Cutting Steel Stringers: How the Fabrication Process Works

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Cutting steel stringers is the stage where flat steel sections are cut to the exact length, angle and notch pattern that a staircase requires. The cut is planned from on-site measurements and a detailed drawing, so each stringer fits the building without adjustment.

Starting With Accurate Measurements

Every steel stringer begins at the building itself. A fabricator visits the site to measure the floor-to-floor height, the run length, the width of the opening and the position of the landings. Small differences matter, because a staircase is built from a series of repeated steps and any error repeats with them.

The measurements are recorded and checked against the architectural drawings. Where the two disagree, the site measurement is trusted, since walls and slabs rarely match the plan exactly.

Turning Measurements Into a Cutting Drawing

Once the dimensions are confirmed, the team prepares a drawing for each stringer. This drawing shows the length, the angle of the incline, the number of treads and the exact position of every notch. It becomes the reference used on the shop floor.

Overall stringer length and rise per step
Notch depth and width for each tread
Connection points at the top and bottom
Mounting holes and fixing positions

Setting Up the Steel Section

The chosen steel profile is brought to the cutting area and marked according to the drawing. Marking is done carefully and often checked twice, because a mistake at this stage is harder to correct later. The steel is supported so that it does not bend or shift during cutting.

Each stringer is labelled with its position in the staircase, so that the left and right pieces and the upper and lower sections are never confused on delivery.

The Cutting and Notching Stage

The profile is cut to length and the step notches are formed along its edge. Clean, square cuts are important, since the treads will rest on these notches and any gap will show in the finished staircase. The operator checks dimensions as the work progresses rather than only at the end.

After cutting, the edges are deburred so that they are safe to handle and fit neatly against the other components.

Assembly, Finishing and Protection

The cut stringers are test-fitted with their landings and connections where possible. This early check catches problems before the parts leave the factory. Once approved, the steel is prepared for its finish, which may include hot-dip galvanizing or powder coating depending on the location and the client's choice.

Surfaces are cleaned and protected so that the finish adheres well and the steel is resistant to weather and wear.

Delivery and On-Site Installation

Stringers are packed and transported with care to avoid scratches and bending. On site, they are positioned against the building supports, aligned and fixed according to the approved drawing. Treads and handrails are then added to complete the staircase.

Because each stringer was cut from accurate measurements, installation usually proceeds smoothly, with only minor adjustments needed at the fixing points.

Frequently asked questions

Why are measurements taken on site instead of from the plan?

Walls, slabs and openings often differ slightly from the architectural drawing. Measuring on site ensures the stringers will fit the actual building.

What is a notch in a steel stringer?

A notch is the cut-out shape along the stringer that supports each tread. Its size and position must match the step height and depth precisely.

Can a steel stringer be changed after it is cut?

Small adjustments are sometimes possible, but cut steel is difficult to correct. That is why drawings and measurements are checked carefully before cutting begins.

Why is the finish applied after cutting?

Cutting and notching must be done on bare steel so the dimensions are accurate. The protective finish is then applied to the completed part.

Common mistakes to avoid

A common mistake is relying on the architectural plan alone without measuring on site, which can cause misfit stringers. Another is ordering the staircase before confirming the final floor finishes, since these change the true height.

Our recommendation

Measure the opening and floor-to-floor height on site, and confirm the final floor finishes before the stringers are cut. Ask the fabricator to share the cutting drawing for your approval.

Summary

Steel stringer cutting turns accurate site measurements into a drawing, then into precisely cut and notched steel that is finished, delivered and installed.

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