Since stringers carry the entire load of the stairs, they must be securely fastened at the top.
For more details on building stairs, visit the JLC Field Guide.
Attaching Stair Stringers
Depending on the depth of the second-floor framing, it may be difficult to secure the stringers to the header at the top of stairs. Three different methods, each with a different way of handling the top tread, are shown here. A fourth way (not shown) is to use metal hardware, such as Mitek CSH clips or Simpson Strong-Tie LSC adjustable stringer connectors.