Building a turning staircase can seem like a daunting task.First, add a handrail and landing posts at each side of the staircase; then start adding steps. Use strong wood like cedar for the best-performing stairs, or use pieces that are broken up and pieced together (such as the end pieces). Then measure for your first tread board, cut it to size and screw it into its place. Add risers once you’ve built a solid base so that no boards sag when you put weight on them. Finally, build another tread board.
A turning staircase is a beautiful and functional addition to any space. The functionality and durability make it a perfect choice for large homes and many commercial buildings. With the right equipment, building a turning staircase can be a fun project to tackle with family or friends.
When we moved into our new home, we made some big changes including getting rid of the old staircase. Unfortunately, because of the unique layout of our home, it was hard to find a pre-made replacement that would fit properly. We had to build one from scratch and you can too! It turns out that building a custom staircase isn’t as difficult as you might think. With these instructions, you’ll be able to create one in just 10 steps (get it?) and with only six tools (a circular saw, two levels, a protractor, clamps and wood glue). So let’s get started.
Measure and cut the steps.
- Measure and mark the steps.
- Cut the steps to size: adjust your saw to cut at an angle of 1/4 inch per foot (1/8 inch per step).
- Make sure the steps are square: hold a framing square against each face of each step, then check for 90-degree angles before cutting them to length or width.
- Cut your first treads so that they’re longer than what you need the extra length will help when fitting them into place later on in this process.
Make the side stringers
Now that you have the stringers cut, it’s time to make the side stringers. The side stringer is made up of two pieces:
- Bottom Stringer: This piece runs from bottom step to top step and is cut from a single piece of wood. It will be attached to both risers at one end.
- Top Stringer: This piece runs from top step to bottom step and is cut from two separate pieces for each riser set (i.e., left and right stairs). These vertical boards will be attached diagonally over the treads with nails or screws through predrilled holes in each board’s end that match up with holes drilled into the corresponding riser’s ends on opposite sides of its centerline.
Make the top cuts on your bottom stringer
You need to make the top cuts on your bottom stringer. This will be very difficult, but if you follow these steps carefully, it’ll be easier:
- Cut the stringer to length.
- Make sure that the stringer is square and level by checking its sides with a combination square or other straight edge tool. If you’re having trouble getting a perfect 90-degree angle from one side of your board to another, try flipping it over and starting again; sometimes this helps get things lined up better than just trying again with what you have.
- Make sure that your stringers are plumb by measuring down from each end of each stringer with a carpenter’s level placed horizontally along one edge of the board—the two measurements should match up perfectly (and ideally they will also measure flat).
Make the bottom cuts on your bottom stringer
To make your bottom cut, you’ll need to use a circular saw or hand saw. If you don’t have access to these tools, ask a friend or family member if they will help with this step for you.
To ensure that your cuts are perpendicular to the bottom of the stringer (and therefore square), use an angle finder or carpenter’s square as a guide. Do not rely on eye-balling it! Once you’ve made one cut on each end of each stringer piece, clean up any rough edges with sandpaper and repeat this process until all four stringer pieces have been cut and cleaned up in this manner
Plan out your top and bottom cut location on the top stringer.
You need to carefully plan out the locations of your top and bottom cut on the top stringer. The cuts must be straight, parallel, and on the same angle. If you want an angled corner between two walls, keep in mind that this will also be a 90 degree angle from your stairway so you will have to decide how many steps you want with an angled corner versus how many steps you want with a flat wall at that end of your staircase. This is where having a large compass comes in handy so that you can mark off where each cut needs to go before making any cuts into your wood pieces.
Cut out your stringers.
- Cut out your stringers. The stringer is the main structural element of the staircase, and it needs to be cut into sections that will fit into your wall. This process can be done with a saw and/or jigsaw.
- Assemble the stairs on-site for testing before installing them permanently into place. This is an important step because it ensures that all parts are properly connected and working together before you put in any permanent screws or nails.
Cut out your treads.
You’ll need to cut out the treads, which are the steps that you walk on. The simplest way to do this is with a jigsaw, but you can also use other tools like a circular saw, table saw or even a hand saw if you have one.
For the best results and for added safety, be sure to wear goggles when using power tools such as those mentioned above.
Install risers with glue and brads
- Using a brad nailer, drive the 8d nails into the riser and tread, one at each corner between each board.
- Apply glue to the edges of both treads, then use a hammer to drive in nails where they meet.
- Use a level to make sure your risers are even. If you need to adjust them, find plumb lines on each side of the stair and place shims underneath until it’s level. Then repeat for all risers as necessary.
Install your treads with glue and brads.
Now you’re ready to install your treads. Install them with glue and brads, or not it’s up to you.
Using a drill, install 2″ galvanized brads into the underside of each tread at an angle (1″ in from each side). Use a brad nailer or nail gun to drive these in place. If you don’t have either of these tools, use a hammer instead.
You can make a beautiful turning staircase for your home.
You can make a beautiful turning staircase for your home. This is an instructable that will show you how to build one, and it’ll be easy.
In this instructable I’m going to show you how to make a turning staircase.
This type of stairway is great for small homes or apartments because it doesn’t take up much space and it allows more than just one person to walk up and down the stairs at once.
Final words
If you’re considering building a turning staircase, the good news is that it’s not as difficult as it seems. There are plenty of resources online to help guide you along the way, and if you have any questions about your project, you can always call in a professional for advice. I hope this article has been helpful for anyone looking to build their own turning staircase.
