New Deck Stair Stringers

Hello,
I have completed a deck project and am now building the stairs.
My question is this:
I purchased the pre-cut stringers and have placed them against the deck rim where they would meet the 7" requirement for the first step off of the deck, however this makes them land into the dirt, which I dug out. The issue is that the first step at the ground looks like it would be under ground! Is that normal or do I simply need to shorten the stringer by one step? Is the solution that easy or am I over thinking the whole thing. Can pre-cut stringers be trimmed or adjusted to account for things like this?

Many Thanks in advance for any much needed suggestions on this.
Robert

 

You can trim one or more whole steps off premade stringers if necessary, but should not trim a partial step as that will make the rise unequal, which is a code violation and a trip hazard.

It's usually recommended to pour a small concrete landing slab at the base of the stairs, and that can be set at the right height for the stringer. Then you can adjust the grade of the soil to match the slab.

But if the height of the deck is such that you will be way off with a premade stringer, then best to custom cut them to suit the deck and provide a safe stair.

 

If you do as Paul suggests in making your own from 2x12 lumber, make sure you adhere to a common 21 united inches for rise and run. If you shorten the rise to 6", make the run close to 15". Your body stride will acclimate to it. You may note that many Forest service attractions, or waterfall observation areas will use a 4" rise, and a 17" tread. Smooth flow of walking without the feel of climbing steps.

 

..... and don't forget to deduct the height of the tread from the first step when you cut the stringer - don't ask how I know

 

Raise the stringer against the deck so that the top tread will be flush with the surface of the deck.