How To Layout Top of Stair Stringer


Before we get started, I need to point out that this particular method for calculating and laying out a stair stringer, might not apply to every situation.

There are plenty of other calculations and measurements that will need to be considered, in order for your stairway to have equal sized treads and risers.



In this step you're going to line up the stair riser measurement on the framing square up with the lower tread layout mark, you already made on the stair stringer.

In our example I can refer to this as our last tread or upper step, but this won't be the case all the time. Sometimes the upper stair stringer section will be laid out, to blend in with a floor, landing or deck.



The black arrow in the illustration above is pointing to the tread width measurement mark on the framing square. Remember, in our example it will be 10 inches.

After you have positioned the framing square accordingly and doubled checked all of your measurements, feel free to mark the end of the stair stringer.

Remember, this mark might need to be moved to a different location, to compensate for a ledger or floor joist head out.


You should end up with something that looks like the illustration above, when you're done.


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