Cutting the Stair Stringer

What happens in this clip

Using a circular saw, carefully cut along all the marked riser and tread lines. It is important to stop the circular saw cut just before it reaches the intersecting line to avoid overcutting and weakening the stringer. The circular saw's round blade cannot make perfectly square internal corners. After all main cuts are made, use a reciprocating saw to finish the internal corner cuts precisely to the intersecting lines. This creates clean, square notches for the treads and risers.

Goal: Accurately cut out the marked risers and treads to form the stringer profile.

What's used

Tools

• Circular Saw Milwaukee
• Hearing Protection
• Marked 2x12 Lumber
• Reciprocating Saw Milwaukee
• Hand saw
• Safety Glasses

About the full video

This project provides a detailed guide on how to accurately mark and cut stair stringers. It covers initial calculations for rise and run, selecting appropriate lumber, marking the stringers using a framing square with stair gauges, and making precise cuts with a circular saw and a reciprocating saw. The video also emphasizes the importance of test-fitting and making adjustments for head height compliance.

Step 4 of 6: Cut the First Stringer

Once the layout is complete on the first stringer board, it's time to make the cuts. Use a circular saw to cut along the marked lines. For the notches (the rise and run), you'll typically make two cuts to remove the waste material. Ensure the cuts are straight and square. The bottom-most cut for the first step (the riser cut) and the cut for the last step (the tread cut) need to be precise. After cutting, you should have a series of notches that will support the treads.

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 (this video)

5. Step 5: Transfer Layout and Cut Additional Stringers

   • 8:43–8:58 Cutting Remaining Stringers using Template
   • 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