Mark Top and Bottom Stringer Cuts

What happens in this clip

Mark the top and bottom cuts of the stringer. The top cut needs to be adjusted to account for the thickness of the deck board (approximately 3/4 inch). The presenter explains that his specific deck has a trim piece, which means he needs to subtract an additional 1/4 inch from the top rise to ensure the first step is the correct height. For the bottom cut, an additional section is drawn below the final step to allow for burying the stringer into the ground for stability. The presenter plans to backfill this section with crushed stone. He mentions that if a patio was already in place, the bottom cut would be flush.

What's used

Tools

• Framing Square
• Pencil
• Tape Measure

About the full video

This video provides a detailed guide on how to calculate, mark, and cut custom stair stringers for a deck using the notching method. It covers selecting the right lumber, precisely marking the rise and run using a framing square with stair guides, and safely making the cuts with a circular saw and jigsaw. The video also touches upon preparing the ground and attaching the stringers securely to the deck frame.

Step 6 of 6: Trim the Bottom of the Stringers

The bottom of each stringer often has a triangular waste piece. You need to trim this off to create a flat surface. The amount to trim depends on your specific layout, but it's typically a straight cut across the bottom edge of the stringer where the lowest tread will sit. This ensures the stringer sits flush and supports the first tread properly. Measure and mark this trim cut accurately on all stringers.

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
   • 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 (this video)
   • 7:30–8:22 Check and Adjust First Stringer
   • 8:10–9:35 Mark Top and Bottom Stringer Cuts