Mark the Stair Stringer for Cutting

What happens in this clip

Now that the individual rise (7.5 inches) and run (9.25 inches) are determined, use a framing square to mark the pattern on a 2x12 board. The framing square has markings to quickly set these dimensions. Hold the square with the rise measurement (7.5 inches) on one edge of the 2x12 and the run measurement (9.25 inches) on the other. Use a pencil to draw the lines. Repeat this process for each step, sliding the square down the board. For the first step (which connects to the ground/pad), ensure that the bottom rise is reduced by the thickness of the finished tread material. The video shows marking three steps on the stringer.

Goal: Accurately mark the rise and run patterns onto the 2x12 lumber for cutting.

What's used

Tools

• 2x12 Lumber
• Framing Square (Speed Square / Rafter Square)
• Pencil Carpenters pencil

About the full video

This project provides detailed instructions on how to design, calculate, mark, cut, and install stair stringers for a deck. It covers essential concepts like rise and run, explains how to factor in finished materials, demonstrates calculation methods, and guides through the physical marking and cutting process using common woodworking tools. The final steps show how to secure the stringers and attach composite treads to complete the staircase.

Step 3 of 6: Mark the First Stringer Layout

Begin by marking the layout for your stair stringers. Take one of your 2x12 boards and lay it flat. Using your calculated riser height and tread depth, use a framing square to mark the first rise and run. For example, if your riser is 7 inches and tread is 11 inches, mark 7 inches up from the bottom edge, then 11 inches across the bottom edge. Continue this process, creating a series of 'jogs' that represent each step. Ensure your marks are precise. The top of the stringer will sit against the deck ledger or framing, and the bottom will rest on the ground or landing.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Lay Out and Cut Deck Stair Stringers

1. Step 1: Determine Stair Riser Height and Tread Depth

   • 0:06–1:32 Calculate Stair Dimensions
   • 0:19–0:57 Calculate Stair Dimensions and Stringer Type
   • 0:51–1:37 Calculate Individual Step Rise and Total Run

2. Step 2: Select Stringer Material

   • 0:00–0:03 Cut Stringers
   • 6:08–6:51 Stair Stringer Fabrication
   • 2:20–3:14 Mark and Cut Stringers

3. Step 3: Mark the First Stringer Layout

   • 3:10–3:59 Mark the Stringer Board
   • 6:59–9:34 Mark the Stair Stringer for Cutting (this video)
   • 6:12–7:01 Marking the Stringers

4. Step 4: Cut the First Stringer

   • 6:15–7:14 Cut Out the Stringer
   • 4:16–5:49 Cut Stringers
   • 15:12–19:27 Cutting the Stair Stringer

5. Step 5: Transfer Layout and Cut Additional Stringers

   • 8:43–8:58 Cutting Remaining Stringers using Template
   • 7:14–7:47 Replicate Stringers (Pattern Use)
   • 2:49–3:44 Layout and Cut Stringers

6. Step 6: Trim the Bottom of the Stringers

   • 7:25–10:59 Mark Top and Bottom Stringer Cuts
   • 7:30–8:22 Check and Adjust First Stringer
   • 8:10–9:35 Mark Top and Bottom Stringer Cuts