Cutting Remaining Stringers using Template

What happens in this clip

Once the first stringer is cut and confirmed accurate, use it as a template to mark and cut the remaining stringers. Place the completed stringer on top of a new 2x12 board and trace its pattern. Then, use the circular saw for the straight cuts and the jigsaw for the internal corner cuts, just as with the first stringer. Repeat this process until all necessary stringers are cut.

Goal: Efficiently cut all required stair stringers using the first one as a precise template.

What's used

Tools

• 2x12 Pressure Treated Boards
• Circular Saw Skilsaw
• Cut Stringer (template)
• Jigsaw Black+Decker
• Pencil
• Safety Glasses

About the full video

This project provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for constructing a set of wooden stairs for a deck. It covers crucial initial measurements like rise and run, preparing the deck's rim joists for stringer attachment, marking and cutting stair stringers from 2x12 pressure-treated lumber using specific tools, and finally, assembling and securing the stairs to both the deck and a landing pad.

Step 5 of 6: Transfer Layout and Cut Additional Stringers

With the first stringer accurately cut, use it as a template to mark the layout on your other stringer boards. Lay the first stringer on top of a new 2x12 board, aligning the edges precisely. Trace the lines of the first stringer onto the second board. Repeat this for all required stringers (typically two to three, depending on the width of your stairs). Once marked, cut the additional stringers following the same procedure as the first, ensuring all cuts are clean and accurate. Having identical stringers is crucial for stable and level stairs.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Lay Out and Cut Deck Stair Stringers

1. Step 1: Determine Stair Riser Height and Tread Depth

   • 0:06–1:32 Calculate Stair Dimensions
   • 0:19–0:57 Calculate Stair Dimensions and Stringer Type
   • 0:51–1:37 Calculate Individual Step Rise and Total Run

2. Step 2: Select Stringer Material

   • 0:00–0:03 Cut Stringers
   • 6:08–6:51 Stair Stringer Fabrication
   • 2:20–3:14 Mark and Cut Stringers

3. Step 3: Mark the First Stringer Layout

   • 3:10–3:59 Mark the Stringer Board
   • 6:59–9:34 Mark the Stair Stringer for Cutting
   • 6:12–7:01 Marking the Stringers

4. Step 4: Cut the First Stringer

   • 6:15–7:14 Cut Out the Stringer
   • 4:16–5:49 Cut Stringers
   • 15:12–19:27 Cutting the Stair Stringer

5. Step 5: Transfer Layout and Cut Additional Stringers

   • 8:43–8:58 Cutting Remaining Stringers using Template (this video)
   • 7:14–7:47 Replicate Stringers (Pattern Use)
   • 2:49–3:44 Layout and Cut Stringers

6. Step 6: Trim the Bottom of the Stringers

   • 7:25–10:59 Mark Top and Bottom Stringer Cuts
   • 7:30–8:22 Check and Adjust First Stringer
   • 8:10–9:35 Mark Top and Bottom Stringer Cuts