Everything You Need To Know About Pre-Cut Stair Stringer Measurements

[@soundmapper]

I'm replacing some poorly built existing steps. I picked up precut stringers because I will be leveling the dirt, and pouring a small pad just large enough to provide a foot for the stair base. I will be setting pavers as the landing, and wanted to get the paver, concrete edge, and riser edge as close together as possible.

[@jarrodsp71]

Thanks. First time building stairs from deck to patio. Tried 5 step premade, then exchanged for 6 step premade. Neither worked. Wish I would have seen this sooner. Going to return the premade 6 step and make my own.

[@georgeklimes7604]

Question. In your visuals, when you show the top of the riser matching exactly with the height of the landing, isn't there an issue? When you attach the tread to the top of the stringer, won't you then be higher by an inch and a 1/2 than the flooring you will next step onto?

[@stairbuilding]

Yes, if you don't use the same thickness on both treads and flooring, then you will need to make adjustments to the stringer placement by lowering or raising it.

[@Forests444]

@@stairbuilding There should be a 1 1/2" displacement from the top of the landing with no step on yet. Always have the stringer showing lower if steps are not in place yet. 🤠

[@roccoconte2960]

I always use 2x12s for stringers and not over 16 inches on center apart.

[@gavindaly5731]

LVL's work great too . They're nice and straight and they don't split along grain or have big knots .

[@roccoconte2960]

@@gavindaly5731 True framing lumber tends to crack , lvls are very heavy.

[@sutty4592]

Can you cut, pre-cut stringers e.g. buy a 6 step stringer, and cut into 3 sections of 2 steps, if so, what is then the best way to attach them to a floating deck, with simpson strong tie brackets, or, nail directly through the ledger board?

[@stairbuilding]

Yes, that should work and go to our website, and in the stair section you will find other helpful videos for building stairs and decks.

[@mikeschmidt3143]

On your riser illustration you kept them equal height . If you do not subtract the step thickness from the bottom riser that step will not be equal to the rest . Correct me if I am wrong

[@stairbuilding]

Yes, the lower step needs to be adjusted for tread thickness. Most pre cut stringers will need to be modified.

[@Forests444]

Simply measure 1 5/8" below the surface and that will give you the correct measurements. Followed by attaching steps.

[@Johnc812]

I know someone kinda asked this already. Can i cut a precut 14 step stringer to fit 12 steps?

[@stairbuilding]

I would think so.

[@jasonplatt5836]

Very helpful. Thanks!

[@stairbuilding]

Glad it was helpful!

[@billyelliot78]

if you've built over 1000 stairs and never used a 2x10, how do you know that 2x10s will not work or will not be sturdy enough for the long haul?

[@stairbuilding]

Good point. I based my assumption off of minimum engineered lumber requirements for stairs I've built and even though 2x10 might work, I don't feel comfortable suggesting it's use.

[@jorgevazquez462]

Where I can buy your books?

[@stairbuilding]

www.homebuildingandrepairs.com/books/index.html

[@aldetitman97]

It's always a thumb up from lol

[@stairbuilding]

That's what I want to hear and thanks for supporting our channel.

[@aldetitman97]

@@stairbuilding thanks to you guys for sharing very informative videos keep up the good work 😊😊😊

[@JonathanGrandt]

Yeah they will most likely not work. I have to cut my own. Yay.

[@stairbuilding]

You can do it!

[@burts6896]

“Step by step” instructions. Pun intended? 😅 A joke for you: what you call a set of stringers that are perfect copies of each other? Dead-stringers!

[@sureshparekh6847]

too many restriction, too many building codes.... Understood, if you doing major modification in the house and it is jeopardize the building integrity, then absolutely follow building code, but for less than 5 ft outside deck stair, if 1/2 inch +/-, do not make much difference.

[@stairbuilding]

It could make a difference if someone falls or gets injured.

[@burts6896]

Laws and regulations can be frustrating at times. (There may be even times where a person has put the thought in and can prove the engineering is sufficient or even better but somehow doesn’t play well with regulations!) / But on the whole, laws and regulations are the price we pay to counterbalance a common human tendency to take shortcuts and maximize profit over safety. / I’m not saying that all laws and regulations really make sense; but if we go down the slippery slope of deciding which ones we want to follow, that also has a tendency for many of us to (1) often be unsafe; (2) to not get involved in changing the regulations that don’t make sense. / So if they bother you, please voice your opinions to the relevant authorities. If enough people do it, changes can happen.