Hanger Method

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Step 1: Line framing square up with first riser as shown in picture above and mark.

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 Step 6: The illustration above provides you with a method for nailing and attaching your plywood ledger to the stair stringer and landing. 

Step 7: Here's one of the reasons why I don't use plywood ledger's for situations like this.  Under the right conditions stairways like these will move and over time this movement could create problems.

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In Floor or Landing

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Bottom Layout Riser Variations 

 We've already covered this in previous layout methods, but there are additional problems or concerns you should familiarize yourself with.  The illustration above shows two arrows pointing to a tread and landing sheathing that are the same thickness. 

In a situation like this, all you would need to do is subtract the tread thickness from the individual riser measurement. 

If you have a 7 1/2 inch individual riser measurement and a 3/4" plywood stair tread, then all you would need to do is subtract three quarters of an inch from 7 1/2 inches. 

The distance from the bottom-top of the stair stringer (top of first step on stair stringer layout, without including your stair tread) to the bottom of the stair stringer would be 6 3/4".

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Landing Length Issues  

In the illustration above the base of the stair stringer is perfectly positioned on the landing.  The landing should support the entire bottom cut of the stair stringer. 

A situation like this would also be acceptable.  The stair stringer is still fully supported by the landing.

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Here's another example and sometimes you'll need to get a little creative, while designing, laying out and building your stairs.

If you're planning on building lots of stairs in the future or just desire to understand the nuts and bolts of how these things are put together, then you’ll need to develop an ability to build things in your head. 

I can look at a completed stairway and tell you how it was built. 

I can also look at a set of plans and picture the entire construction process. 

If you can develop the ability to construct stairways in your mind, then you won't have any problems laying everything out and making all of the necessary adjustments, before you ever nail one piece of lumber together.

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