Test Fit and Confirm Measurements of First Stringer

What happens in this clip

After cutting the first stringer, take it to the deck and roughly set it in place on the landing pad. Use a measuring tape to double-check the rise of each step and the overall height against your initial calculations. It's helpful to have a piece of tread material (like a 2x6 deck board) to visually confirm the fit and ensure all dimensions align with the desired rise and run, especially the top surface and bottom surface. If the dimensions are correct, this first cut stringer can then serve as a template for cutting the remaining stringers, ensuring consistency across all stair components.

Goal: Verify the accuracy of the first cut stringer before mass production.

What's used

Tools

• Cut Stringer (first one)
• Measuring Tape
• Tread Material (e.g.
• 2x6 deck board)

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 2 of 8: Mark Stringer Placement

Measure and mark the desired width of your stairs on the deck ledger board where the stringers will attach. Then, transfer these measurements to the ground at the base of the deck, ensuring the marks are plumb with the ledger board marks. This ensures the stairs will be straight and evenly spaced.

Open this step in the guide