How to Build Stair Stringers - Making My Deck Stairs

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Check out the entire deck build time-lapse here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZbLgZygmtF2ask Thanks for watching! and don't forget to Subscribe to my channel! bit.ly/SubscribeToTheFixer

[@95georgiev]

Designwise, do you think it would be good idea to make one more step, but with a wider run? Not sure how much space you have tho

[@d-anger-noodle]

I really like how you finished off the ends of the stairs with the triangle piece to give them a framed look ♥️

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks! I am happy with the way it came out! Thanks for watching!!

[@n.cboone7082]

Love how beautiful the ends are. So nice. Looks so much better than just 2 boards from end to end!

[@annwilliams9214]

You made this look so easy! Personally I prefer a shallow step for outdoors. Makes it much easier for older family and friends. Absolutely LOVE how you edged the sides of the steps. That mitered cut is a thing of beauty. Great job as always!

[@mackames5389]

I've watched a half dozen videos on this topic to learn what I needed to rebuild the two steps I needed from our deck to our mudroom. This sort of project is a huge undertaking for me due to a learning disability the inhibits my comprehension of multistep projects. Your visuals help SO much! This is definitely the best of all the videos that I watched, and your voice is calming, which also helps. Thank you!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

That is amazing to hear! Hope the project went well. Thanks for watching and for the comment!!

[@mackames5389]

@@TheFixerHomeRepair I got them fixed at last, thanks!

[@susanheston4483]

I never understood how that worked. Now I do, you explain things very well. Thanks. The steps look great with the triangles at the ends.

[@nancybaker1145]

Great explanation. Great project. Your son is very lucky to have a dad that is so patient and explains so well. Love all your projects.

[@coppertopjohnson9782]

The stairs were amazingly done. Perfect. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thank YOU for watching and for being such an awesome subbie!!

[@FunFamilyZone]

Watched so many videos on this and this is the best one I’ve come across.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Great to hear! Hope it helps!

[@T.E.P..]

Sooo many awesome projects on this house. And you show exactly how it goes. Time to buy you another house so you can make more vids. You do a superb job on all of these vids. Happy 2023 Labor day weekend. All the vids are great to rewatch.

[@whitewolf6730]

Thank you! I have never framed in a step before, you do a great good job of explanation. I just got to do a short one step off the deck is all I''m doing. But I get the idea!

[@mycats7321]

Thank you for this. I really like how you made the little cardboard templates to demonstrate. That is a clever idea. I like how you used the framing square. I would probably need the little brass nut thingies because I am uncoordinated & can't hold things still to save my life. LOL. I live in an area that gets hurricanes from time to time so I would probably use the metal brackets on the pad (also to keep the wood from directly touching concrete). But this was helpful!

[@mackames5389]

Yes, those cardboard cutouts were great!

[@kellyngrey4950]

Another great vid! Thanks as always for the info and entertainment. Cheers from Texas!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks, Kellyn!

[@michellefitch5942]

Great job! Clear explanation, loved the paper and calculator tutorial walkthrough!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Awesome to hear, Michelle! Thanks for letting me know!

[@chrisdavis1722]

Thanks for posting this; I appreciate you explaining how to get a custom stair especially if prefab is not going to work. Kudos also for mitering and finishing off the ends; again, the details make all the difference. Great job!

[@megdahlin1118]

I found you at the right time. Deck install next week out back and I have a front porch going in around late July and this helps tremendously. My challenge comes as my house sits on a hilly area in the front so there's going to be around 5 or 6 steps (low rise) from porch to landing pad (currently 3). I plan to pour the pad myself and need to just figure where to put it and of course need to level as it's on a hill. It will be better than what's there now (nothing!) I'm just up the road from you here in Maine so outside projects will be pretty much following you aside from particulars of the building codes here if anything is different.

[@curiosity2314]

Excellent, you made what looked like rocket science easy.

[@billharris5809]

I Love How You Show The Math Behind Your Work ‼️

[@george82463]

You are a terrific teacher!!

[@terryhanna777]

Great explanation! Very clear and easy to understand.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Awesome to hear! Thank you for letting me know!

[@jsaysyay]

i really enjoy these videos, considering as well that i found your channel because i was searching for vids on that october derecho last year to get some alternate perspectives, very calming tbh

[@imsomeone13]

Im not building anything, i just like watching these types of videos for some unknown reason

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Well I am very happy you like watching my videos. Thanks so much for that. And if you ever do need to build something, I hope my videos help you do just that!!

[@clinte7590]

Beautiful and clean job! Love all your vids. Cheers from California.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thank you! And thanks for watching!

[@willemshepherd2079]

Great project and details! - the stringers should ideally not have the gap of support on both the top and bottom - this means the full weight of the stringer is only supported by a small section of the stringer itself - leading to a potential for the stringers to split. Ideally the concrete pad would have been another 6" close to the deck to allow the stringer to fully sit on it. As well l - for small stairs like this it wouldn't be an issue - but for longer stairs the stringers should be attached with an Adjustable stair stringer connector. To increase the strength - you could either add blocking between the bottom of the stringers - giving them better lateral support - but as you said - there are so many stringers on this build!

[@surferdude-ll2qu]

It's been a while since I've done stares and it all just came back, you do quality work like you said this is how you like to do it.👍

[@robynw6307]

Explanation was clear and easy to follow. Great job.

[@nativepumpkinmum4032]

Thank you. This is awesome. Very helpful. Looking forward to seeing if my husband and I can do this for his office steps. And front of our house.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Hope it helps! Thanks for watching, Jannalee!

[@gregmize01]

Looks great Fixer!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks, Gregory!!

[@carlaazzouz449]

Looks wonderful! Good job! Need front walkway!

[@beeroman8501]

This made sense to me! I have a similar project next summer. Thank you!

[@biz6110]

Layer of tarpaper where stringers contact the concrete would keep the wood from soaking up the moisture from the concrete. I helped build a very sizable deck with instructions from a construction engineer onsite (Sweden), tarpaper was a must on "ground" contact between impregnated wood and stone/concrete in his book.

[@mick_0359]

Did a great job explaining it man..best thing to do is check local code than use the formula you use to work out the rise and how long the run should be...it’s quite simple...well done my friend..

[@plakette26]

Loved your explanation!!

[@blessingsoutlaw]

Definitely an art and a science!

[@melindamosbey8257]

You know how to do EVERYTHING! TY for sharing!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks for watching, Melinda! Hope the video was interesting to you!

[@vieuxsviewsphotography]

Love your content! I try to make sure I have a snack to eat while watching.

[@meinmaine9138]

Very well explained. Looks good!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

That is great to hear! Thanks, Liz!

[@cherylsims2053]

Beautiful work

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks, Cheryl!

[@guccivemba8367]

Beautiful. I learned a lot at this video 🙏🏿

[@michaelmorgan9289]

Good lesson. Thank you.

[@Rebeca-hb7ml]

You’re very talented 👏🏻

[@robertfong-mow7235]

The end part of video was most important to me. Why did you use nails and then lagbolts? What size lagbolts did you use?

[@robingillespie4467]

Ok my stairs will be next. Thanks, nice.

[@covertops967]

Stairs are my worst enemy. My brain just doesn't allow the formula to make sense. I avoided building stairs my entire life until recently and YOUR video helped make something click. I suppose if we shy away from adversities we'll never overcome them. Thank you for taking the time to make this video!!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

That is awesome to hear. I also struggled with them for a long time. That is part of the reason why I make these videos. Everyone thinks and learns in their own way and it is great to hear that I am able to help when it comes to absorbing information like this. Thanks for the comment and for checking out the video!!

[@Hectoriousz]

Looks amazing

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thank you!

[@vkenn60]

Your math examples were perfrct. The job looks great,, Thx

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Awesome to hear! Thanks, Vanessa!

[@Canadianbatgirl62]

Very well explained!👏👏😊

[@tommycho9068]

Great video. Thank you.

[@Dandoun6191]

Looking good 👍👍

[@jessecavada3015]

04:13 No need to guess the number of risers. Instead, divided the total rise by eight equals total steps. 80” divided by 8” = 10 steps.

[@IntegraDIY]

Nice steps, they turned out great, only thing I would’ve done different was make the concrete pad a couple inches above the dirt, to prevent it from getting dirty and covered in mud in harsh weather, but I’m sure that’ll throw off everything including the weight of the deck

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Yeah I hear ya. I just didn’t want a trip hazard. I think when I plant grass in the spring it will help with the dirt. I also may do a walkway in the future but that might take up too much of my lawn. We will see. Thanks for the feedback and for checking out the video!

[@chucktherepairguy1108]

Great video thanks

[@mikecooper7816]

Very interesting video 📹

[@johndemaio3423]

Are you going to put facia board?

[@Person_Not_Known]

Thanks

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

No problem! Hope it helps out!!

[@billkelly8222]

Am I correct that the bottom of your stair stringer rests directly on the concrete pad? I know the stringer is pressure treated, but shouldn't there be something between the wood and the concrete? Even just paint the bottom, or a scrap of paper or plastic?

[@Navi-777]

What prevented you from putting waterproofing under the wooden bars?

[@Person_Not_Known]

Likely pressure treated wood....not needed.

[@joeyosetek]

Love your videos; but, this one made my head hurt!! 🙃

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Yeah I get it. I tried my best. Once numbers and math come into play it makes it difficult. I actually learned a lot about myself and how to improve my explanations while making this video. Onward and upward! Thanks for checking out the video!!

[@AutoFixYT]

Ok, learned something new again haha. But I have a question... how do you know if the narrowest point of the stringer is too narrow? Where the run and the rise meet? What if you have a longer piece and the thing snaps in half when you step on the stairs? I'm always afraid of that happening with narrow basement staircases lol it's literally two very long pieces of wood supporting the steps and if you jump on them they bend haha

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Hey! Great question. This is where codes come into play, I believe the code for that part of the stringer (the most narrow part) can be no less than 3.5 inches. There is also a limit to the run. It is different in some areas but you are not allowed to go more than a certain number of stairs or a certain length. When you have a rise that requires the stringer to be longer you need to “break” the run and put in a landing somewhere. I get the nervousness about the basement stairs, mine are definitely not up to code haha. If it makes you really nervous you can always add a 2x4 down to the floor under the middle of the stringers. Hope this helps!

[@AutoFixYT]

@@TheFixerHomeRepair Ok this makes sense now. Thank you for taking the time to respond!

[@shannonwray4033]

Thanks Mr Fixer next video is deck railing and painting deck

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Maybe… Spoiler alert, there was no painting involved with this deck build. 😁😁. Thanks for watching, Shannon!

[@bittersweetjesus]

Really stupid question but how do you keep you hands straight when drilling/screwing in the bolts? I noticed that you are just doing it facing the stairs but your hand is positioned behind so it is drilling towards you so I would think that it would be crooked or piece the wood but it doesn't. In addition, you drill in a straight line when drilling from the top and it doesn't piece outside of the wood. Seriously, how do you do that?

[@zefallafez]

No need for a separation between the runners and concrete pad?

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Hey! I have never done anything besides rest the PT on the pad. The pressure treated should hold up as long as the rest of the deck. Should anyway. 🤷‍♂️. Thanks for checking out the video!!

[@777Timberwolf]

Your math is like a professor that makes me sleepy (sorry) but I've done my house stair case in Alabama by grabbing the older stringer and like you said use it as a prep (trace it where you need it) then fab it and put it together. Other than then that... All good.

[@ralphcanero3995]

Good

[@Waffles_Syrup]

Kinda surprised you didn't mention "slope" after saying rise and run so many times 😁

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

My brain may have exploded haha. This was hard enough to explain. Sometimes things that you do over and over just come second nature and when you stop to think about it you start to confuse yourself. That is how I felt making this video anyway haha. Thanks for watching!

[@Denny_E_Lee7575]

How come you didn't use hangers on the stringers?

[@Rewindera1]

Thank you!

[@donnamcnichol7433]

Can we see how the flex seal is fairing in the basement .

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Hey Donna. It has only been about 3 weeks. All good so far! I will be making a video as time goes on and we get some heavy rain/winter freezing and thawing. Stay tuned.

[@donnamcnichol7433]

Thanks for the reply

[@shannonwray4033]

Next video is deck railing Mr fixer im Brennan

[@howtodoitdude1662]

Your stringer heels need support.

[@zeke112964]

The bottom of your stringers aren't fully supported and will split and break over time.

[@pauliemoto]

I was looking for someone to say this before i commented. You are correct

[@nicholasweatherman4097]

please explain what you mean!

[@nicholasweatherman4097]

@@dropndeal thankyou

[@ЕвгенийСтонис]

👍

[@nolongeramused8135]

I'm always irritated when someone just sort of wings it on making stairs and they force you to use an unnatural gait.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Agreed. And it is actually pretty amazing how quickly our brain works with our body. If you walk up 3 steps that are all the same and the next one is even a 1/2 inch off, you could trip. Making the stairs all exactly the same is a big one for me.

[@pauliemoto]

@@TheFixerHomeRepair I think it's just what we are accustomed to, since that has been the standard for a long time

[@chrisw443]

In one video you gotta put all your levels in one shot lined up but never acknowledge them being there. You gotta have like 4 or 5 lol.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

😁

[@nancyharsch6254]

Confused

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Sorry, Nancy. I tried 😞. Basically you want the height of each step under code and all the same. Make the width of the tread over code and all the same. Make sure the total width of all your steps allow you to land the stairs where you want them. If you are having trouble, use a piece of cardboard to make the stairs and you can make adjustments on that before you cut the board. Just experiment and do the best you can. Thanks for the comment and for checking out the video!!

[@Tungk117]

NICE JOB!!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks, Tinno!

[@lesliecas2695]

Your house is really close to the road. Will children be trick.or treating from that door? 🎃🎃🎃

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Hey, Leslie. We don’t get many trick or treaters at all. Our road is too busy. It can be dangerous as some people speed down the road often. We drive back to our (home town) for trick or treating now. Thanks for asking and for checking out the video!

[@pauliemoto]

8 1/2 is way too high, 7 to 7 1/2 is normal step height, you will find you will be tripping alot at 8 1/2 rise.