Cut Stair Stringers

It is important to know how to create the stairs backbone if you decide to build your own stairs for your house or deck. Stair stringers are the support structures for stairs. This article will tell you how to cut stair stringers.

Steps

1. Measure twice for your total rise and run and your individual rise and run. Ensure your math and calculations are correct.
   • Your total rise is the vertical height from one story to the next. Your individual rise is the vertical height of each step.
   • Your total run is the horizontal distance between one story and the next. The individual run is the horizontal distance of each step.
2. Place a framing square near the end of a 2 x 12 (38 x 286 mm) board. The board should be at least 12 inches (30.48cm) longer than the planned stairs.
3. Use the rise and run figures marked on the outside scales of the square that matches your measurements. These figures should touch the upper edge of your board.
   • The short end of the square (tongue) should be on the rise measurement. The long end of the square (body) should be on the run measurement.
4. Mark the outline of the square's outer edges. Move the square down to extend the run line to the lower board edge.
5. Make another mark to the right of the run line that is parallel and equal to the thickness of the thread. This marks the stringer bottom.
6. Slide the framing square along the board to the right so your scale run figure touches the end of your first marked run line.
   • Line up the scale's rise figure at the top edge. Mark the new outline and repeat until you have marked 1 extra pair of runs and rises.
7. Cut notches into the stringer with a circular saw. Do not cut beyond the cut lines, because this can weaken your structure. Finish your cuts with a hand saw.
8. Trim an amount equal to the thread thickness from the bottom of your stringer. Use this one as a stringer template for all of your other stringers so they match exactly.

Video

Template:Video:Cut Stair Stringers

Warnings

• Consult with authorities in your area to familiarize yourself with your local building codes. Comply with local inspections and rules in your area.
• Wear gloves and eye protection while operating saws.

Things You'll Need

• Gloves and eye protection
• 2x12 (38 x 286 mm) board
• Framing square
• Pencil
• Circular saw
• Hand saw

Sources and Citations

• "Home Repair and Improvement: Adding On." Time-Life Books (1992). Alexandra, Virginia.
• http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to-plans/woodworking/4224738
• http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/power_tools/saw_circ.html

See also

• Buff Floors
• Install Baseboards
• Prepare a Subfloor for Hardwood
• Measure for Stairs
• Protect Laminate Flooring
• Lay Laminate Flooring
• Install Linoleum Flooring
• Sand Hardwood Floors
• Install Floor Tile
• Clean Linoleum Floors

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What links here

• Build Deck Stairs
• Carpet Stairs