DIY Tip of the Day: Stronger Stair Stringers. This simple method will give you stronger stairs. Cut 2x12 stringers long and secure them to blocking or to the joists if they run parallel to the stringers. Cut extra off the top riser to allow for the rim joist. Set your stair rise to 7-1/4 in. and tread to 11 in. Leave a minimum of 3-1/2 in. of wood perpendicular to the back of the stringer and the deepest cutout.
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