How to Install Stair Stringers

Stringers installed for a staircase are attached to the flooring or deck with nails or bolts. You'll need the proper measurements from the floor or deck to determine the stringers' length. Once you have cut the stringers to the proper length, they can be installed using a variety of methods. Install stair stringers by first making sure you are using the proper tools.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Nail gun
• Power drill
• Socket wrench
• Angle bracket

Instructions

Securing with Nails

1. Mark the location of the stringers where they will need to attach to the side of the floor or deck with a pencil. The stringers should be set at least 36 inches apart.

2. Place one of the stringers on the mark you made on the side of the floor or deck.

3. Secure the stringer with nails with a nail gun by placing nails on the backside of the floor or deck and into the end of the stringer.

4. Repeat this process for the second and third stringer, if necessary.

Securing with Lag Bolts

1. Mark the location of the stringers where they will need to attach to the side of the floor or deck with a pencil. The stringers should be set at least 36 inches apart.

2. Place one of the stringers on the mark you made on the side of the floor or deck.

3. Drill into the backside of the floor or deck and into the end of the stringer.

4. Place a lag bolt into the hole and tighten it with a socket wrench.

5. Repeat this process for each additional stringer that needs to be attached.

Securing with an Angle Bracket

1. Mark the location of the stringers where they will need to attach to the side of the floor or deck with a pencil. The stringers should be set at least 36 inches apart.

2. Place an angle bracket on the side of the floor or decking and mark the location of the bolt holes with a pencil.

3. Drill a hole for the lag bolts using a power drill.

4. Secure the angle bracket to the stringer using a nail gun or a hammer and nails.

5. Place the stringer on the side of the floor or deck so the angle bracket is over the lag bolt holes. Insert the lag bolts into the holes and secure them with a socket wrench or a power drill.

Tips & Warnings

• Refer to the building codes in your area for the proper method to attach the stringers for use in your house or for your deck.

• Stringers that have not been measured properly will not fit correctly when you try to install them.

References

• Installing Deck Stairs
• How to Build a Porch Stairway