Constructing stair stringers is an essential carpentry skill that requires precision and attention to detail. Stringers serve as the backbone of a staircase, supporting the treads and providing structural stability. By understanding the principles of stringer layout and cutting, you can master this technique and create visually appealing and functional staircases for your home or workspace. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the step-by-step process of making stair stringers, providing detailed instructions, diagrams, and pro tips to ensure a perfect outcome every time.
The initial step involves calculating the stringer measurements accurately. Determine the run, rise, and height of the stairs to create a precise layout. Use a framing square or a stringer calculator to compute the angle of the stringer. Transfer these measurements to a piece of lumber, typically 2×12 or 2×14, and mark the tread and riser locations. It is crucial to ensure that the treads are level and the risers are uniform to maintain a consistent and safe walking surface.
Once the stringers are laid out, it’s time to cut the notches where the treads and risers will rest. Use a circular saw with a framing blade to make precise cuts. The depth of the notches should be half the thickness of the tread or riser. Be cautious not to overcut the notches, as this can weaken the stringer. Additionally, cut the ends of the stringers at an angle that matches the pitch of the stairs. This angled cut is essential for the stringers to fit snugly against the header and footer boards, which will further enhance the structural integrity of the staircase.
Designing the Stringers
The design of the stair stringers is a critical aspect of the stair-building process. The stringers serve as the backbone of the stairs, supporting the stair treads and risers and providing structural integrity to the entire assembly. Careful planning and precise execution are essential to ensure a safe and functional staircase.
### Determining Stringer Dimensions
The dimensions of the stringers are determined by several factors, including the stair’s rise, run, and width. The rise is the vertical height between each step, while the run is the horizontal distance between the treads. The width of the stair refers to the overall width of the staircase, including the stringers and handrails.
The following table provides guidelines for determining appropriate stringer dimensions based on the stair’s rise, run, and width:
| Stair Rise (inches) | Stringer Thickness (inches) | Stringer Width (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 3/4 | 2 | 5 1/2 |
| 7 | 2 | 6 |
| 7 1/4 | 2 | 6 1/2 |
| 7 1/2 | 2 1/8 | 7 |
| 8 | 2 1/8 | 7 1/2 |
Note that these are general guidelines, and the actual dimensions may vary depending on the specific design and materials used.
Choosing the Right Materials
Selecting Wood
For durability and a classic look, choose hardwood species such as oak, maple, or cherry. Softwoods like pine and spruce are less expensive but more prone to scratches and dents. Consider the grain pattern and color to complement your décor.
Types of Wood
| Wood Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Oak | Durable, hard, with a rich grain |
| Maple | Smooth, dense, and resistant to wear |
| Cherry | Versatile, with a reddish-brown hue |
| Pine | Affordable, soft, but susceptible to dents |
| Spruce | Light, flexible, but not as strong as pine |
Deciding on Thickness and Length
Stringers typically range from 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches thick. Choose a thickness that provides support without making the stairs excessively heavy. The length of the stringer will depend on the rise and run of the stairs. Ensure the stringer is long enough to extend beyond the bottom and top of the stairs for proper support.
Measuring and Cutting the Stringers
Now for the most challenging and important aspect: measuring and cutting the stringers.
Here’s a detailed walkthrough:
1. Determine Stringers’ Length and Rise
– Length: Measure the horizontal distance between the nose of the bottom tread and the nose of the top tread.
– Rise: Measure the vertical distance between the top of the bottom tread and the top of the top tread.
2. Mark Rise and Run on the Stairway Rough Frame
– Mark the rise and run measurements along the top and bottom plates of the stairway rough frame.
– Use a string line or straight edge to transfer these marks to the stringer lumber.
3. Establish Stringers’ Pitch and Angle
This step is crucial for the stringers to fit accurately and provide proper support for the treads and risers.
– Ladder Method: Place a ladder against the inside edge of the stairway rough frame.
– Fraction Method: Divide the rise (vertical distance) by the run (horizontal distance) to get the fraction (e.g., 7.5 inches rise / 12 inches run = 5/8).
| Ladder Method | Fraction Method |
|---|---|
| – Align the ladder’s top step with the top of the top tread. – Adjust the ladder’s angle until it touches the bottom plate at the bottom of the bottom tread. – Mark the length of the stringer on the ladder. – Transfer the measurement to the stringer lumber. |
– Multiply the run by the fraction (e.g., 12 inches * 5/8 = 7.5 inches). – Use a framing square to set the rise and run on the stringer lumber. – Transfer the markings and cut the stringer accordingly. |
Connecting the Stringers to the Posts
Connecting the stringers to the posts is a crucial step in constructing a safe and sturdy staircase. It involves precisely cutting and fitting the stringers to ensure a secure and visually appealing connection.
4. Fitting the Stringers to the Posts
- Lay the tread on the top of the stringers, flush with the top edge.
- Secure the tread to the stringers using screws or nails.
- Repeat steps 1-2 for all the remaining treads.
- Measure and cut the risers to the correct length.
- Stand the riser up between the stringers, facing the back of the stairs.
- Secure the riser to the stringers using glue, screws, or nails.
- Repeat steps 1-3 for all the remaining risers.
- Safety glasses to protect eyes from dust and debris
- Earplugs or ear muffs to block loud noise
- Dust mask to prevent inhalation of wood particles
- Gloves to protect hands from splinters and sharp edges
- Place the workbench on a level surface to prevent it from wobbling
- Secure the workbench with clamps or screws to prevent movement
- Dull tools can slip, increasing the risk of injury
- Sharpen saw blades and chisels regularly
- Stay focused and avoid multitasking while operating power tools
- Clear the work area of any obstacles
- Use a ladder or scaffold for stability when working at heights
- Wear a safety harness if working on a steep roof
- Use a helper or mechanical lift to move heavy materials
- Lift with proper technique to avoid strains or injuries
- Regular cleanup reduces the risk of tripping or slipping
- Dispose of sawdust and wood chips properly
- Disconnect power tools before servicing or cleaning
- Use grounded outlets to prevent electrical shocks
- Ensure that stair stringers meet all local building codes for safety and structural integrity
- Prefabricated stringers are manufactured to precise specifications, reducing the risk of errors
- They are also available in various materials to suit specific needs
- Determine the dimensions of your stairs.
- Draw a layout of the stairs on a piece of paper.
- Cut the stringers to the desired length.
- Mark the locations of the treads and risers on the stringers.
- Cut the treads and risers.
- Attach the treads and risers to the stringers.
- Install the stair stringers in place.
Installing the Nosing
The nosing is the front edge of the stair tread that extends over the stringer. It provides a finished appearance and protects the edge of the tread from wear. To install the nosing:
1. Measure and cut the nosing to length. The nosing should be the same length as the tread width.
2. Apply a bead of construction adhesive to the back of the nosing.
3.Align the nosing with the front edge of the tread and press it into place.
4. Secure the nosing with 2-inch finish nails or screws. Space the nails or screws evenly along the length of the nosing.
5. Once the nosing is installed, you can use a router or plane to bevel the edge of the tread to a 45-degree angle. This will create a smooth transition from the tread to the nosing. Alternatively, you can purchase pre-beveled treads that come with a nosing already attached.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for installing the nosing:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Measure and cut the nosing to length. |
| 2 | Apply a bead of construction adhesive to the back of the nosing. |
| 3 | Align the nosing with the front edge of the tread and press it into place. |
| 4 | Secure the nosing with 2-inch finish nails or screws. |
| 5 | Bevel the edge of the tread to a 45-degree angle using a router or plane. |
Finishing the Stringers
Once the stringers are cut and fitted, they need to be finished to protect them from the elements and to give them a finished appearance.
There are a few different ways to finish stringers, but the most common is to paint them. You can use any type of paint that is suitable for exterior use, but a semi-gloss or gloss paint will give the stringers a more durable finish.
If you are painting the stringers, be sure to prime them first with a coat of primer. This will help the paint to adhere better and will prevent the wood from absorbing too much moisture.
Sanding
Before applying paint or stain, sand the stringers with a fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges or splinters.
Priming
Apply a coat of primer to the stringers to seal the wood and prevent the paint or stain from absorbing too deeply.
Painting
Use a semi-gloss or gloss exterior paint to finish the stringers. Apply two coats, allowing the first coat to dry completely before applying the second.
Staining
If you prefer a more natural look, you can stain the stringers instead of painting them. Apply a generous coat of stain and allow it to penetrate for the amount of time specified by the manufacturer.
Clear Finish
For a clear finish that will protect the wood from the elements, apply a coat of clear polyurethane or varnish. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
Other Finishing Options
| Finishing Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Carpet | Carpeting the stringers can provide a soft and comfortable walking surface. |
| Vinyl | Vinyl flooring is a durable and easy-to-clean option for finishing stringers. |
Building Winders
Measuring and Cutting Tread and Riser Lengths
Calculate the tread and riser lengths required for winders by using a formula that accounts for the curvature of the tread. Angle finders, protractors, or specialized calculators can aid in this process.
Creating Temporary Mock-Up
Assemble a temporary mock-up to visualize the winder shapes and ensure proper fit within the stairs. Use 2x4s or similar materials to represent treads and risers.
Cutting Tapered Riser Pieces
Rip angled cuts in riser pieces to accommodate the tapered treads. Use a circular saw or table saw with a miter jig to ensure precise angles. Measure and mark the taper carefully to maintain uniform sizing.
Join and Align Riser Pieces
Glue and clamp the tapered riser pieces together. Align the edges flush to create a solid and stable structure. Use a level to ensure the risers are perpendicular to the floor.
Install Subtreads
Attach subtreads to the underside of the tread noses and riser tops. This will provide support and eliminate gaps between treads and risers. Use nails or screws to secure the subtreads firmly.
Install Stringers
Install stringers to the floor and ceiling to support the winders. Cut stringers to the desired pitch and dimensions. Use lag bolts or angled screws to secure the stringers to the structural framing.
Attach Winders to Stringers
Fix the winders to the stringers using nails or screws. Ensure the edges of the treads and risers are flush with the stringers to maintain a uniform profile. Check the fit and alignment carefully to prevent any gaps or uneven surfaces.
Adjusting for Sloping Floors
When dealing with sloping floors, it’s essential to account for the incline or decline in the floor’s surface. Here’s how you can make adjustments to your stair stringers to accommodate sloping floors:
1. Determine the Slope of the Floor
Measure the distance between two points on the floor that are at different elevations. The difference in elevation divided by the horizontal distance between the points gives you the slope of the floor.
2. Calculate the Rise and Run of the Stairs
The rise is the vertical height between two consecutive steps, and the run is the horizontal distance between two consecutive steps. Using the slope you determined in step 1, calculate the rise and run of the stairs to maintain a consistent incline.
3. Cut the Stringers to Length
Based on the calculations in step 2, cut the stringers to the appropriate length to accommodate the sloping floor.
4. Adjust the Bottom Stringer
To adjust the bottom stringer, mark the distance from the bottom of the first riser to the floor at the highest point of the slope. Transfer this measurement to the bottom stringer, mark the point, and cut away the excess material.
5. Adjust the Top Stringer
To adjust the top stringer, mark the distance from the top of the last riser to the floor at the lowest point of the slope. Transfer this measurement to the top stringer, mark the point, and cut away the excess material.
6. Install the Stringers
Install the stringers onto the floor, making sure they are securely fastened and level.
7. Adjust the Treads and Risers
Adjust the treads and risers to fit the angle of the stringers and maintain the desired slope.
8. Complete the Staircase
Finish the staircase by installing the treads and risers, attaching the handrails, and applying any necessary trim or molding.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Measure the floor slope. |
| 2 | Calculate the stair rise and run. |
| 3 | Cut the stringers to length. |
| 4 | Adjust the bottom stringer. |
| 5 | Adjust the top stringer. |
| 6 | Install the stringers. |
| 7 | Adjust the treads and risers. |
| 8 | Complete the staircase. |
Installing the Tread and Risers
Once the stringers are in place, the next step is to install the treads and risers.
Installing the Treads
Installing the Risers
Installing the Nosing
Once the treads and risers are installed, you can install the nosing (the front edge of the tread). The nosing will give the stairs a more finished look and provide a safe walking surface. To install the nosing:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Measure and cut the nosing to the correct length. |
| 2 | Apply glue to the back of the nosing. |
| 3 | Position the nosing on the front edge of the tread, flush with the bottom edge. |
| 4 | Secure the nosing to the tread using screws or nails. |
Safety Considerations
1. Wear Proper Safety Gear
2. Use a Sturdy Workbench
3. Use Sharp Tools
4. Avoid Distractions
5. Protect from Falls
6. Handle Heavy Materials Safely
7. Keep the Work Area Clean
8. Be Aware of Electrical Hazards
9. Follow Building Codes
10. Consider Using Prefabricated Stringers
How to Make Stair Stringers
Stair stringers are the backbone of a staircase, providing support for the treads and risers. Making your own stringers can save you money and give you the opportunity to customize the look of your stairs. Here are the steps on how to make stair stringers:
People Also Ask About How To Make Stair Stringers
What is the best material for stair stringers?
The best material for stair stringers is pressure-treated lumber. Pressure-treated lumber is resistant to rot and decay, making it ideal for outdoor use.
How do I determine the angle of my stair stringers?
The angle of your stair stringers will depend on the rise and run of your stairs. The rise is the vertical height of each step, and the run is the horizontal distance between each step. To determine the angle of your stair stringers, use the following formula: angle = arctan(rise/run).
How many stringers do I need for my stairs?
The number of stringers you need for your stairs will depend on the width of your stairs. For stairs that are 36 inches wide or less, you will need two stringers. For stairs that are more than 36 inches wide, you will need three stringers.
