How to Attach Stair Stringers to a Deck

Attaching steps to your deck isn't hard. Just remember the old rule: Measure twice, cut once.

Things You'll Need

• Screwgun with phillips bit
• Joist hangers
• Stringers
• 2" to 3" deck screws or frame hammer and 8-penny galvanized nails
• Safety glasses
• Tape Measure
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Measure the distance between your two stringers, depending on how wide you want your steps to be. Remember that the steps hang over the edge of the stringers about 2" on each side. Also measure the distance from the top of your deck past the bottom of the bandboard, measuring 12". Place the top of the joist hanger on your bandboard so the bottom of the hanger is at the 12" mark. The bottom of the hanger may hang a bit below the bandboard.

2. 

   Place your joist hanger at the bottom of the bandboard on your deck (the bandboard is the board that runs around the outer surface of the deck). Using your pencil, mark around the joist hanger in case it moves while you are attaching it.

3. Screw or nail the hanger into place. Set your stringers down into the joist hangers. Screw or nail into the top of your stringers at a 45 degree angle, going into your bandboard. Screw or nail through the sides of the hanger into your stringer. You are now ready to cut and place your steps.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use caution when using power tools

• Always wear safety glasses

Resources

• Home Depot
• Lowe's
• 84 Lumber