How to Hang Stair Stringers

Hold one stringer in place against the wall on one side of your stairwell, placing the flat bottom portion firmly on the floor and the back of the top part snug against the header at the top of the stairway. The header, which also goes by the names of rim joist and band board, is the joist along the exposed portion of the floor on the upper level. Attach the top of the stringer to the header by drilling two 3-inch screws through the back of the header into the stringer.

Nail the entire length of the side stringer in place by hammering 16-penny nails through the stringer into the wall studs. Hammer two nails into the stringer along every wall stud to provide a firm, sturdy connection. Attach the other stringer the opposite side of your stairwell in the same manner.

Hang a third stringer in the middle of your stairwell if your opening is wider than 2 feet. Most stairways require at least three stringers. Although your local building codes may require certain specifications for stringer placement, using at least one stringer for every 2 feet of stair width helps ensure the construction of a sturdy stairway. Hang the middle stringer by attaching it to the center of the header in the same manner that you attached the side stringers. Center the bottom of the center stringer between the bottoms of the two side stringers. Once you hang the stringers, you are ready to install the treads and risers. The treads and risers help stabilize the center stringer.