How To Connect Stair Stringers to a Joist

A stair stringer is a key piece of any staircase, as it's essentially the backbone that provides all the support for the staircase. The stringer is the piece of wood that runs at an angle and is attached to the floor joist to which the risers and treads of the stairs are secured. Attaching the stringers to the joist in the floor is the first step to installing stairs. While you only need basic tools for the job, it helps to have someone assist you to hold the stringers in place while you install them.

Marker
Tape measure
Angle brackets
1 1/2-inch lag bolts with washers
Socket wrench
Level

Instructions

- 1
  Mark the position of the stair stringers on the joist. While one person is holding the first stringer in place, use the marker to trace the vertical edges of the stringer on the joist. Use the tape measure to mark the position of the next stringer. To provide adequate support, stair stringers should be no more than 16 inches apart.
- 2
  Position the first stringer up against the joist, and place the angle bracket so it is in contact with both the joist and the stringer. Insert the lag bolts into the holes in the angle brackets, and use the socket wrench to tighten them. Place another angle bracket against the opposite side of the stringer and against the joist, and secure it with the lag bolts.
- 3
  Put the second stringer in place against the joist, and place the level across the top of both stringers. Raise or lower the second stringer until it is level with the first stringer. Attach the stringer to the joist following the same procedure you used for the first stringer. Depending on the width of the stairs, you may have one or two more stringers to install, so work your way across the joist until all the stringers have been installed.

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