Spiral staircases are a fascinating architectural feature for any home. They add elegance and drama to the entrance, giving it an air of distinction. But building a spiral staircase can be expensive and time-consuming, so many homeowners opt for an alternative: wooden staircases built around, or on top of trees. This approach is both easier to build and less expensive than a traditional spiral staircase.
If you have a large tree in your yard that you want to display, but is too large for a standard staircase, you can construct a spiral staircase around the trunk of the tree. The spiral design not only provides support to the tree while providing access to the upper floors of your home, but also adds value and beauty to your property.
If you’re lucky enough to have an old tree in your yard, you can get even more enjoyment out of it by adding a spiral staircase. This is the perfect weekend project for any do-it-yourselfer, and we’ll show you how to do it in five easy steps. First, find the right tree. Next, construct the form and pour the concrete steps. Then build the railings and balusters. Follow these steps and enjoy your new staircase.
Find the right tree.
Find the right tree.
If you want to build a spiral staircase around a tree, it’s important to choose a good one. You’ll need to make sure that the tree is strong enough to support the structure and its weight. Make sure that your chosen tree is also in an area where it can be easily viewed from your home or yard so that you don’t lose sight of this spectacular piece of art as you walk by each day.
Construct the form.
Constructing the form is the most laborious part of building a spiral staircase around a tree. It involves constructing two or three large forms out of plywood or other sturdy lumber.
The first step is to create a template for your spiral staircase by measuring out its dimensions on paper, then taping it to the ground so that it forms an outline of your future staircase’s profile. Next, using a string compass or ruler and pencil (or chalk line), measure along each edge of your design and mark out where you want to place each post in relation to both posts adjacent to it and posts at either end of the staircase’s shape. If necessary, use colored duct tape to mark areas that need attention e.g., small gaps between points where posts will meet when assembled later on so that everyone involved knows where attention is needed during construction later on down the road.
Build the concrete steps.
Build the concrete steps. After you’ve poured your foundation and leveled it, the next step is to lay down a concrete slab for your staircase. If you don’t want to do this yourself, you can hire someone else to do it for you (just make sure they have experience with stairs).
Once the concrete has set, use a trowel to smooth out any bumps or edges on top of each step. Also check that each step is level by using a leveler tool; if necessary, use wood shims under some of them until they are all level with each other.
To protect your steps from getting wet and slippery when rain falls and so that moisture won’t damage them over time cover them with plastic sheeting until they’re completely dry (about 48 hours should be enough). Then apply an acrylic sealant or polyurethane coating every few years as needed
Build the railings and balusters.
To build the railings and balusters, you will use a jig to ensure that all of them are the same height. Using a router, you will create grooves in each railing and then cut a tenon into each end of every baluster. You can attach each railing to its corresponding baluster using one or two screws at each joint; be sure not to install any screws until after you have finished shaping all of your rails because this will help keep them aligned. After installing all of your rails, attach them securely by driving screws through their tenons into their respective balusters you may need another person’s help when doing this because they’ll be heavy. Be sure to check that they’re plumb before moving on to the next step: attaching your stair treads and risers.
Trees add beauty to your yard and with a spiral staircase, you can easily enjoy them from above as well.
Spiral staircases are a beautiful addition to your home, and with a spiral staircase, you can easily enjoy the beauty of trees. If you have a tree that has fallen on your property or is otherwise blocking access to part of your yard, consider building a spiral staircase around the tree. This way, you can still enjoy its beauty from above as well.
When building any kind of structure around an existing tree in order to facilitate easy access between floors or levels (including ramps), it is important to consider safety at every step along the way – especially when planning out how much work needs doing and whether or not there are any health concerns with regards to working on certain parts of this project directly above another person who may be standing below them at some point during construction time periods such as those involving removal/replacement processes involving heavy machinery like jackhammers used during excavation activities.
Final words
You now know how to build a spiral staircase around a tree. It’s a project that will take time, but it’s worth it when you have the finished product. By following these steps and taking everything one step at a time, you’ll find that this project is not as difficult as you may think.
