What stair stringer means
Stringers are the notched or housed boards on each side, and sometimes the middle, of a stair that carry the treads and risers.
Also called stringer, carriage.
Where it matters on a carpentry job
Cutting stringers is layout work: one mistake repeats on every step. Lay out from the finished floor and finished tread thickness, and check the headroom before cutting.
What the model code says
- Headroom in stairways must be at least 6 feet 8 inches. (IRC 2021, Chapter 3)
Check which code edition your building department enforces for stair stringer before you quote.
What it costs
For stair stringer, the closest koira.ai price is the staircase remodel cost guide, near $2,800 for a typical job and $1,500 to $4,100 for most. The guide shows its sources and what moves the price.
Work it out
- Cost guide: Staircase remodel cost
- Tools, templates and guides: Free carpentry resources
Sources: 2021 International Residential Code, Chapter 3, Building Planning (ICC). Checked October 9, 2026.