How to Make Stringers for Stairs on Decks
The stringers create the base of the stairs by providing the framework for stair treads. Stringers support the weight of anyone who walks on the stairs, so the stringers need to be sturdy to prevent collapse. The stair stringers also establish the rise and run of the stairs, which affects how steep and deep the staircase is. Local building codes dictate acceptable rise and run measurements for the deck stairs, so you need this information before you are able to make the stringers. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Contact the local building department to get the specifications for deck stairs in your area. Use this information to determine the appropriate rise and run of the stairs.
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Measure the total rise for the staircase by placing a board on the deck top and allowing it to stick out past the edge. Measure from the bottom of the board to the ground.
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Divide the total measurement of the rise by the rise you want to use, which is typically 7 inches, according to Popular Mechanics. Round the number to get the number of stairs you need. For example, if the total rise is 64 inches with each stair rise of 7 inches, the total is 9.14, which would round down to nine steps. Divide the total by the number of stairs, in this case 64 divided by nine for 7.11 inches as the actual rise of each step.
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Decide on the depth of each tread, which typically is a minimum of 10 inches. You want roughly a 40-degree slope on the stairs. Hold a board up to the top of the deck at about 40 degrees to determine where it hits as an estimation of how far out your stairs should extend. Hold another board straight down from the edge of the deck. Measure from that point to the place where the landing should be. Divide this by the number of steps to get the depth of each step.
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Draw out the notches for each step using a framing square on a 2-inch-by-12-inch board. Mark the triangular cutout so the rise and run matches your calculations for the specific number of steps on which you decided.
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Take 3/4 inch off the rise of the top step and 1 1/2 inches off of the bottom step to account for treads, the landing and deck board thickness at these points. Cut the top and bottom edges so the stringer is flat against the ground and the deck frame while keeping the stairs level.
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Hold the marked board up to the deck to ensure the cuts you made allow the stringer to lie correctly. The bottom should lie flat against the ground, and the top edge should rest squarely against the deck frame. Adjust these cuts as necessary to make the stringer work.
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Cut out each notch on the stringer using a handsaw to get accurate cuts. Use the completed stringer as a template for the rest of the stringers for the stairs.
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