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Fine Homebuilding Project Guides

Decks

Guide Home
  • Design & Planning
  • Tools & Materials
  • Footings & Foundations
  • Framing a Deck
  • Installing Decking
  • Installing Railings
  • Deck Stairs
  • Custom Details
  • Finishes, Repairs, and Maintenance
  • Complete Deck Builds
How-To

Ultimate Deck Build: Cutting and Installing Stair Stringers

Simple math and accurate cuts yield a perfect set of deck stairs.

Cutting and Installing Stair Stringers: In this episode, we explain how to calculate the rise and run for a set of deck stairs that’s code compliant and comfortable to walk on. Once the math is done, those measurements are carefully transferred to a piece of lumber, cut it into a stair stringer with the help of a circular saw and jigsaw, and then securely attached to the deck frame with the help of some metal hardware.

Read the related articles:

Framing a Grade-Level Deck – Building close to the ground demands tighter tolerances.

The Complete Guide to Building a Deck: Woodbury, Conn., 2015 – Build a modern living space with hardwood decking and cable railings.

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Videos in the Series

  • Ultimate Deck Build

    Follow along with these step-by-step instructions on how to build a grade-level deck with cable railings.

  • Ultimate Deck Build: Fastening a Ledger to Concrete

    Learn how to make this critical framing connection for a safe and sturdy deck.

  • Ultimate Deck Build: Pouring Accurate Concrete Piers

    Learn how to use the deck ledger to determine the pier heights, a critical dimension in a grade-level deck.

  • Ultimate Deck Build: Building and Leveling a Beam

    Even at grade level, this beam has an important job.

  • Ultimate Deck Build: Framing the Deck

    With the ledger and beam in place, the rest of the framework can be assembled.

  • Ultimate Deck Build: Pouring and Finishing Concrete Slabs

    Editor Justin Fink and builder Chris Aherns build a code-compliant landing for the stairs on this Project House deck.

  • How to Install Railing Posts for Cable Rails

    In order to meet code requirements for strength, railing posts must be reinforced with the same lateral-load connectors used at the ledger.

  • Ultimate Deck Build: Cutting and Installing Stair Stringers

    Simple math and accurate cuts yield a perfect set of deck stairs.

  • How to Install Hardwood Decking and Skirtboards

    Learn tips for cutting and fastening dense exotic hardwoods like Brazilian Teak, Cumaru, or Ipe.

  • Installing Cable Railings

    Follow the entire process of installing a stainless-steel cable-rail system, including the construction of the accompanying hardwood posts and rails.

Previous: Stronger, Smarter Deck Stairs Next: Laying Out and Cutting the Stringers

Guide

Decks

Chapter

Deck Stairs

View Comments

  1. Dabbler_Babbler | May 16, 2016 08:01pm | #1

    Don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed this video series. But I would use the information gleaned here only to consult with the contractor I’d hire to build this deck. It would not pay to try to economize by making this a DIY project. I went back over the videos and counted the tools the builders brought to bear to finish this deck. I counted 47, and they include pricey items like miter saws and a drill press. Great if you already have them. Not a wise investment if acquired to build this project.

    Here they are:

    1. Framer’s square
    2. 8” circular saws
    3. Tape measures
    4. Several cordless drill/drivers
    5. Rafter square
    6. Ramset
    7. 6’ Stabila level
    8. Electric hammer drill
    9. Masonry bit
    10. Cordless flush cut/undercut saw
    11. Line laser
    12. Electric drum cement mixer
    13. Wheelbarrow
    14. Shovel
    15. Hoe
    16. Dot laser
    17. Chalk line
    18. Framing hammer
    19. Cordless nail gun
    20. Electric joist-hanger nail gun
    21. Pneumatic framing nail gun
    22. 4” cordless circular saw
    23. String
    24. Socket set and ratchet
    25. Caulking gun
    26. Garden rake
    27. Magnesium trowel
    28. Steel trowel
    29. 2 electric miter saws
    30. Several saw blades (cutting teak)
    31. Paint brushes
    32. Drill press
    33. Medium-duty hammer
    34. Several quick clamps
    35. 3’ foot bubble level
    36. Electric jigsaw
    37. Stair buttons
    38. Electric planer
    39. Bung-cutting bit
    40. Electric drum floor sander
    41. Varnish applicator and pad
    42. Pocket screw clamp
    43. Ratchet strap
    44. Electric router
    45. Electric disc grinder
    46. Counterbore drill bits
    47. Pencil

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Decks

Decks

Hundreds of articles and videos by top deck-building pros on how to design and build a beautiful, sturdy, and safe deck

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Design & Planning
  • Basic Design Options
  • Generating Plans
  • Calculating Deck Loads
  • Code Compliance
Tools & Materials
  • Deck Building Tools
  • Foundation and Framing Materials
  • Decking Materials
  • Fasteners and Hardware
Footings & Foundations
  • Choosing a Foundation
  • Sizing and Laying Out Footings
  • Excavation
  • Pouring the Foundation
Framing a Deck
  • Framing Overview
  • Installing the Ledger
  • Setting Posts and Beams
  • Installing Joists
Installing Decking
  • Decking Basics
  • Installation Process
  • Adding Fascia and Other Decorative Elements
Installing Railings
  • Installing Deck Railing Posts
  • Building Wood Rails and Balustrades
  • Non-Wood Railing Options
  • Installing Nonwood Balustrades
Deck Stairs
  • Deck Stairs Overview
  • Laying Out, Cutting, and Installing the Stringers
  • Installing Treads, Risers, and Stair Railings
Custom Details
  • Benches, Planters, and Privacy Features
  • Pergolas
  • Lighting
Finishes, Repairs, and Maintenance
  • Deck Finishes
  • Cleaning and Refinishing
  • Inspection and Repair
Complete Deck Builds
  • Grade-Level Decks
  • Raised Decks

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