Stringers and bowstrings are the main design details of many stairs. Their function is the same: to support steps and other elements of the structure. What is the difference between a stringer and a bowstring? Information about this is provided below.

What the details look like

Parts of the staircase about which we're talking about, are essentially inclined beams. In the image below, these support elements border the edges of the steps:

Comparison

As you can see, one part has a jagged outline at the top, while the second has a smooth outline on both sides. But besides visual ones, there are other signs that make up the difference between a stringer and a bowstring. And the first, most important point– method of fastening the steps. In the case of stringers, they are laid on the horizontal of the teeth, leaving the ends visible. Grooves are made in the bowstring from the inside, where the ends of numerous transverse strips are placed. Sometimes the steps are held not in the slots, but on bars nailed to the beam.

There may be stringers in the stairs different quantities. Most often there are two of them. But some designs provide only one such element. In addition, there are structures with a central stringer and two side ones. As a rule, these are stairs with a decent flight width. The bowstring, in turn, is used only in duplicate. The beams are located exclusively on the sides.

The next point concerns the installation of fencing elements on the stairs. It is worth noting here that the stringer cannot directly support the balusters. With this arrangement, their bottom is located on the steps themselves. Meanwhile, fencing parts can be installed on the bowstring, but then it must have impressive thickness parameters. Otherwise, an overhead strip of the required width is attached to the beam of the named variety, and columns are attached to it, leaving the desired gap between them.

It must be said that stairs with load-bearing elements of both types occupy an unequal amount of space. What is the difference between a stringer and a bowstring in this regard? It consists in the fact that the version of the structure with a stringer with the same length of steps will be more compact. This staircase looks somewhat simpler, but its installation in small rooms is more appropriate. Bowstrings take up some space on the sides. The staircase with them looks richer and more elegant. This design is better suited for large spaces.

Table

What is better - a bowstring or a stringer?

What is the difference between a stringer and a bowstring?

In terms of design, interior staircases for a home have many options that differ from each other not only structurally, but also externally and are absolutely different styles in the interior.
Let's look at the most common types of stairs; on stringers and bowstrings.

A stringer is a load-bearing support for a staircase with combs cut out on top to which the steps are attached, both with and without risers. If you look from the side, you can see the end of the step; it often hangs down from 5 to 10 centimeters. In our case, the stringer is made of wood, at least 4 centimeters thick and 30 cm wide. The stringer is installed both on the sides, with different offsets, and in the center. The need for a central stringer is determined either by the large width of the flight (step length is more than 120 cm), or by a design feature when the load-bearing support is only one stringer.

In the case of a stringer, balusters (stair railings) are placed on the step, usually in the place where the end hangs; the baluster is fastened from below and covered with a decorative cap, also made of wood. Balusters are placed one per step or two at a time, but you can alternate one/two while maintaining the same distance between them. The combs cut on the stringer set all the main parameters of the staircase, and these are the width of the tread, the height of the step and, in fact, the angle of ascent.

Kosour is usually made in two ways:
1. A blank for the stringer is made with the appropriate thickness and width of the corresponding narrowest part of the stringer. The triangles are manufactured separately and have parameters consistent with the width of the tread and the height of the rise. Then, using dowels, special glue and clamps, they are connected into one comb and a stringer is obtained. Although this assembly technology does not save time, it does save material.
2. The blank is made to the size of the entire stringer, on which the entire stringer is marked, cut out with a margin and finished by milling to a high-quality surface with a clear size. This technology has the advantage of speed of production.
A staircase on a stringer has a lighter appearance and is in demand in a small space allocated for a staircase.

Bowstring - load-bearing support of the stairs with milled grooves with inside. Grooves are made for both steps and risers - both are inserted into the grooves and, accordingly, the end of the step remains invisible. The size of the string for the workpiece corresponds to the stringer - the width is 30 centimeters, and the thickness is at least 4 cm. As a rule, the balusters exceed the thickness of the string (not always), so a sub-baluster is placed on the string - a board of the required width and the balusters are placed on it, which in case of with a bowstring - you can distribute it at any interval. There is also a method of attaching balusters from the visible side of the bowstring, due to which, although the length of the balusters themselves increases, it also increases the width of the usable space for walking up the stairs.

The principle of making a bowstring is similar to a stringer, but in this case the combs are not cut out, but grooves are selected (milled), which with their width and dimensions set the main parameters of the staircase; step height, tread width and incline angle.
The classic version of a ladder is a ladder on a bowstring. Stairs on a bowstring are usually made closed type, with risers - it is with them that it looks rich, especially when it is in a room with a lot of space.

View our stairs

The decision to order an interfloor staircase instead of making it yourself is the only correct one: not all models have a simple design. Your carpentry skills may not be sufficient to produce a product that meets safety regulations. Professional production of stairs is carried out according to pre-taken dimensions, taking into account important parameters. The difficulty lies in choosing the design itself, optimal for use in a small or spacious room, indoors or outdoors.

Common types of stairs are bowstring and stringer. What is the difference, what are the advantages of both, when it is more advisable to buy a wooden interfloor staircase of one model and it is not recommended to install another.

Wooden stairs on a bowstring and a stringer - what's the difference?

Stringer and bowstring - both terms refer to load-bearing structural elements, the length of which is equal to the length of the flight of stairs. They are located on the sides of the system, and the difference between them lies in the method of attaching the steps:

  • In a staircase on strings, the steps are attached between them. The edges of the treads are hidden and are located in pre-prepared grooves. Simply put, bowstrings carry steps within themselves;
  • In staircases on stringers, the treads are placed on top of the load-bearing elements. To do this, the stringer is cut out, giving the appearance of a comb.

Features of wooden stairs on bowstrings

Within the model range there is its own gradation according to the series characteristic features. The manufacture of wooden interfloor stairs is carried out taking into account:

  1. Areas of use

Graceful forms, practicality, the ability to model systems taking into account the existing interior design, the area allocated for installation, the operation of stairs is possible in both residential and public spaces. They are in demand in country houses, at dachas, in offices, administrative centers.

  1. Design features

There are:

  • Straight stairs on bowstrings: the simplest and most convenient option. By choosing the optimal width of the march, they create favorable conditions for moving people, increasing the passage capacity, carrying furniture and other large objects;
  • Single and double march types are used where they are relevant.

    Design and creation of a ladder bowstring: what function does it perform?

    The number of marches depends on the area allocated for installation;

  • Non-standard models: turning stairs with a platform or with winder steps. Rotation angle – any: 90 0, 180 0;
  • Rounded designs as an elegant design element;
  • Open and closed options: the first type of stairs does not use risers. An open space is formed between the treads, which reduces the weight of the finished product and makes it look lighter. The second type is stairs with full closed steps;
  • On one or two bowstrings: sometimes a wall is used instead of the inner bowstring. One edge of the steps is mounted into it, the second is installed in the groove on the bowstring.
  1. Types of fastening steps to strings
  • The classic option is cutting out grooves that align with the edges of the steps;
  • Installation of treads on wooden planks: they are attached at the same distance from each other. Treads are mounted on the slats. The method is advantageous from the point of view of simplicity and time saving;
  • Installing treads on metal corners: similar to mounting on wooden blocks.
  1. Types of fencing installations

Traditionally, fences are made of balusters and railings.

The height is standard, on average 90-100 cm. The balusters are fastened:

  • On the bowstring, if thickness allows;
  • On the inside of the stairs: used if the thickness of the bowstring is less than the cross-sectional area of ​​the baluster or they are the same. In this case, a sub-balance board is installed and fencing elements are attached to it;
  • Near the bowstring on the outside: more suitable for narrow flights, because it increases the width of the passage along the steps.

You can use wooden or forged decorative elements. Balusters are placed in any order, at an arbitrary width (without increasing the optimal width).

Manufacturing of wooden interfloor stairs on stringers

The standard product on stringers looks quite simple. If you do not take into account the exclusive decor, expensive materials, and focus on functionality and safety, stringer stairs can be classified as a budget type, which, moreover, do not take long to make and are easy to install. It is based on beams (they are called stringers), steps are attached to them, and the shape of the staircase depends on the geometry of the stringers. To make a straight staircase, take solid straight beams. The situation is similar with rounded options.

The key feature is in the method of attaching the steps: they are, as it were, laid on top of the protrusions made in the stringers. The upper location of the treads is more effective in terms of increasing the load. This design is more reliable and can withstand heavy weight, this is where its advantages and expanded scope of use come from.

Features of wooden stairs on stringers

The following points will help you buy a wooden interfloor staircase with stringers of the desired design:

  • Number of marches: chosen depending on the allocated area. 1-3 marches are quite acceptable for use at home or in public buildings;
  • Geometry: straight, rotary structures with any rotation angle. Based on aesthetic considerations, and again taking into account the available space, stairs with turning platforms or winder steps are installed;
  • Exclusive models with a march width of more than 1.6 m require additional reinforcement. A central stringer is added to the two side strings;
  • The steps are fastened in different ways: to cutouts made in the stringers, or to special fasteners (fillies) installed on the stringers;
  • Modeling of stairs is carried out using different types steps: the classic version - closed structures with treads and risers. A light, unusual look - an open staircase without risers;
  • It is important to choose the right wood for your stairs. It should provide special strength to the steps, so you should not skimp on the thickness of the sheet. Try to use hard wood. Pine and spruce are also used in staircase construction, but their softness does not match durability and abrasion resistance. Hence low price wooden stairs Economy class.

Decor, materials for processing, painting are not distinctive parameters when choosing stairs. The main thing is that the client likes the external qualities of the product and its design, and that the design itself ensures unhindered movement and is as safe as possible.

What are stringers for stairs

Installing a staircase in your own private house or cottage is a responsible and interesting process that every home craftsman wants to “live” independently. It’s not for nothing that they say that a staircase built with your own hands will be the strongest. For this to happen, you need to choose the right and, most importantly, solid foundation for the future staircase - the stringers.

What is a kosour?

The inclined beam on which the steps rest is called a stringer if the steps rest on top of it. If the steps are inserted into the beam from the side, like into grooves, then this design is called a bowstring. The bowstring and stringer are the basic load-bearing elements of stairs.

The stringer differs from the bowstring in a different appearance. In a wide beam, often more than 50 cm wide, specially shaped grooves are cut out for steps. The steps are then installed on these cut grooves.

How to make a kosour yourself?

There is nothing complicated about making a stringer yourself. It is important to choose the right source material. If the design must be light and relatively cheap, the best option is pine and larch. Larch is preferred in a relatively damp house where moisture may enter, for example if the house is not heated during the winter. Larch stringers last longer, look better and are more durable than pine stringers.

On the other hand, pine is quite light, very cheap and, with its small thickness, can withstand a large load of steps. It is recommended to additionally coat pine stringers with a layer of varnish to ensure their attractive appearance. appearance for a long time.

Calculation and cutting of the stringer

The calculation of the stringer is very simple. First, select the required width of the board. Usually it is 50 cm. The thickness should be at least 60 mm. After this, a stencil is cut out from a piece of plywood. On one side, mark the width of the step, and on the other, its height, which is equal to the height of the riser. After this, a batten is nailed at two points and the entire stringer is drawn with such a stencil.

What is the difference between a stringer and a bowstring

Cutting is done with a hacksaw or jigsaw. I duplicate the resulting kosour again, obtaining 2 identical products parallel to each other.

Subtleties of manufacturing

It is very important to ensure that each element is cut evenly during manufacturing. Even small bumps will be noticeable when installing steps. It is better to additionally plan the areas or sand them with a special tool, sandpaper.

Installation of stringers should be done exclusively according to the level in order to prevent height differences and correctly mount the steps.

In this way, you can make almost any stringer for a wooden staircase in your home.

If you are building your own home, you have almost certainly encountered the problem of making stairs. Whether it is an interfloor staircase, or an attic staircase, or some kind of special-purpose staircase, the principles of its construction, main components and details will be the same.

To make it easier for you to understand the following materials on the calculation and construction of stairs, we will consider all their components and concepts related to the design.

First of all, each staircase has basic structural elements and additional ones. We’ll talk about additional ones a little later, but now we’ll look at what the main elements of the staircase design are.

Stringers and bowstrings

These two elements are sometimes confused because, although they are structurally different, they serve the same function. Stringers and bowstrings are types of staircase bases on which our steps, railings and other structural elements rest.

To understand the differences between them, take a look at the pictures. On the left are shown stringers in the form of inclined boards with jagged openings for future steps. This type of base was previously more common than bowstring, especially in the construction of wooden stairs. Its main advantages are ease of manufacture and, at the same time, greater reliability, since the entire load of the step falls on the upper side of the stringer.

A ladder with a bowstring as a base is shown in the figure on the right. As you can see, there are no cuts here, and the steps are attached directly to the side surface of the board, which completely hides their ends.

The disadvantage of such stairs is considered to be less reliability, since the load acting on the treads is distributed only to the fastening elements fixed in the string. This was true for traditionally made wooden stairs. Now, with the advent of stairs on a metal string, or with the use of special fasteners for steps, they are in no way inferior to stairs on stringers in strength, while being more elegant and modern.

One more nuance should probably be mentioned. Stairs with bowstrings require a slightly larger span than staircases with stringers. After all, if the stringer is completely hidden under the plane of the tread, then the string remains uncovered, and therefore, in addition to the width of the tread itself, double the width of the string should be added to the width of the staircase.

These few centimeters can sometimes be very important if the span is quite narrow and it is necessary to widen the steps as much as possible. Therefore, in such cases, building stairs on stringers looks more appropriate


29.10.2013

Staircase stairs are one of the most popular types of stairs. The stringer is the beam of the flight of stairs that forms the main support of the staircase, to which the steps are attached. The staircase on the stringer is comfortable and beautiful (pictured on the right). Another variety of this type of marching stairs are staircases on bowstrings (pictured on the left).

Stair strings(most often an oak bowstring is used) - these are inclined beams, similar to stringers, but treads are attached to them from the inside from the side. Bowstrings (oak bowstring is popular) are connected with special ties to strengthen the structure. Staircases on stringers and stairs on bowstrings differ in type and size. The shape and size of bowstrings and stringers is determined by the shape of the steps and the permissible load on the stairs, as well as the type of material from which they are made. The one-time total load on the main interfloor stairs, as well as on the entrance stairs, must be at least 250 kg.

With such a load and with a useful flight width of up to 1 m, the thickness of wooden bowstrings (balusters and steps are calculated separately) and stringers should be at least 50 mm, with a width of up to 1.25 m - at least 60 mm, and with a width of 1.5 m - not less than 70 mm.

The width of a wooden (oak) bowstring or stringer, which in the cross section of a flight can be considered its height, is taken from the calculation of the minimum 50 mm margin required to prevent cracking of the wood, created between the lower edge of the step (tread or riser) and the lower edge of the stringer (stringer) .

Comment. The thickness of wooden (oak) strings for staircases on strings with embedded steps should be 10 mm more quantities mentioned in the previous paragraph.

To increase strength and load-bearing capacity, wooden stringers for stairs on stringers are in practice made composite - from two or three boards glued together (Fig. 39).

The dimensions of metal stringers for staircases on stringers are selected according to the dimensions of rolled molded products (channels, I-beams) capable of withstanding the specified bending load on the staircase plus the weight of the steps and the railing.

Reinforced concrete stringers (stringers) for stair steps on stringers are usually made industrially in a monolith with steps.

Comment. If the width of a flight of stairs on stringers or a staircase on bowstrings is more than 2.5 m, an additional stringer must be installed along its longitudinal axis. Bowstrings vary in shape, location and attachment to the supporting structures of the house.

Their shape depends on the structural type of the staircase run on strings and can be straight, angular or curved. The last two are arranged in turning marches. According to the location, the strings of stairs on stringers (strings) are divided into internal and external, and according to the type of fastening - into cantilever, having supports only at their ends, wall, adjacent to the walls with a side part and attached to them.

Comment. In practice, the wall strings of staircases on strings cannot be tightly attached to the wall, so the resulting gap is blocked with a glazing bead.

In stairs with a 180° turn, the string can be attached to the support post of the intermediate platform (Fig. 40). If the flight of stairs on stringers (stairs on strings) is adjacent to a wooden floor, the strings (strings) of the staircase are attached to its beam by cutting. If it is reinforced concrete, it is recommended to use “hanging” support corners as a connecting element, without resorting to the edge notch of the bowstring.

Any marching structure is built on beams. They are called either stringers or bowstrings. Which is better: a bowstring or a stringer? What's the difference? Both devices are needed to attach steps to them. The difference lies in the methods of their fastening. For stairs on stringers, they are fixed at the top, and on bowstrings they are inserted into specially cut grooves. Let's take a closer look at each of these methods.

Staircase design on bowstrings

The design of this kind of staircase differs from the construction on stringers. It all depends on the distance between floors. Steps sometimes have to be additionally reinforced with screws, wedges or pins. But before today the bowstring is a classic element of marching design. The staircase design remains the safest. The thickness of the bowstring is usually 50 mm. This can be a processed board or a metal product. Most often, wood with a width of 30 cm is used. If the stringer can stand alone, then the bowstrings are used in pairs. They can be performed in different ways.

Diagram of the main components of the staircase.

On its internal parts you can mark and cut grooves into which wooden steps and risers will be inserted. Their ends are smeared with glue so that the finished staircase does not creak. Sometimes small wedges are driven in from below. To fasten the steps, wooden blocks or metal corners are used on the inside of each string. Wooden steps are placed on them, which are fastened with self-tapping screws or self-tapping screws. Under them it is necessary to drill holes into which the fastener caps will fit. When finishing the stairs, they are closed with small wooden or plastic plugs, which can decorate the flight of stairs. Or you can simply paint them the same color as the steps. Then they will become completely invisible.

You can attach triangular pegs cut from thick plywood or boards to the inner surfaces of the bowstring. The steps of the stairs will be attached to them. Stairs on bowstrings have their advantages:

  • they are very reliable;
  • are easy to use;
  • the design is safe for people and pets;
  • the finished product can withstand heavy loads;
  • the bowstring helps keep the steps clean;
  • The buildings look elegant and modern.

The only disadvantage is the fact that the width of the flight of stairs should be slightly larger than on the stringer. But, given the thickness of the bowstring, these few cm are already included in the design of the steps.

Staircase on the stringer

A stringer is a supporting beam onto which stair steps are attached. They are located on top of the beam on a special comb. There may be only one stringer on a flight of stairs, or there may be several. Structures on stringers have their own advantages:

  • they look light and compact;
  • withstand high loads;
  • installed in confined spaces.

To make stringers use:

  • thick sheet steel;
  • channel;
  • T-beams;
  • hollow profile of rectangular section.

Previously, such sawn structures were very popular among staircase manufacturers. They are easy to manufacture and reliable in operation. In most cases they are made of metal. This requires the manufacturer to have good welding skills. With the slightest mistakes in the design and manufacture of the stringer, the finished staircase can collapse at any moment.

Stringers are also made from wood 70-80 mm thick and 30 cm wide. It is better to use laminated boards made of oak, beech and other hardwoods. A solid board may crack during use.

To make a ladder on a wooden stringer or on a bowstring you need:

  • board 50-80 mm thick and 30 cm wide;
  • stencil made of slats and plywood;
  • dowels;
  • fillies;
  • drill;
  • saw;
  • hammer;
  • fasteners (bolts, nuts, washers, screws, dowels and self-tapping screws);
  • glue;
  • grinding machine.

The fillies are additional triangular elements. They are installed with glue and dowels along the edge of the stringer. The treads on the stringer are attached with glue and self-tapping screws.

Conclusion on the topic

Stairs in a house, especially in a private one, can be spiral, on stringers or on bowstrings. Screw structures are extremely rare.

The classic version is a product on a bowstring.

Such a device usually has treads, risers, and railings. In large spaces, such a structure looks very rich. Which design to choose is an individual matter for the owners. In any case, you will need a stringer or bowstring.

Treads are made from beech, oak, birch, and mahogany wood. Recommended thickness is 40-50 mm. You can buy them ready-made at a hardware store. The risers are made of thinner material. They are attached to the supporting beam with screws, glue, and dowels. Bowstrings need to be fastened with long threaded pins every 4-5 steps.

The fence usually consists of balusters and railings. Balusters are attached to load-bearing beams or to steps. Between them you can place various materials: plastic, glass and other similar things. Handrails are installed on top. A correctly assembled product on stringers or bowstrings will last for decades. The main thing is to periodically treat the treads with varnishes, paints, and stains.

Almost any a private house impossible to construct without stairs. They are present at the entrance, descent to the basement or ascent to the upper floors of the building. To build it, it is important to have an idea of ​​the parts that make it up, including the stringers. So what are stringers for stairs?

What is a kosour and what to make it from

A stringer is considered to be the type of load-bearing element on which the steps are supported. Its difference is that the steps are located at the top and are clearly visible from the side. Stringers are used to ensure reliable fastening of the ladder.

You can install them in two ways:

  • from the edge of the stairs;
  • in the middle (central stringer).

In staircases with stringers, handrails are attached directly to the steps.

Stringers can be made from wood, sheet metal or metal profiles. A common option is channel welding.

When using stringers, it becomes necessary to make special cutouts that will serve to lay out the steps

What is a string for stairs

The bowstring is a special component of the staircase, inside which the steps themselves are located. It contains grooves that act as fastenings.

There are always two bowstrings, they are located on both sides of the steps. Their peculiarity is that when viewed from the side of the staircase, the steps cannot be seen. Fastening the balusters depends on the size of the inclined beam. If they are large enough, you can fasten the balusters directly to the bowstring; otherwise, you have to fasten them to the under-baluster board.

The bowstring design looks very elegant and is suitable for any indoor interior

The main advantage of a ladder with a bowstring is that its use is completely safe for both people and pets.

What is better to choose

For a room with a small area, it is better to choose stairs with stringers. Their design will be quite compact, but the bowstring will increase its size by the width of two beams. In addition, much less materials and time are required to make a stringer.

A correctly assembled product on stringers or bowstrings will last for decades

Video: bowstring or stringer - which is better?

A staircase stringer is an excellent solution if you need to quickly make a reliable and durable structure. Making it yourself is not difficult.