It's nice to see someone taking into account something that no contractor I hire ever will ever ever take into account.

I took carpentry in 1992 at a vocational school and my teacher was an old master craftsman from England. He was an awesome teacher who hated lazy people and weeded 4 people out of the class within the first week. I went in to become a rough framer and literally came out a cabinet maker after only one year of training. Unfortunately 3 months after graduating I had a car accident that left me paralyzed from the chest down. I sold off all my tools thinking I'd never be able to use them again because of how high my spinal cord injury is. My love of tools, carpentry and working with my hands never waned though so over the past almost 30 years I have bought all new tools again and built myself a workshop. Me and my soon to be wife are renovating an old 3 story 130+ year old hotel. I have the construction knowledge and have taught myself how to properly do plumbing and electrical to code and she has the fully functioning body I lack to carry out the physical labour beyond my means. It's slow going but we'll get there. Your work efficiency tips and tricks are amazing and will help cut down the amount of time it will take to finish this massive project.

My Contractor Grand Father always said, you can tell the quality of a carpenter by the stairs they build....Sure do miss him RIP Granddad

As 35 year carpenter that began doing strictly apartments in the union at a high pace for my first 13 years. I have cut hundreds if not thousands of sets of stairs as well as formed many concrete stairs this is the absolute best man to watch when you need to learn. I’m not one for the camera but I’m glad men like this are out here sharing their knowledge!

Thank you so much for passing on your knowledge. My five year old son watches your videos with rapt attention and then heads out to the backyard to build with the scrap lumber my husband brings home for him. He tries to use what you taught to the best of his ability. It's sweet to see and we appreciate your willingness to share what you know.

“If you look up perfect in the dictionary”, you’re gonna see my smile every time an EC video shows up in my feed. Scott, you are the best. I learn much from all your content.

I really wish the polygon and triangle sections of middle school geometry books were centered around building. There are so many ways it fits in, and it provides a lot of practical motivation for the content.

Thanks for all this info over the years. I'm 29 now, discovered your videos just before I started framing and remodeling in 2019, and I've learned more from you here than I could have possibly imagined. I was a dry-stone mason and landscaper from 2014 to 2019, my first forray into real work at the age of 21, and since that time I've been developing the skill set and personality of "be the strongest man at my father's funeral." It's not easy, and teachers are few and far between, but it's still out there. I'm not the only young man to whom you've offered poignant guidance, both on and off site. Keep making, keep teaching!

I'm 61 years old and probably will never have a need to do anything with stairs but that was one enjoyable 22 minutes out of my day. Thank you, Scott!

A man that truly enjoyed his work delivers a superior product like EC. True legend this guy. Teacher of the year,contractor of the year,philosopher,wise grandpa, craftsman all rolled into one!!

Whenever I think of building stringers, I think about Larry Haun cutting these things out with the greatest of ease. He's finished and nailing them in place while I am still scribing my first board to cut. RIP Larry.

I have to comment about my experience with stairs. I was on a federal project for constructing a "park-like" facility and had a slope to traverse. My experience was in another area of civil, so this type of structure was totally new. I asked several engineers for some pointers. The only help I got was "You'll figure it out". The design and layout were not defined in the plans other than a graphic on plan view which showed steps from top to bottom. I was responsible for laying out the set of concrete steps for the contractor. I had little clue. I had a defined elevation difference and chiseled in stone touch-down points I had to hit and keep the rise and run of each step consistent within the defined specs. I did a lot of head scratching and finally reverted to drawing the layout in profile view. That's when I discovered that a significant landing midway of the steps was required to maintain the rise and run and keep the firm touch-down points. This was approximately 40 years ago. I periodically stop by that project just to see the completed steps. Some things you just don't forget.

I can't tell you how much I enjoy these videos. I have no need right now, but I have a hankering to build some stairs.

The best part of this video was the "I changed my mind" part! Construction is and always has been the art of balancing what you want with what you need.

One of the many terrific qualities of this channel is Scott's brilliant, humble way of capitalizing on mistakes, accidents, & imperfections as real-world teaching moments. Love him.

I don't remember when i started watching your videos. But your mannerisms and teaching style reminds me of my grandpa. I lost him when i was young(11) but i find myself doing stuff he'd have done so my family says and sometimes i ask myself how you'd do it. Thank you for being such a helpful person and such an informative person. You're a truly special person

As a contractor and person with 30 years in industry, that was a mind Blowing but well done explaination to the uninitiated person mind blowing, what the heck moment. I could not have explained it better! Keep it up OG your rocking it and shall for be for ever remembered via the internet, and your family off course. Here is to many more years of your passing of knowledge! Thank you , Bob... oh and the repair was perfect!

I believe you're the best teacher on the internet and by all the other comments I read a lot of folks agree with me. God bless you Scott.

Hello from Las Vegas Nevada GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

I really enjoy your Vid's, they are well edited and cover so many trades. As a general contractor of thirty eight years and a carpenter of 49 years and still going, my appreciation is awarded from experience. This one had many great tips & advice. I would add: Install backing blocks at rake of stringers before attaching the stringers to the studs & pad out the stringers with as wide of a 2x as possible ( from the intersection of the cuts of tread/riser to at least the bottom of the stringer). Nail this on first to studs, then attach the stringers to it. Now you have clearance for 1/2"-5/8" drywall installation and a1x finish skirt board, with no cuts.

I have never built a staircase prior to watching this video. I had to do this for a family member who lives several hours away. I was pretty nervous about the project and only had a few days to complete it. This video, and the explanations and tips within it gave me confidence I could do a decent job of it. I completed it, and it was nearly perfect. I ended up having to navigate walls out of square, floors that were uneven. (Very old house) But the staircase, landing and everything I built ended up perfectly with no wasted material related to mistakes. Thank you for taking the time to produce this.

Ha, the stair pun at the end really brought your content to a new level.

BAR NONE! The best channel on KZfaq 🏆

This man is the real deal. I've been working in construction 40+ yrs Hat's Off, real professional.

I did production and custom framing, and finish in the Los Angeles area in the 80's and 90's. I started when I was 16 years old. I've been a building inspector now for the past 28 years. Recently I did some framing with Habitat for Humanity just to see if I could still do it. I had a great time. I love the smell of douglas fir and burnt diesel.

This is a great video on how to cut in stairs. I’ve cut in enough stairs over my 30 years, I’ve lost count. I’ve also done the finish work on stairs and I’ve ripped out a few too, that others have done incorrectly. I can’t see anything wrong with what you did here. Over the years I’ve picked up some tricks from older carpenters and through trial and error. One of them is bizarre when you first hear it. And I thought for sure it was, until I tried it. So, when you go to cut your line for your treads, as you start your cut make sure you leave the pencil line completely. And as you cut you want to slightly work your way into the pencil line, so that you’ve gone through the line at the end of the cut. The idea is to have your tread pitch down about a sixteenth from front to back. When you do this, when you walk up your stairs that slight pitch pulls you into the stairs as you’re going up, and helps keep you from leaning forward on the way down the stairs. Before you doubt it, try it. Just don’t pitch in the other direction… has the opposite effect. When you’re doing your stairs, the first question should always be, “What are the finish flooring going to be upstairs and downstairs and also the landings?” So you can properly figure out your heights in those change up areas. 1st and last step and on the landings also. Over the years I stopped using cleats at the bottom, whenever possible. I prefer to take a straight strap and nail half of it to the bottom of the stringer were it meets the floor. Leaving the other half hanging past the backside and nail it to the floor, or tapcon it for concrete. And I’ll put plastic or felt under the pine stringers if they are on concrete too.

The few stairs I have built were done the laborious way; by measuring I have considered stair guages but no longer that sliding square sold me thanks for thr tips

Dear sir: I love how your lessons combine skills, arithmetic, geometry, aesthetics, and wisdom. And how you can still work while on your knees? So jealous; respect to you.

Stair building is really a lot of fun. I've replaced a couple sets of basement stairs for folks, the original builder used mortised stringers that were meant to be affixed to wall studs just floating out in mid-air. You'll see wide stairs that are built with no support stringer in the center. Knowing the basics can make you some money and it's very satisfying.

I love that the word “satisfying” is spoken often in these videos. Work, honest to goodness work, is indeed satisfying. For me, being less qualified and knowledgeable, it is preceded by aggravation at times, but I accept that in return for the satisfaction. I have plenty of friends who would rather pay someone to do just about everything. They don’t know what they’re missing. 😊

Another masterclass from the G.O.A.T.!

Nice. My tips...make sure the elevation is taken from the top of the landing to the floor at the end of the stringer...floors can slope.. adding to over all rise. I have always added a 2*4 to the bottom of all the stringers. If you put another square in your jig upside down to the first it will give you the points more accurate. On 1.5 inch treads I always start at the bottom with a riser and second riser then first tread and nail back through the second riser into the tread and continue on up. You can stack the two stringers together and cut 1.75" deep...this will leave a .25" cut in the second board which can be stacked on a third and continue. Just some tips from an old stair master. Good morning from Missouri...the Ozarks.

I like the fixture for the framing square. I made something similiar to use when I layout stairs. I also calculate where the point of the framing square should be and mark all of those before starting. That keeps me from being off by even the width of a pencil mark. One of my friends told me that stairs are "rough framing" not building kitchen cabinets!! But I have a sense of satisfaction when I am done. I use 1 more stringer than is called for by code. My stairs are solid. Thank you for passing along your knowledge and experience. I really appreciate when you take the time to explain why you do something the way that you do.

Very nice and you explain it well. I learned some old school methods from many of my elders and now passing some technics on to my sons. Stay healthy my friend!

I just found your channel it’s great! As a master carpenter you are giving away the secrets lol. However the framing portion of stairs is called the carriage as it carry’s the weight. The “stringer” is the reverse pattern that serves as the trim portion above the finished treads. It’s good to show what quality looks like, there is a serious lack of examples of what good work looks like these days. Most carpenters don’t know how to crown, true, select lumber or even bridge walls. Then they wonder why finished walls are wavy.

Greetings from Palau! Liked before watching!!!

I HAVE Cut out dozens of stair stringers over the years, and appreciate new ways, essential craftsman!

Good video. My Grandpa was a carpenter and worked for a local lumber company/builder before and during the depression. His forte was finish work and stairs. He was well known for his precision and the owners made sure he did the stairs in their personal homes. He used to show us homes and tell us whose they were and what he’d built in them. Fancy trim not withstanding he always said no one appreciates walking a well designed set of stairs but they’ll always notice the ones that are poorly designed and installed.

Once i learned to cut stairs (self taught) it became my favorite part of all my builds. I take great pride in them.

The last set of stairs I built I used lp lsl stair stringers. Straight as an arrow and no defects. This was the first time using them I was skeptical but after I was done, glued and screwed they were rock solid. The homeowner said there 400 lb friend went down them and not a creek or noise to be had. Thanks for the awesome videos you guys put out. Always enjoy hearing what you have to say! Awr

Bravo! You finally made a video on cutting stair stringers, comming from a person who knows how to do it. I am a retired Special Project Builder doing commercial casework, countertops and other speciality items. I worked at 2 lumber yards prior to my last one, and I cut out a lot of stair stringers using a framing sq. and a set of square buttons to do them. Since I was at a lumberyard I would calculate the stringers length and select the 2 x 12 SYP that I needed. Also sometimes I would add a 2 x 6 on the side of the center stringers for extra strength and on the outside ones too sometimes. When the treads and risers are glued and screwed on, no squeaks. It surprised me the number of contractors that I cut stringers for, and I think some of them didn't know how.

Great video on a fun subject! I love building with wood, and in my opinion, building stairs is the most rewarding of the building projects that I have done.

i am like so many in the comments section i have learned much and been encouraged to try to build structures that initially intimidate me because of lack of experience the knowledge and experience on display is very appreciated real carpenters and craftman really are not appreciated as much as they should be all tradesman build on top of the foundation it makes sense that the foundation be the best it can be

I find such joy in your videos. Many of the titles, want to blow off because I’ve done the job many times over. But, I watch anyway. I ALWAYS end up with a few take-a-ways, no matter what. Then I’m glad I watched. Keep up the good work. I like your style, passion, real world experience and enthusiasm to teach others. Making the world a better place, one project at a time.

Times running out for me now, but I left carpentry in my 30s. Now in my 60s through your wonderful videos I'm reliving the joy and satisfaction I used to get. I still get upset at how fast time as past. I still occasionally use my great grandads level and square he made in the 1870s. He made them as part of his apprenticeship, I check them and they are still true. I keep meaning to set up his block planes and use them aswell, maybe one day.

I've watched so many of your videos but at the end of the day you put so many things into a simplistic approach which is so lost for the young men/women today! You Are OLD SCHOOL You're the man! Wish my Dad knew and taught me what you know but I got your videos. So Articulate!

I spent 9 months building all of the stairways for a 7 story, multi-use building, almost every one unique. (4) 1 3/4"x 14" LSL stringers. A few tips: I used a 10 1/4" beam saw to minimize over-cutting. Move backwards instead of forwards as you cut the rise and run so your sawdust doesn't obscure your line. I used stair gauges on that job, but now just quick-grip any small, straight piece of wood to my square. Far better IMO. Keep up the good work. 👍

"More than one way to move up in the world" ..... I like it! ;o)

Your videos are a good thing for me on a couple levels. One, as a self-employed handyman, this channel is an educational resource and two, it's good for my soul listening to wisdom from someone I respect and admire. Thank you and "Keep up the Good Work".

As a structural engineer, whenever I’m tasked with designing a stair framing plan, I always spec scabbing a 2x to the side of the stringers (at least 1 side, both if possible) to compensate for poor lumber quality such as what you’re working with here. Love your videos and keep up the good work. ❤

Another great video. If I may add to your practical use of the humble chisel. A sharp, well maintained chisel is as fast if not faster than a power tool when it’s used in experienced hands and in your tool belt at all times. My current favorite all purpose chisel is the DEWALT one that has one side of the tang sharpened so it’s a chisel knife. The steel isn’t as hard as a more expensive chisels obviously reflected in the price. The tang is really long so it can reach alot of things a multi master cant. Great well made hand tools are just as fun as great well made power tools. Most of my clients are of a older vintage, when they see me do couple quick passes with a block plane to clean up the edge of a board I just ripped, or finish a plunged corner with a sharp chisel or pull saw, my value to them shoots through the roof.

Good morning from Kansas!!

Thanks Scott, for walking us all through your projects. This looks to be a very satisfying experience for you, certainly for us nosey onlookers! From a fourty something Australian Motor Mechanic trying to do a few jobs around the home, I try to hold onto all the little techniques and tips you've shared with this and the spec house , along with your other videos. I find your way of teaching very easy to follow as you explain why you do something can affect another process down the line. I really enjoy following your episodes and always look forward to the next. Keep up the good work! Brock

always satisfied every time see this man of the man builds a stair

This channel helps reaffirm that the values of craftsmanship and the job well done are still alive. thank you for making these videos. This channel reminds me a little of Shoyan Japanese Carpenter. There is a similarity in approach, and yet the differences are interesting too.

Perfect timing for me. I have a 10 step exterior stairs to build off a deck to build in 3 days time. After I recover from Covid-19. I will be building the stairs off a catalevered platform with no walls on the sides, so your timber selection tips are apt. Your episode is so comprehensive it's been a great refresher. Many thanks for your whole channel as well as this episode.

Another one outta the park! This vid was found in the nick of time as a friend and I are at the stair section of our deck project. As always well done sir. You are a gem.

I was taught to put a 2x4 on the side of the stringers against the wall as a spacer so you can slide the dry wall down and you can slide trim down 1x12 then bring finish riser and treds to it

i remember no all over internet how to vids, we sat x days and days reading awesome different trades books specially general contracting building since most our work was all track work, now channels like mr craftsman offer beautiful fine tuning in items were not so keen with... good day

You have done it again thanks EC and Nate need more podcasts

Incase anyone is wondering about deduction/additions at the top and bottom of the stringer: Bottom of stair (if landing on subfloor) is unit rise - tread thickness + finish floor Top of stringer (if using hanger board for the last rise as Scott has done here) unit rise +tread - finish floor You would also deduct the thickness of the hanger board on the back of the stringer (plumb face) prior to installing the hanger board

Loved the pun at the end! 😁

Thanks for the Old school tip. I have a set of stair tools, actually I have 2 setts that come in handy from time to time. but the one made out of wood looks interesting too.and should be easy to make. I have a extra long tool box just for construction tools so it will fit in nicely. keep the good work. There is great satisfaction in building something that will bless a family.

The official term is dragon tails. Instead of making the treads level we tipped them 1/8 inch lower at front for foot comfort. Makes a huge difference. Great tips buddy

I always enjoy watching a master craftsman at work 😁👌👌👌👏👏👏❤️❤️

This is a timely video. I need to rebuilt me back porch steps. Only 2 steps, and I'll use the old stringer as the pattern. But good tips for me on selecting how to cut the stringer. Thank you sir!!

My Dad and my 3 uncles who taught me framing since I was a small boy showed me a trick with stairs. The treads are slightly dipping down for sleepy feet. There are so many details you can add...Thanks for the vids, I enjoy them.

Raised a rancher years ago and a bunch of people from the sawmill I worked at gave me a day. That included the millwright's supervisor and he took on our staircase. With the layout done and hand selected stringers he completed our stairs in a day. That was in 96 and our stairs remain solid and silent. Good to have friends.

GGGRRRR!!!!! you over cut with the skill saw one of my biggest pet peeves i know it literally meants nothing to the structure of the board but still one of my quirks lol. great build and love the content......keep up the good work!!

Love you, Scott. It's a delight watching you showing how the good work is done.

Iowa says hello. Thanks for the motivation and inspiration

"Zeal AND Knowledge!!" Awsesome. Beautiful work!

Thanks! I'm not a builder, and I think your videos are awesome. I'm (trying) to learn so much from them.

That knot is not fair. Wooden humor. Great video.......

Great video! I love learning new things in each episode.

Awesome as ever , great knowledge well delivered , THANKS , 👏🏻and keep up the good work !😉 Greetings from Northern Ireland

Great video great advice. Thanks for the dedication you have to making these videos

Good evening from Australia Love your work 👍

As always, your videos are full of so much knowledge, inspiration and it shows in your craftsmanship. I really like the idea as to how to start a rip cut with a circular saw by bringing the straightedge to the saw, but i missed how you get the other end aligned and clamped down. I rip plenty of 4x8 plywood to size for the table saw (more manageable) and I always use the 1.5" rule, but am always willing to learn new tricks of the trade. Thank you again

A nice tutorial in easy steps! Nice one Scott!

Good morning from Brunswick

Something so soothing about the way you pass your incredible experience on!

Its always a pleasure to watch and learn

Thanks for posting this! Ive always been intimidated by stair work. The jobs i agreed on took quite a bit longer than i expected and not without some frustrations or headaches. Its a beautiful thing to see guys do stairs without problem or call it EZ-money. I mainly do kitchens and trimwork around the house (base,case and crown) so it would be awesome to see more videos from you guys on those topics :)

This video arrived just in time. I’m headed to the lumber yard to buy some 2x12s to hang a set of steps on my new shop. Thanks Scott. Cheers! Whipple

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and God bless you and yours.

I've used your videos to learn better ways to do the next task on many of my projects. I somehow got ahead of you by a week though, because I just finished a flight of stairs yesterday. I really needed that slick replacement for my stair gauge set (Inherited from my dad, who bought them around 1950). Still was a great watch with coffee this morning, as always. Thanks!

Thanks. Helpful techniques & ideas.

Love these start to finish series videos. The spec house got us all through the covid months with something to look forward to. Keep up the good work 😁

Thanks for sharing your videos and keep them coming please.

A step above others! Great work sir !

Solid thorough wisdom!

Always great to watch Essential craftsman videos. This is a man who knows how to pass on great skill and knowledge you can trust.

WOW!!! What a wealth of knowledge!!! Just found his videos, I'm hooked. I subscribed. Thanks for sharing and passing on your knowledge. Love your videos. Well explained, thorough, and awesome videos. Can't say enough....

I always enjoy your expertise and information on the job site. Thanks.

I use scrap plywood gussets, glued and stapled, on the problem horses. Works like a charm!

Very nice explanations.Thank you for sharing,

Great video as always! Keep up the good work!

I looked up stair building on you tubtube and yours came up. I've been a subscriber for years and have never seen this episode. As I watched, I thought to myself, I wish I could do like he does! Nevertheless, I have stairs to build and this video gave me more useful information that I could've imagined. But more than that, I gave me the inspiration to do as you would do and have a perfect staircase. Thank you for your knowledge and inspiration. God Bless

This man has so much class...