Mark the Stringer Board

What happens in this clip

Begin marking the tread and rise measurements onto the 2x12 board using a framing square. To save time and ensure consistency, attach stair gauges to the framing square to lock in your calculated rise (7 3/4 inches) and run (10 inches) measurements. Position the framing square near one end of the board, aligning the stair gauges with the edge of the board. Use a pencil to trace the outline of the first notch. Continue marking the remaining stringer notches, ensuring that each new notch begins at the point where the previous one ended. After marking all the steps, extend the final lowest tread line to the back edge of the board. This creates a straight edge where the stringer will meet the floor. This is also where you will factor in the thickness of your finished flooring. For example, if your finished stair treads will be 1 inch thick, mark a 1-inch thickness along the bottom of the lowest tread. This marked section will be trimmed off during cutting to ensure the stringer fits correctly and the bottom step has the appropriate height, accommodating the flooring.

Goal: Accurately transfer stair dimensions onto the 2x12 board for cutting.

What's used

Tools

• 2x12 board
• Clamps
• Bar clamps
• Framing square USA
• Milwaukee
• Adjustable T-square
• Pencil
• Fine-tip marker
• Saw horses
• Sturdy workbench
• Stair gauges

About the full video

This project provides step-by-step instructions on how to accurately measure, mark, and cut stair stringers from 2x12 lumber. It covers calculating rise, run, and step count, as well as accounting for finished flooring thickness to ensure code compliance and a solid stair structure.

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 (this video)
   • 6:59–9:34 Mark the Stair Stringer for Cutting
   • 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