stratford1 wrote:

I'm building a set of stairs on my deck and CANNOT seem to find a
straight answer on this. I'm using closed outside stringers spaced 36"
and will use metal tread brackets to attach two 2x6 treads for each
stair. Some info I've found says I DO need a third stringer in the
middle for support...others have suggested I DO NOT need a third
stringer as long as my span isnt longer than 36". Any suggestions on
this? Will my 2x6s hold up ok or should I do the third stringer
regardless to make my stairs stronger?

If you were using 2x12 Douglas fir or yellow pine for treads I might
say OK---

But using 2x6's, likely 'white wood' from the borg, you're nuts if you
don't protect yourself from a personal injury or a lawsuit by adding a
stringer.

Jim