Staircase Cut Out

In a set of stairs 36 inches wide there are typically three stringers one on each end and one in the middle.

Staircase cut out.

The essence of laying out stair stringers is straightforward. The strength of the stringer weakens if the tread and riser lines are overcut. Use the first stringer as a template to cut the subsequent stringers. They are cut from 2x12s or larger material the uncut portion of the stringer should not be less than 5 inches 127 mm see diagrams below.

Expert carpenter shows you how to measure out mark and cut a stair stringer. First determine the tread depth and riser height. Cut a notch along the bottom of each stringer for space to position it over a pressure treated 2 in. He shows you how it s done with tips thrown in along the way to make this easy.

Seven inches is a common rise and 11 1 2 a common tread depth. With all the cut lines drawn carefully cut along them with a circular saw. In the notches at all the tread riser intersections stop cutting when the blade reaches the line. Pre cut stair stringers are available in a variety of sizes to make this part of the project a bit easier.

If you ve done the math it s grade school stuff and the layout right the tread cuts will be level and the riser cuts plumb. Use common joist hangers to attach the stringer securely to the upper tier. Stringer the stringer is the structural part of a set of stairs.