How To Build Stair Stringers For A Deck

Okay, so picture this: me, a saw, and a pile of lumber that looked suspiciously like it was mocking my lack of deck-building prowess. I'd confidently told my wife, "Don't worry, I got this! Stair stringers? Psh, easy peasy!" Three hours later, covered in sawdust and nursing a minor existential crisis, I realized I might have underestimated the situation. Turns out, there's a bit more to it than just slapping some wood together. That's why I'm writing this – so you don't end up looking like me, covered in wood chips and self-doubt.

Building stair stringers for a deck might seem intimidating at first, but trust me, with a little know-how and some careful planning, you can absolutely nail it. We're talking about creating the angled supports that give your stairs their shape and strength. Think of them as the backbone of your staircase – crucial for a safe and sturdy deck access.

What You'll Need (aka Gather Your Weapons!)

First things first, let's gather our supplies. You'll need:

• Lumber: Pressure-treated lumber is a must! Remember, these are going outside, battling the elements. 2x12s are usually the go-to choice.
• Circular Saw: A good circular saw is your best friend here. Make sure the blade is sharp! (Dull blades are a safety hazard and a pain.)
• Speed Square: This little tool is a lifesaver for marking accurate angles.
• Pencil: For marking your cuts, duh.
• Tape Measure: Precision is key! Measure twice, cut once (seriously, listen to this advice!).
• Safety Glasses: Protect those peepers! Sawdust is not your friend.
• Hearing Protection: Your ears will thank you.
• Construction Adhesive: Optional, but it adds extra strength where the treads meet the stringer.

Okay, got your gear? Good. Let's move on.

Calculating Rise and Run (The Math-y Part... Sorry!)

This is where things get a little mathematical, but don't panic! We need to figure out the rise (vertical height) and run (horizontal depth) of each step. This is crucial for comfortable and safe stairs.

Total Rise: Measure the total vertical distance from the deck surface to the ground. This is your total rise.

Number of Steps: Divide the total rise by a number between 6 and 8 inches. This will give you the approximate number of steps you'll need. Round to the nearest whole number. (These numbers come from building codes, check them out!)

Individual Rise: Divide the total rise by the number of steps. This is the rise of each individual step. Ideally, this should be between 6 and 8 inches. Consistency is important here! Uneven steps are a tripping hazard.

Run: The run of each step is typically between 10 and 12 inches. Choose a comfortable run that works with your space. 11" inches is common.

Once you have these numbers, double-check them! Seriously, a small mistake here can lead to a big headache later.

Marking and Cutting (The Fun Part!)

Now for the actual building! Using your speed square and pencil, mark the rise and run on your 2x12 lumber. Your speed square will act as a guide to create perfectly square corners. There are many ways to do this, YouTube is your friend!

Here's a pro tip: Use the first stringer as a template for the others. This will ensure that all your stringers are identical. Place your first stringer on top of the remaining lumber and trace the outline. This will save you a ton of time and frustration.

Cut along the marked lines with your circular saw. Be careful to stay on the line! A wobbly cut can weaken the stringer. Consider using a jig saw to finish up the inner corners to get a cleaner look.

Important Note: The bottom step will need to be shortened by the thickness of the tread board to keep the measurements correct. Also, many people will use a concrete block under the stairs, make sure to adjust the length of the last step by the height of the block!

Installing the Stringers (Almost There!)

Now that you have your stringers cut, it's time to install them. Attach the stringers to the deck frame using appropriate fasteners. Make sure they are securely attached! Remember, these stringers are supporting the entire staircase, so don't skimp on the hardware.

Spacers or additional lumber can be added to keep the stringers evenly spaced apart. Once this has been completed, add the treads and risers!

And there you have it! You've successfully built stair stringers for your deck. Now you can relax and enjoy your newly accessible outdoor space. And hey, if I can do it, so can you!

Happy building!