How do you measure and cut stair stringers and treads?

Building stairs is a challenging but rewarding project that requires careful planning, accurate measurements, and precise cuts. In this article, you will learn how to measure and cut stair stringers and treads, the main components of a staircase. You will also learn some tips and tricks to make the process easier and safer.

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1 Tools and materials

Before you start, you will need some tools and materials to build your stairs. You will need a tape measure, a framing square, a circular saw, a jigsaw, a drill, a level, a hammer, and some nails or screws. You will also need some lumber for the stringers and treads, and some riser boards if you want to close the gaps between the steps. Make sure you choose the right size and quality of lumber for your project, and check the local building codes for any requirements or restrictions.

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Krzysztof Manderla

Site Engineering as engWorx
(edited)
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Laser level and disto may come in hand to check yourself with FFL datum on each floor. If building +1m FFL doesn't work between the floors it's good time to double check your measurements, if it still doesn't add up - good that you have managed to spot it, let other subcontractors know about it. Good job!

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2 Measuring the rise and run

The first step to build your stairs is to measure the rise and run of the staircase. The rise is the vertical distance from the floor to the landing, and the run is the horizontal distance from the edge of the floor to the edge of the landing. You can use a tape measure and a level to find these measurements. Divide the rise by the desired height of each step to get the number of risers, and round up to the nearest whole number. Divide the run by the number of risers to get the width of each tread, and adjust it if necessary to meet the minimum and maximum standards.

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Ron Langdon

Superintendent at Thompson Construction Inc.
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A good rule for treads and risers, is 7-11. 7 inch max risers, and 11 inch treads. In most cases risers less than 7” are desired. To get your number of risers, after you measure from floor to landing and divide to get your number of risers. You must consider how the steps will be covered, hardwood, carpet, etc. then adjust the riser height to accommodate the additional material so that the risers come out the same height.

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3 Marking and cutting the stringers

The stringers are the diagonal boards that support the treads and risers. To mark and cut the stringers, you will need a framing square and a circular saw. Place the framing square on a piece of lumber and align the edges with the rise and run measurements. Mark the outline of the first step on the lumber, and slide the square along the edge to mark the next step. Repeat until you have marked all the steps. Cut along the lines with a circular saw, but stop short of the corners to avoid overcutting. Use a jigsaw to finish the cuts and smooth the edges.

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4 Installing the stringers

The next step is to install the stringers on the floor and the landing. You will need a drill, some nails or screws, and some metal brackets or hangers. Drill pilot holes on the ends of the stringers and attach them to the floor and the landing with nails or screws. Use metal brackets or hangers to reinforce the connections and prevent the stringers from twisting or sagging. Make sure the stringers are level and evenly spaced, and check the alignment of the steps with a level.

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5 Cutting and attaching the treads and risers

The final step is to cut and attach the treads and risers to the stringers. You will need a circular saw, a jigsaw, a hammer, and some nails or screws. Cut the treads and risers to the right size and shape, and use a jigsaw to notch the corners if needed. Attach the risers to the stringers with nails or screws, and then attach the treads on top of the risers. Make sure the treads and risers are flush and secure, and check the level and the depth of the steps.

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How do you measure and cut stair stringers and treads?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Tools and materials

2 Measuring the rise and run

3 Marking and cutting the stringers

4 Installing the stringers

5 Cutting and attaching the treads and risers

Construction

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How do you measure and cut stair stringers and treads?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Tools and materials

2 Measuring the rise and run

3 Marking and cutting the stringers

4 Installing the stringers

5 Cutting and attaching the treads and risers

Construction

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