For many good reasons, metal stair tread brackets can be used in place of wooden cleats. As the wood begins to deteriorate, it can become a safety risk. Metal will not disintegrate at the same rate as wood. Most often, the wood stringers or steps will be damaged by termites or wood rot before the metal brackets are a safety issue.
Lag screws are often used to attach metal stair brackets to stringers. If the treads are made from 2x materials, these lag screws usually measure an inch and a quarter. Lag screws will not pass through the wood step for a 2×12 or 2×14 stair tread. A screw of the size of a 2-inch will easily pass through an inch and half of a stair tread. This information is useful if you are building a staircase. For more info, check out perforatedsheetsmetal.com.
Metal stair connectors may have four holes for the lag screws on one side, while others have three holes on the other. It all depends on the thickness and use of the staircase. A stronger connector is required for public stairways.
You must have seen many metal brackets for stair treads in my years of building them. Some brackets were custom-made for specific stair tread applications by builders, while others were made from Simpson products that are easier to find by contractors and homebuilders.
Metal stair parts can pose a safety risk because the lag screws can become loose over time. Metal brackets can cause warping and stair steps that split at the location of the lag screws are the most serious problems. When you build or remodel stairs, remember the safety codes.
Stairways are high-traffic areas that should be maintained frequently. Public stairways that are frequented should be maintained regularly. To prevent injuries, anyone who uses the stairs should inform the building owner.
