Which aluminum stair stringer should I buy for a wide deck staircase that needs more than two supports?

Building a wide set of deck stairs that needs more than two supports? You’re in the right place. This isn’t just about picking the prettiest stair stringer off the shelf—it’s about doing it right for Prairie winters, big family barbecues, and not-so-little dogs who love zoomies up and down those steps. At The Ultimate Deck Shop, we’ve helped more homeowners than you can shake a framing square at (and yes, we carry those too). Let’s untangle what actually matters for wide exterior deck stairs in Saskatchewan—and how to make sure your Saturday doesn’t end with a wobbly stair and a bruised ego.

What Type of Aluminum Stair Stringer Do Wide Deck Stairs Need?

If your staircase is wide enough to look like the entryway to a prairie palace—or just wide enough for a couple kids and the neighbour’s dog to race up side-by-side—then you absolutely cannot get away with a basic two-stringer setup. The right answer for most wide outdoor stairs is a modular aluminum stair stringer system that allows you to space multiple stringers evenly, join them together using connector kits, and stay well within code (and common sense) for strength and safety.

Here’s what makes a big difference for wide stairs:

• Modular design for adding a centre or extra supports—never just two at the edges
• Clear, published spacing guidance so you don’t have to rely on guesswork
• Matching connector kits so you can safely build long or sectional stairs
• Weather-resistant hardware for outdoor durability (freeze-thaw is real, folks)

In short: For wide stairs, don’t buy a one-piece-only setup. Go modular, check the specs, and plan for at least one support every 36 inches across the width, or more if your treads or code require it.

Aluminum Stair Stringer Systems That Play Nice With Wide Stairs

We carry a range of aluminum stair components designed for real Canadian conditions—including snow, wild Prairie winds, and those days when you wonder why you ever put the deck on the north side of the house. Our picks for wide stairs are the ones that let you add supports, join stringers, and adjust layout as needed. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Pylex Aluminum Stair Stringer—A lightweight, modular system made for adding extra supports. Easy install, rust-resistant, and compatible with steel, composite, or wood treads. It’s basically the Swiss Army Knife of aluminum stringers for deck stairs that span more than the typical doorway.
• Regal QuickStep Stair Stringer Connector Kit—If you want to join two Regal QuickStep stringers into a longer, stronger span (think second-storey deck or grand entry), the connector kit is your friend. The Regal system is made for Prairie freeze-thaw, and the modular approach lets you lay out wide or long stairs without awkward DIY gymnastics.

Check out their full product specs on our website if you want to go deep on the numbers and technical bits. Or just stop by our Regina or Saskatoon stores—yes, we’ll even have a tape measure handy.

When Do You Actually Need More Than Two Stair Supports?

Many folks think, “Hey, it’s just more step space—two stringers and off we go, right?” Well, not quite. Here’s when you’ll need more than two supports on a wide deck staircase:

• Stairs wider than 48 inches: Manufacturer specs and Canadian building code usually require centre (or even more) stringers for every extra 36 inches of width.
• Stairs with heavy-duty, thick treads: Even at 42–48 inches wide, beefier treads or composite boards may sag if you leave the middle unsupported.
• Deck-to-ground height over 7–8 risers (long runs): You may need to add a landing or connect two stringer runs, not just stretch one run further.

Your stair’s load, span, and tread material all play a role. Big families, heavy winter boots, ice build-up—these aren’t just code issues, they’re “don’t-break-your-neck” issues (especially when carrying a tray of burgers or a case of drinks up from the yard).

How to Choose (and Space) Aluminum Stringers for Wide Deck Stairs

1. Measure Your Stair Opening and Total Rise

Whip out the tape and note the finished width between any posts or framing, plus the total rise from deck to the ground. Don’t “guesstimate”—nobody wants a stair that ends six inches short of the patio.

2. Count Risers and Plan Treads

How many treads do you need for a safe, code-compliant rise? Adding a centre (or more) stringers? Every tread should rest on every stringer. No exceptions. Measure once, then double-check before you click “Buy.”

3. Review the Manufacturer’s Spacing Guidance

For example, Pylex and Regal both support additional stringers and connector kits, with a max spacing of 36 inches between supports. Putting your supports wider than that? That’s how you get the "bouncy castle" effect (ask us how we know—well, actually, please don’t make us relive it).

4. Pick Matching Treads and Hardware

Aluminum stringers are designed to work with all sorts of treads—wood, composite, even glass for those who really want to impress the neighbours. Just confirm that your fasteners and brackets are outdoor rated for the Prairie climate. Snow and salt wait for no one!

5. Anchor to Code, Not Just on Hope

Every stringer—whether at the edge, centre, or spliced in using a connector kit—must rest on a solid footing. Outdoor stairs in Saskatchewan should be anchored to frost-rated bases or footings. Skip that, and your staircase may do its own version of river dancing after spring thaw. Not ideal.

Definition: Aluminum Stair Stringer (Deck Edition)

An aluminum stair stringer is a pre-manufactured, load-bearing component used to support stair treads between a raised deck and ground level. Modular systems allow for extra stringers to be added for wide or deep stairs, and can be paired with intermediate footings, connector kits, or landings. The major perk? They won’t twist, rot, or split like wood when Prairie freeze-thaw hits.

When Should You Consider Intermediate Landings or Posts?

Super long stairs—think walkout basement deck, or flights with 12+ treads—are best split into two sections with a landing in between. Not only does this reduce bounce, it also means fewer wobbles when you’re hauling up groceries (or the dog is beating you to the top again). Need more on this topic? Check our in-depth internal blog on deck post spacing for stairs, corners, and long runs.

Aluminum vs Wood for Wide Deck Staircases (Real Prairie Talk)

• Aluminum stringers: Pre-cut, won’t warp in the snow, won’t need staining or painting, and generally play nice with composite, wood, or metal treads. Winner for low-maintenance and precise install.
• Wood stringers: Cheaper upfront but trickier to cut right. They need yearly maintenance in Saskatchewan, and—let’s be honest—if you’re not careful, they can rot or split after a few hard winters. Great if you love a bit of extra sawdust in your life.

If your stairs are wide and exposed, most people find aluminum worth every penny over time. You can find more details (and honest comparison) in our other article: Which stringer for a clean, strong deck stair?

Best Practices for Installing Wide Aluminum Deck Stairs

• Bring every stair stringer down to a secure, frost-rated footing (concrete or screw piles)
• Space your stringers according to the tread rating (36 inches max for most systems, less is safer if in doubt)
• Level and square every stringer before installing treads
• Use corrosion-resistant hardware and match to your board type
• Follow every manufacturer spec—those numbers are written because someone tried going rogue before you (and paid for it)
• On wide or long outdoor stairs, anchor your handrail system to the stringer, not just the treads

Common Mistakes That Trip People Up

• Ordering a two-stringer kit for a 60+ inch wide opening (spoiler: centre treads will sag)
• Guessing at support spacing (“It looks good on paper!” is famous last words)
• Mixing treads and rails not designed for your stringer
• Skipping proper footings—don’t trust gravity and last winter’s compaction alone!

Step-by-Step: Planning and Ordering a Wide Stair Stringer System

1. Measure your opening: Deck edge to edge, and check for any posts or features that affect spacing.
2. Count expected foot traffic: If this is a main deck entry or a party zone, beef it up!
3. Choose your tread material: Composite? Wood? Glass if you’re fancy? (Don’t judge, we’ve seen it all!)
4. Decide on finish: Matching or contrasting railing, powder-coated or natural finish on aluminum?
5. Calculate number of stringers: Remember—one every 36 inches for 2x lumber or composite, possibly more for extra-wide treads or very heavy use.
6. Add connector kits or landings if your span is extra long (especially 12+ steps from tall decks).
7. Bring your plan into our store (or upload to tuds.ca)—we’ll check your measurements and help with hardware, delivery, and the oh-so-important “did I forget anything?” step.

FAQs on Aluminum Stringers for Wide Deck Stairs

See, Touch, and Talk Shop in Regina or Saskatoon

Not sure? Totally normal. Deck stairs are not something you want to build twice (unless you are oddly fond of carrying treads up and down them on weekends). Both our Regina and Saskatoon yards have full-size stair displays, sample boards, and live support from people who truly want your project to go smoothly. We don’t upsell—we just check your math and help you avoid classic Saskatchewan DIY mistakes.

If you like the DIY route but want a pro’s backup, or want us to handle the quote, takeoff, and even delivery—ask about our different build support tiers. We have assisted DIY options, managed installs, and all the nerdy tools you could need for a straight, safe, beautiful result.

Ready to Build? Here’s What To Do Next

• Double measure that stair width and total rise—then check it again (your future self will thank you)
• Sketch out where you need footings, landings, and extra supports
• Visit us at Regina (141 4th Ave E) or Saskatoon (320 68th St E), or check tuds.ca to book a free quote or shop stringers online
• Ask to see our stair-planning tools, cutting templates, or a side-by-side if you can’t decide between composite and wood treads

Whatever you pick, the goal is simple: build it strong, safe, and right the first time—so your wide deck stairs make you proud every single season, not just until the next freeze-thaw cycle.

For more deck wisdom, see our guides on stronger stair stringers, beam sizing mistakes, and deck post spacing for stairs.

Remember—at The Ultimate Deck Shop, we’re always happy to help you build a staircase as good as your deck. Pop by the yard or give us a ring. We’ll keep the coffee brewing, and the advice real.