Build an open tread staircase and set of steps with a minimum of construction and effort. Begin by building the foundation. You can use pressure-treated lumber for the framework of your stair, with an inside corner and outside corner to suggest stability, or you can use 4 × 4s for a more rustic look. Once your bottom tread is complete, start adding top steps and railings one at a time to create a sturdy layout that won’t wobble or tilt when requested weight is placed upon it. An open tread staircase is a popular design choice because they offer a more spacious and open entryway. Open tread staircases also allow light and air to pass through the lobby of your home. This means your house will be warmer and more inviting.
Open tread stairs are more popular than enclosed stairs. The open type features a substantial landing and multiple staircases instead of one. Another advantage is that it allows for more light to reach each level. There are several types of open tread staircases, from open roofed to open board and batten.
Staircases are one of the most visible parts of any home and can have a huge impact on its ambiance. An open staircase creates a unique sense of space and style, but they can be difficult to build. Following these steps will help you build an open staircase with ease:
Create your staircase on a large scale.
- Make sure you have the right tools.
- Make sure you have the right materials.
- Make sure you have the right space to build your staircase.
- Make sure to take all necessary safety precautions when working with power tools and heavy materials, such as steel or concrete.
Use a scaffold tower instead of ladders.
If you’re building a staircase that’s 12 feet or higher, it’s best to use scaffolding towers instead of ladders. Scaffolds are strong and can support the weight of many people at once, so you won’t have to worry about your safety—or anyone else’s.
Upgrade the treads and risers if necessary.
You may need to replace the tread and riser boards with a material that is more durable, attractive, or affordable. If your treads and risers are made of pressure treated lumber and they have been exposed to the elements for years, it’s probably time to give them an overhaul. For example, if you live in a coastal region where salt water from the ocean is present throughout much of the year, then you’ll find that regular pressure treated lumber will not hold up very well over time because it tends not to last as long as other exterior grade materials like cedar or redwood which are naturally resistant against rot due to their high density.
If you want to upgrade your staircase with a different type of wood material then it’s best if you choose one that matches its surroundings so that everything looks cohesive when viewed from afar (or close up). When considering how much it will cost for such an upgrade there are two main factors: firstly what kind of new material do we want? And secondly how much effort does replacing each individual board require?
Cut out the stringers.
Now that you’ve drawn your outline, it’s time to cut out the stringers. If you have a circular saw, this step will be easy for you. Make sure your saw is very sharp and set up so that it cuts just outside of where the blade will meet the wood (1/8″ away from the line). This ensures a smooth cut without splintering or chipping at all.
You will also want to make sure that your stringers are level with each other if they aren’t, they won’t fit together later on in construction. For this reason, we recommend using a protractor instead of eyeballing it when measuring angles between cuts. You can find one at any home improvement store.
Once everything has been measured and cut according to plan or if this was done before laying out plans you can move onto assembly.
Add in the treads and risers.
Now that you have the risers and treads in place, it’s time to attach them. You’ll need a ladder, or scaffold tower if you’re working at a high elevation, to reach the top of your staircase. While you’re up there and you have all your tools out for this part of the project, make sure that everything is level and even by using a measuring tape along with spacers (the same kind used in measuring glasses!). This will ensure that each riser and tread is exactly where it needs to be when it’s attached later on in the process.
Attach the balustrade.
To attach the balustrade, start by screwing on balustrade clips to the inner and outer stringer. The instructions will specify how many clips you need based on your staircase length and design.
Then, use a spirit level to check that the balustrade is level all the way across, adjusting if necessary by removing clips and shimming underneath them with wooden blocks.
Install the sinker boards at the top and bottom of the stairs.
Install the sinker boards at the top and bottom of the stairs. These are the boards that you nail to the treads at both ends of your staircase, which will hold it in place. They can be made from any material that’s strong enough to withstand pressure from rough use, such as plywood or MDF (medium-density fiberboard).
It’s possible to do this with good planning.
If you’re willing to put in the work and follow a plan, it’s possible to build an open tread staircase.
The first thing you’ll need is a good plan. If you don’t have one, ask someone who does know how to build staircases for advice on how to make one yourself. You can also find plenty of free resources online about how to build an open tread staircase which should help get you started on your own project.
Final words
At this point, you should have all the knowledge you need to build your own staircase. As long as you follow the steps outlined in this guide with care, you should end up with a beautiful staircase that will last for years to come.
