How to Measure for Stair Stringers

  • Written by Doityourself Staff
    on Feb 12, 2010

Below you will find a quick step-by-step procedure on how to determine the measurements for your stair stringers. All you need is a measuring tape and the outline for your stairway to begin.

Step 1 - Decide on the Stairs

Before you can measure for the stair stringers, you need to plan out your stairs. Make the following calculations:

  • The overall height from top to bottom of your stairway.
  • The length of your stair way. So measure from the top most part of your stair way and trace an imaginary line to the bottom most step.

Step 2 - Determine Steps and Step Configuration

Determine the number of steps you will use for your stairway. Make sure that you use a number of steps that will be comfortable for you to walk up. Take measurements of your step width

Step 3 - Putting It All Together

You may ask why you are taking the measurements and figuring out the number of steps for your stairway. Simple answer: The stringers ultimate size is determined by the following factors:

  1. The total length of your stairway (also referred to as the run)
  2. The width of the stairs

Now, you will need to pick your stringer and the number of stringers you will use. Your stringer length will be 1 to 2 feet longer than your overall length of the stairway.

You will also need to add a second stringer if your stairs are wider than 36 inches.

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