually do stringers with cleats although I can cut them as well.

After a quick Google session I’ve found it’s open vs closed stringers. Still want the Aldeer collective opinion. I trust our eggspurts over Google

I like the "closed' as it gives a little side stop for the feet. Harder to step off the side than the open in my opinion.

I just build my stairs just like a ladder out of treated 2x4's for both the uprights and the steps.

Mine are 2X12 cut stringers. The stringers are about 26" centers. The treads are 32" , 32" is good as you get 3 out of an 8' board, 0 waste . These are about 20 years old and I redid them this summer and put up a new hand rail. I cut the treads at home in my shop with a big miter saw . The old treads were nailed with galvanized nails , the stringers had splits in them so I added scabs on the inside and went back with deck screws. Also with the scabs I ran them out where the tread doesn't overhang now. I have had the edge break because there's a couple of inch overhang that's un supported .

screen shot windows 7

Looks like a broken leg on an icy morning waiting to happen

How so? No body has ever broken a leg on mine , icy or otherwise and I have 3 total just like the one pictured. I survived Saturday afternoon and it was icy, that's what the hand rail is for.

I have the closed stingers on the stairs of all 6 my shooting houses.
They range in height from 4 feet to 10 feet and all have 2x4 handrails.
To prevent broken legs, I tack down some tabs off cheap shingles on each tread.
The shingles are much cheaper than the no-slip safety strips and work like a charm, even with muddy boots.

Thanks. I’ll probably go with the closed.

I built mine like 2dogs. I don't know what all the terms are, but I'm not worried about an orthopedic injury climbing a 8' staircase into a shooting house. It's probably the safest part of a hunt in all honesty.