To build stairs, you need to first determine the rise and run of the staircase. The rise is the vertical distance between each step. The run is the horizontal distance from the farthest point on one step to that same point on the next step, measured parallel to the floor. Next you will determine how many steps and risers your staircase needs. A standard staircase is 6 feet 8 inches and has four steps, with a finished riser height greater than 7 inches. For each step you plan on building, add a 4-inch space between it and its adjacent step; this will allow for an even cantilever effect at each flight so each step appears level when viewed from above or below. The first step to learning how to build a staircase is figuring out the style you want. There are three major types of staircases, namely Wood, Iron and Glass.
Building a staircase is actually a lot easier than it sounds. All you need is a square, a saw and the right tools to measure. In this article we’ll show you how to build stairs by estimating step dimensions, building short stair stringers and purchasing pre-cut stair stringers. If you’re not sure how to make all your measurements, read on for some great suggestions.
The first thing to do is to make a plan.
The first thing to do is to make a plan. This can be done by simply drawing out the staircase on paper and then transferring that design onto another piece of paper, which you will use as a template for cutting out the pieces from your materials. You need to have all your materials ready before you start building, so check the measurements of your job site, make sure everything fits correctly, and make sure there’s enough space for a staircase.
If it’s possible, hire someone with experience in carpentry or ask around at local hardware stores or lumberyards if they know anyone who can help with this project (they may even offer discounts). If not, take classes through community colleges or adult education programs in order to get some skills under your belt before starting work on any major projects like building stairs.
It’s a good idea to use treated lumber for the stringers and treads, but not for the handrail.
It’s a good idea to use treated lumber for the stringers and treads, but not for the handrail.
Not all treated lumber is the same. For example, pressure-treated wood has been impregnated with chemicals that help prevent rot and decay. This means it’s less expensive than other types of treated lumber, but it also isn’t as durable or long-lasting.
Treated lumber isn’t always cheaper than pressure-treated wood either; in fact, you may want to consider using untreated pine or southern yellow pine if you’re building your staircase from scratch the cost of these types of wood is often comparable to the cost of pressure-treated pine.
Treat each of your stringers as individual projects, coming together in a larger project.
Treat each of your stringers as individual projects, coming together in a larger project.
Each stringer should be cut out and notched one at a time.
Each stringer should be treated with a different material, like cedar or pine.
Each stringer should be treated as a separate process, requiring its own tools and techniques for construction.
Notch each stringer before you attach it, so that you don’t have to notch after it’s been installed.
If you’re building a staircase, don’t notch the stringers after they’ve been installed. Notching is a technique that involves cutting out a space between two members in order to fit another member into it. In this case, you’ll need to notch the top and bottom of each stringer, as well as its ends.
It’s best to use a circular saw or reciprocating saw for this task; if you have access to either tool, it will make short work of it and ensure accuracy. Using these tools on a table saw could be dangerous because they’re unsafe at such close range the blade could kick back at you as well as cut through your fingers if things go wrong.
Notching each stringer before installing allows for easier installation without needing any additional measurements or modifications later on down the road once everything’s already built up around them (it would then require extra work).
The notches should be carefully measured out with a square, cut them out one at a time with a circular saw or reciprocating saw.
The notches should be carefully measured out with a square, cut them out one at a time with a circular saw or reciprocating saw.
It is important that the notch is cut exactly where you want it to be because all of your measurements are based off this point. The best tool to use for cutting the notches is a jig saw because it will allow you to have more precision when making these cuts.
To ensure that your stairs are all at the same height, tack nail your riser plywood in place then measure from the top of the riser to the floor above and transfer this measurement onto your stringer.
To ensure that your stairs are all at the same height, tack nail your riser plywood in place then measure from the top of the riser to the floor above and transfer this measurement onto your stringer.
Tack nail the stringer in place on each side of your stairway, making sure it is level with all adjoining floors. You can use a carpenter’s level or plumb bob for this step. If necessary, shim one end of each stringer until it is level with adjoining floors using wood shims.
Measuring from outside corner posts , measure up along both inside wall corners to find out where to attach a 2×6 beam. This beam will serve as support under any steps that sit directly over this post location.
When installing treads, leave a 1/4-inch gap between the tread and riser board to allow water to drain off the steps.
A 1/4-inch gap between the tread and riser board is necessary to allow water to drain off the steps. This is a safety feature because it will also allow moisture to escape, as well as allowing the tread to expand and contract freely as temperatures change.
Building a staircase is easy if you have a plan and are careful with measurements.
- Plan, measure and cut
- Measure twice, cut once.
- Use the right tools for the job. Make sure you use a miter saw for cutting the railings and stair steps.
- Make sure it’s safe
- Ensure that there is no trip hazard by making sure that every stair has a riser height of at least 7 inches from floor to tread (the part above your feet as you step).
Final words
Hopefully you’ve learned a lot about how to build a staircase. It’s not as easy as it looks, but it doesn’t have to be that complicated either.
