I cut a stair stringer wrong on a deck job in Springfield

Was setting up for a set of six steps off a new deck, marked everything with my framing square. Cut the first stringer with my Makita circular saw, went to test fit it and the rise was a full inch off. Turns out I measured from the deck board thickness wrong. Had to stop, redo the math on my cutoff scrap, and cut a new one from a fresh 2x12. Anyone have a foolproof way to double check that first stringer before you commit to the cut?

2 comments

2 Comments

alice_reed476d ago

Honestly, I always cut my first stringer a hair long on purpose. Like, leave the bottom riser uncut until I test fit the whole thing against the deck. That way you can just trim it to final height if your math was right, or re-mark it if you were off. Saves a whole board.

craig.parker6d ago

Smart move saving that board. I've seen too many guys cut it short and have to start over. That test fit is the real pro tip right there.