Stair Layout and Framing: Master the Art of Stair Construction

Question 1

What is the primary function of a nosing on a stair tread?

Accepted Answer

Provide support for the foot and prevent tripping

Answer

Enhance aesthetic appeal and reduce noise

Answer

Connect the tread to the stringer and provide stability

Answer

Slope the tread to improve drainage and safety

Question 2

When framing stair stringers, which aspect is crucial to ensure a structurally sound staircase?

Accepted Answer

Vertical alignment of the stringer

Answer

Nosing alignment with the riser

Answer

Parallelism between the riser and tread

Answer

Level positioning of the tread

Question 3

Which action violates safety protocols when working with stairs during the layout and framing process?

Accepted Answer

Working while intoxicated

Answer

Using a ladder or scaffolding for elevated work

Answer

Ensuring sufficient lighting in the work area

Answer

Wearing appropriate safety gear like a hard hat and safety glasses

Question 4

For residential stairs, what is the ideal angle of inclination to ensure both comfort and safety?

Accepted Answer

30-35 degrees

Answer

25-30 degrees

Answer

35-40 degrees

Answer

40-45 degrees

Question 5

Which tool is specifically designed to accurately measure and transfer the rise and run of a stair?

Accepted Answer

Carpenter's square

Answer

Tape measure

Answer

String line

Answer

Level

Question 6

Which factor primarily determines the number of treads required in a stair?

Accepted Answer

Rise of the stair

Answer

Height of the floor

Answer

Width of the stair

Answer

Type of wood used

Question 7

What is the term that refers to the vertical space between adjacent stair treads?

Accepted Answer

Riser

Answer

Tread

Answer

Stringer

Answer

Nose

Question 8

Building codes regulate stair pitches primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Prioritize the safety and functionality of stairs

Answer

Enhance the overall strength of stairs

Answer

Ensure the durability of stairs over time

Answer

Improve the aesthetic appeal of stairs

Question 9

When designing a straight-run stair for a heavily-used public area, which layout provides the best structural support for the treads?

Accepted Answer

Double-stringer layout with treads resting on both sides

Answer

Single-stringer layout with treads hanging from one side

Answer

Zigzag layout with treads resting on alternating sides

Answer

Spiral layout with treads resting on a central pole

Question 10

Which material is commonly used for stair stringers in high-traffic areas because it is strong and durable?

Accepted Answer

Oak

Answer

Pine

Answer

Plywood

Answer

MDF

Question 11

In a stair assembly, what is the primary function of a stringer?

Accepted Answer

To provide support for the treads and risers

Answer

To determine the slope and elevation of the stairs

Answer

To enhance the aesthetic appeal of the stairs

Answer

To connect the stairs to the floor

Question 12

Which formula is used to calculate the tread run for a stair with given run and rise dimensions?

Accepted Answer

Tread run = Run / Rise

Answer

Tread run = Rise / Run

Answer

Tread run = (Run + Rise) / 2

Answer

Tread run = (Run - Rise) / 2

Question 13

What is the primary purpose of a nosing on a stair tread?

Accepted Answer

To protect the edge of the tread from damage

Answer

To provide additional support to the tread

Answer

To prevent the tread from becoming slippery

Answer

To enhance the aesthetic appeal of the stairs

Question 14

What is the functional purpose of a stair riser?

Accepted Answer

To provide support for the tread situated above it.

Answer

To offer a grip for climbing the stairs.

Answer

To allow access for plumbing purposes.

Answer

To minimize tripping hazards.

Question 15

What is the primary function of a stair tread?

Accepted Answer

To provide a surface for walking.

Answer

To create visual contrast.

Answer

To provide support for the riser below it.

Answer

To prevent slipping.

Question 16

Which tool is specifically designed for cutting stringers?

Accepted Answer

Stair saw

Answer

Table saw

Answer

Circular saw

Question 17

What is the most commonly used material for framing stairs?

Accepted Answer

Douglas fir

Answer

Cedar

Answer

Pine

Answer

Redwood

Question 18

What is the purpose of a stair riser line?

Accepted Answer

To establish the vertical height of the steps

Answer

To mark the location of the nosing

Answer

To determine the angle of the stairs

Answer

To calculate the width of the treads

Question 19

Which component of a stair connects the tread to the stringer and supports the tread?

Accepted Answer

Riser

Answer

Newel post

Answer

Tread

Answer

Baluster

Question 20

What is the term for the horizontal distance between the start and end of a stair?

Accepted Answer

Run

Answer

Rise

Answer

Pitch

Answer

Angle

Question 21

Which type of stair consists of a straight flight of steps with no turns?

Accepted Answer

Straight stair

Answer

Dogleg stair

Answer

Curved stair

Answer

Winder stair

Question 22

What is the primary purpose of blocking in a stairwell?

Accepted Answer

To provide support for the treads and stringers

Answer

To enhance fire safety

Answer

To improve aesthetics

Answer

To reduce noise transmission

Question 23

What is the main function of a fascia board in stair framing?

Accepted Answer

To cover the ends of the treads and stringers, providing a finished look.

Answer

To provide a nailing surface for the treads

Answer

To support the treads

Answer

To create a decorative edge

Question 24

What is the primary purpose of a stair carriage?

Accepted Answer

To support the treads and risers, ensuring their stability.

Answer

To prevent the stairs from twisting

Answer

To provide a nailing surface for the stringers

Question 25

What is the optimal spacing between stair risers to ensure comfortable walking?

Accepted Answer

7 inches

Answer

6 inches

Answer

9 inches

Answer

8 inches

Question 26

What is the primary purpose of a nosing on a stair tread?

Accepted Answer

To provide a safe, non-slip edge for stepping

Answer

To conceal the ends of the tread

Answer

To enhance the aesthetic appeal of the tread

Answer

To reduce wear and tear on the tread surface

Question 27

When laying out a stair stringer, what is the first step?

Accepted Answer

Determining the total floor-to-floor height

Answer

Attaching the stringer to the floor

Answer

Cutting the tread material

Answer

Measuring and marking the tread locations

Question 28

To calculate the number of risers in a stair, which formula should be used?

Accepted Answer

Floor-to-floor height divided by riser height

Answer

Riser height divided by floor-to-floor height

Answer

Tread width divided by riser height

Answer

Floor-to-floor height multiplied by riser height

Question 29

What is the primary function of a stair landing?

Accepted Answer

To provide a resting platform and change direction

Answer

To support the weight of the stairs

Answer

To enhance the aesthetics of the staircase

Question 30

Which type of joint is typically used to connect stair treads to stringers?

Accepted Answer

Butt joint reinforced with adhesive and nails

Answer

Tongue-and-groove joint

Answer

Lap joint

Answer

Miter joint

Question 31

What is the primary purpose of a stair nosing?

Accepted Answer

To provide both a non-slip surface and protect the edge of the tread from wear and damage.

Answer

To support the weight of the stairs

Answer

To create a decorative element

Question 32

Which type of wood is most commonly used for stair treads due to its durability and resistance to wear?

Accepted Answer

Oak

Answer

Pine

Answer

Cedar

Answer

Maple

Question 33

Which tool is used to accurately measure and transfer the angle of a cut on a stair stringer?

Accepted Answer

Protractor

Answer

Compass

Answer

Ruler

Answer

Level

Question 34

What is the primary purpose of a landing in a stair system?

Accepted Answer

To provide a platform for resting, changing direction, or accessing other levels of the building.

Answer

To reduce the overall slope of the stairs

Answer

To strengthen the structural integrity of the stair

Question 35

Which type of stair stringer requires a compound angle cut due to its non-parallel relationship with the treads and risers?

Accepted Answer

Skew stringer

Answer

Straight stringer

Answer

Housed stringer

Answer

Curved stringer

Question 36

As per safety regulations, what is the minimum required headroom clearance above stairs?

Accepted Answer

6 feet 8 inches (6'8")

Answer

8 feet 2 inches (8'2")

Answer

5 feet 10 inches (5'10")

Answer

7 feet 6 inches (7'6")

Question 37

What is the main purpose of a nosing on a stair tread?

Accepted Answer

To provide a rounded edge that enhances safety by reducing the risk of tripping and falling.

Answer

To strengthen the tread and prevent wear

Answer

To improve the aesthetic appeal of the stairs

Answer

To provide traction and prevent slipping

Question 38

Which of the following is a common type of stair layout that consists of a series of treads and risers in a straight line?

Accepted Answer

Straight run

Answer

Dado joint

Answer

Lap joint

Answer

Mitered joint

Question 39

What is the primary function of a stair stringer in a staircase?

Accepted Answer

Supporting the treads and risers

Answer

Connecting the stairs to the landing

Answer

Providing a handhold for safety

Answer

Creating the visual appeal of the staircase

Question 40

What is the specific purpose of a 'plumb cut' made on a stair stringer?

Accepted Answer

Creating a vertical surface for the riser to rest against

Answer

Ensuring the stringer is level

Answer

Providing support for the handrail

Question 41

According to recommended standards, what is the ideal slope range for a residential staircase?

Accepted Answer

30-36 degrees

Answer

60-70 degrees

Answer

15-20 degrees

Answer

45-50 degrees

Question 42

What is the purpose of using the 'toe-nail' technique when securing treads to a stringer?

Accepted Answer

Preventing the tread from lifting or shifting

Answer

Providing a decorative finish

Answer

Increasing the load-bearing capacity

Answer

Simplifying the construction process

Question 43

In stair construction, what is the primary purpose of a 'carriage'?

Accepted Answer

Providing support to the stair stringers

Answer

Providing an attachment point for the railing

Answer

Connecting the stairs to the landing

Answer

Adding a visual element to the staircase

Question 44

When laying out stair stringers, what factor is of utmost importance for ensuring safety and comfort?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining consistent rise and run

Answer

The length of the treads

Answer

The overall width of the staircase

Answer

The type of wood used for the stringers

Question 45

What is the purpose of a stair stringer in a staircase?

Accepted Answer

Supporting the treads and risers

Answer

Providing a handhold

Answer

Preventing the stairs from collapsing

Answer

Connecting the stairs to the landing

Question 46

What is the primary tool used for cutting stair stringers to the required angle?

Accepted Answer

Mitre saw

Answer

Circular saw

Answer

Jigsaw

Answer

Hand saw

Question 47

Which of the following is a safety hazard associated with stairs?

Accepted Answer

Insufficient headroom

Answer

Slip-resistant surfaces

Answer

Proper lighting

Question 48

Which of the following tools is used to mark the layout of stairs on a building site?

Accepted Answer

Chalk line

Answer

Level

Answer

Stud finder

Answer

Tape measure