We built a permanent front step that can be easily removed and replaced with the addition of a few decking boards. The post anchors both sides of the step, and a flush-mount cap conceals the bolt heads. A series of boards sit atop the posts and are secured with angle brackets that connect to the treads. For support below, use pressure treated 2×4 lumber for long life and durability; this is attached by means of galvanized nails or clips driven through toenails at either end.
A front step made of concrete is a great way to give your home a more custom look. This step can be built with simple tools and inexpensive materials and it will last for years to come. Materials Needed: Sandpaper, A sharp chisel, Caulk gun and caulk kit
If you need to add steps to your entryway, you can build them yourself. Its a simple DIY project using 2 x 4-inch lumber for the frame and plywood for the riser and tread. A carpenters handsaw or cordless circular saw is all you need to cut the lumber. For this project, we use six 8-foot long pieces of 2 x 4-inch lumber and one sheet of 3/4″ thick plywood.
Set up a saw horses
The first step to building a step for your front door is to set up a saw horse.
A saw horse is a sturdy piece of wood that you can use to support the board you are cutting.
It will also help keep your saw square. A saw square is a tool that has an adjustable angle setting on it, so it can be used as a ruler or leveler. If you don’t have access to one and want something similar, any carpenter would recommend using an L-shaped carpenter’s handsaw instead. It will get the job done just as well at less than half the cost!
Once you have set up your saw horse and have measured out with either tool (or both), use your handsaw or cordless circular saw to cut through both pieces of lumber so that they are exactly equal in length and width from top to bottom – this is called “crosscutting” because it gives us two identical pieces which we can then join together later when building our steps.
Measure the height of the front door threshold.
To measure the height of the front door threshold, use a tape measure and stand at eye level.
- The threshold should be the same height as your step
- It should be lower than your step
- It should be higher than your step
Mark the saw horse uprights.
To make the saw horse uprights, you need to mark your saw horses with a pencil.
To make the saw horse uprights, you need to mark your saw horses with a pencil. To do this, simply use a speed square and draw a straight line down their length at each end of where they will be cut (use a pencil to draw these lines).
Cut 2 x 4-inch boards to fit between the saw horses by holding the speed square along one edge and drawing a straight line with a pencil.
Next, cut the 2 x 4-inch boards to fit between the saw horses by holding the speed square along one edge and drawing a straight line with a pencil. Cut on both sides of this line and then test fit them in place to make sure they’re even before making any adjustments. Make sure you have one board for each step (front, side and back).
Cut the boards using a cordless circular saw or carpenters handsaw
To cut the boards, you will need to use a handsaw or a cordless circular saw. A carpenters handsaw is great for cutting long pieces of wood, but if you only have access to a small saw and want to make sure everything goes smoothly, I recommend using a circular saw. Use a speed square to draw a straight line down the center of each length of board and then clamp it down firmly so that it stays in place while you cut. You should also make sure your cuts are all made at exactly 90 degrees; if they’re not correct, your step will be crooked and won’t fit properly into place when attached later on.
Stand the 2 x 4-inch lumber in place on top of the tables and run screws through them and into both tables so they are joined.
Stand the 2 x 4-inch lumber in place on top of the tables and run screws through them and into both tables so they are joined. This will be your front step. The height of the front door threshold is normally 18 inches, so that’s what you need to cut your 2 x 4s to. The tread supports should be perpendicular to the stringers and spaced regularly across the width of your step as well. That way, if one of them fails or breaks (which may happen), it won’t upset the whole structure too much.
Cut tread supports and place them at regular intervals across the width of each step. The tread supports should be perpendicular to the stringers and they will help to keep your treads from sagging over time. Drill pilot holes for your screws, then run screws through the supports into both stringers.
After you have cut your tread supports, place them at regular intervals across the width of each step. The tread supports should be perpendicular to the stringers and they will help to keep your treads from sagging over time. Drill pilot holes for your screws, then run screws through the supports into both stringers.
Building Steps to a Front Door is easy, with some measurements and working with wood it can be done in no time
To build a step for your front door, it is important to have the right tools and materials. Tools you will need include:
- saws
- hammer
- drill/screwdriver
Materials you will need include:
- wooden planks or boards of equal length
Final words
There you have it folks. A step by step tutorial on how to build steps for your front door. This is a great DIY project for beginners who are new to working with lumber and want some practice before tackling more advanced projects like building a deck or shed. Hopefully this guide has given you enough information to get started, good luck.
