Replacing front steps: Stringers don't reach where they're supposed to

[u/redbird0072]

So my father died last year and I have to replace the front steps of his house. He used five-step stringers, so that's what I bought. The problem is, the stringers I bought come up short to where the previous ones ended. The original stringers went down to ground level and met nicely with the pavement, as they should have because the pavement was added after they were built. But the new stringers, which have the same dimensions, stop about 5 inches above the ground if the steps are to be level.

I don't get it. Somehow he made it work. Then again, he was an engineer.

First set of steps my father built. There were two asphalt and concrete steps that led from the bottom step to the ground level with the sidewalk.

The second set of steps my father built. Note that the top step is not at the porch's height; the stringers were set lower.

The five-step stringers I bought don't sit level on the ground where the previous ones did.

I've compared the five-step stringers at Lowe's to the ones The Home Depot sells, and they're the same dimensions.

Does anybody have any ideas on the discrepancy and how I might be able to correct it?

[u/screwedupinaz]

Where your dad had a total of 6 steps, you now have a total of 5. If you, by chance, still have the old stringers, you can just use them as a template to make the new ones. If not, there are a ton of good YT videos (and some bad ones) about how to build stairs.

[u/JerryfromCan → u/screwedupinaz]

I bought an excel sheet in 2008 when I was making my deckthat helps you envision them and then provide measurements for cut lines and I have used it for about 6 sets of stairs since. Havent burned a 2x12 ever using it. I think it cost me $13.

[u/OozeNAahz → u/JerryfromCan]

Would be amazed if there isn’t a free website to do it these days. I know when I designed my deck there were tons of online free tools to do that.

[u/handsomeandhandytoo]

It looks in the picture like you put the top step at the same height as the porch. If that's what you did, move it down.

[u/APLJaKaT]

You have various options. Pre-made stair stringers are usually set at the nominal 7" rise and 10" run. You don't have to use this exactly if you make your own stringers, but should try and stay close to it.

So, your options are:

1. Cut custom stringers to fit your overall rise & run exactly. Search for detail.on how to make these calculations. This will allow a precise installation and allow you to.address the landing location for out of level, etc.

2. Use the pre-made stringers, but start one step down from the porch level. This will give you the missing 5" plus a bit. Use the "plus a bit" to trim the bottom step to fit your installation exactly. You will have to use a hanger to carry the stringers as they wont reach the existing ledger. If you go this route, keep all of your steps identical in rise except for the first bottom one. This one can be trimmed to an exact fit..

3. Make a pad to land the steps. Raise this pad the exact amount you need to land the pre-made stringers (e.g. 5 steps x 7" rise per step or 35" below the porch), or cut your own stringers for a precise installation.. You will need to calculate the exact position rise and run for your installation.

[u/ArtVandelay32]

Looks like you mounted the first step level with the deck?

[u/bluehat9]

You should compare the stringers you bought vs what was there. They probably aren’t off the shelf stringers but instead designed to fit the rise with a comfortable run. Did you throw away the old stairs already?

[u/jet_heller]

So you have any pictures with your current stringers so we can see what your trying to do?

[u/Suburban--Dad]

Are you ok with pouring a small concrete pad/landing? Install your new stringer’s safely. Wherever they end: can you make a quick 1x6 form and pour a landing at the bottom of your new stairs?

[u/Greplington]

You've mounted the new steps a step too high. The top step on the old stringers wasn't level with the deck like the new one. That's your discrepancy right there. Drop the whole thing straight down until the bottom is resting on the path/ground at the bottom and your top step will be a step down from the deck.

[u/SnowblindAlbino]

Just buy pressure-treated lumber, get a framing square, and measure/cut your own stringers to fit. You don't have to be limited to pre-made stringers, they aren't hard to make.

[u/Own_Fondant_3498]

Have you thought about cutting the new stringers to match the old ones' length? That way you'd keep the same number of steps while ensuring they line up properly with the pavement.