I'm tackling a little DIY project and looking for advice on the best material to use for steps that will span 30 to 36 inches and are only 8 inches deep. I'm considering using something like a 2x8, but I'm unsure which material would be strong enough to hold weight safely while being placed horizontally. Metal might be the best choice for durability and deflection, but I can't seem to find affordable options. I'm leaning towards wood types like yellow pine or Douglas fir but I'm open to any thoughts on different wood species or alternative materials that could work well for this.
3 Answers
You might want to check out the Sagulator tool on woodbin.com. It lets you input the thickness, span, width, wood type, and load, and then it tells you how much sag to expect. Just remember to see how much sag you can safely handle!
For a setup like this, two 2x4s or a single 2x8 should work. Just keep in mind that you’ll want a central stringer to keep things stable; otherwise, you may run into issues down the line.
Definitely go for at least three stringers for a span of 36 inches. If you're spacing them out every 12 to 16 inches with construction lumber, you'll be fine. If you're worried about deflection, consider adding a fourth stringer for extra support.
Good tip! Just make sure to use the actual dimensions of your lumber, not the nominal sizes, to get accurate results.