Graphical Construction Glossary >> stairs. >> general >> Stair Carriage

Stair Carriage

A sloping beam under the steps of a stair to provide extra support between the strings.

This type of stair shows three inclined support members. The two inner ones would be called carriages and the outside one, if it remains seen would be called a cut string. More likely though it would be covered with a face string of more expensive timber so it would also be a support beam or carriage.

Most carriages in timber stairs are put there when the stair gets too wide to be supported by just the two external strings. Say over 900, 3ft. The exception of course is the method of stair building above where rough sawn timbers are cut to support the steps. The method of sawing out the full shapes takes an awful lot of strength out of the timber so they are set at closer centers, like say 450, 18" even.

Another method is to use say a timber in the mid span that is say 150 x 100, 6"x4" without any cutouts and then fix short cleats to it to support the treads, much like in the photo below. This is a lot more economical in timber.

Above is an external stair that does not use any strings or stringers. This type of open stair is becoming popular both indoors and out. There are many different layouts for the carriages, as there are different fixing methods.

Making use of cheap and readily available RHS section steel for it's single centre carriage this stair uses welded cleat and bolts to fix the treads.

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Adam Smith 1723-1790

"When we build, let us think that we build for ever."John Ruskin 1819-1900