In this article, we’ll show you how to measure the stair tread width and stair riser height, calculate stair run, and lay out stair stringers. Using the stair tread measurements, we’ll build our first stair step. We’ll also cover how to calculate the height of the outer step. This step will allow us to build the outside step’s shelf. Then, we’ll move on to the second step and the second stair step.
Measure stair tread width
Before you begin to build a stair, you must measure the stair tread width. The width of the stair treads should be the same as the height of the risers. You can determine the width of the stair tread by measuring the length and width of the lower floor, then dividing that length by the ideal riser height. Then you must round the fractional remainder to the nearest whole number.
The width of a stair is the part of it that people step on, and is measured from the outer edge of the step, including the nose, to the riser, which is the vertical part of the stair. The width must be sufficient to allow for handrails, which can encroach up to 4.5 inches. There is a formula for calculating the tread width, which is 0.3 inches times the occupancy load of the stair.
The width of a stair tread must be consistent, so that people do not trip over them. To minimize the risk of slipping, the surface of a stair tread must be level. Slipping is often caused by an incorrect understanding of the surface of a stair tread. Most stair tread materials are sufficient for preventing slips, but a wet stair tread will significantly increase the risk of slipping.
Measure stair riser height
Before you can begin construction, you must first measure the riser height on one stair step. This measurement is important because it helps you determine the height of the treads. To get the exact height, you can lay a stringer on a flat surface and mark its height. You can use scrap plywood, or square a corner of another piece. Then, measure the height of the riser and tread on this board. Make sure to mark the measurements cleanly, and remember to keep in mind that the hypotenuse is traveling up the leading edge of the board.
Steps should not be higher than four inches above the floor. The standard height of a stair step should be 7 3/4 inches, but you must also be aware of your local building codes. Some codes require that risers be raised a few inches for safety reasons. However, if you are building a staircase in a new home, it is best to keep the riser height within a three-eighths inch range.
To determine the riser height of a stair step, you must measure the distance from the leading edge of the tread to the nose of the next step. The depth of the tread should be at least 10 inches or eleven inches. A good rule of thumb is to measure the depth of the tread at the nose of the first riser to be sure you’ll have enough tread depth for the next step.
Calculate stair run
There are two ways to calculate stair run. One is to use a specific stair tread size. The other is to count the number of steps in your staircase. To calculate the run, measure from the front of the upper floor to the nosing of the first step. Then, multiply this distance by the number of steps. Then, multiply the total run by the number of steps, and that’s how many feet your stairs will be.
The stair calculator on the website also has a reference figure to help you determine the stair run. In addition, you’ll find a conversion table for common fractions used in stair construction. Once you have all the measurements you need, you can start planning your staircase design. And don’t forget to add the cost of materials. After all, the extra money you save can go toward the cost of materials and installation.
The slope of your stairs is a personal choice, and should be in keeping with your personal preference and the area of the house where the stairs will be located. It must also be within building code ranges. If you don’t have enough headroom for the stairs, you might have trouble with the landing size. To solve this problem, you can extend the stairs into the next floor. If you want to increase the area of the landing, you can raise the riser height and decrease the tread depth.
Layout stair stringers
If you are constructing stairs, the first thing to learn is how to lay out stair stringers. You will need to use two-by-twelve stock for this purpose. Stringers are the structural support for the treads, so it is crucial to plan the length of the stringers carefully. To ensure that the stringers will remain stable and secure, you should measure from the top of the finished floor at the bottom to the top of the stairs. If you have an unfinished floor, you will need to make adjustments to the measurements.
The riser height and tread depth must be equal throughout the stair. You can measure the rise by extending the level of the deck to the landing and measuring from there. Tread depth is also known as the run. Most codes recommend 10 inches in tread depth. Deeper than this, however, will weaken the stringers and require a longer cut to notch them. Therefore, it is important to avoid making too many cuts in the stringers.
The width of the stair stringer will depend on how much support the stairs will receive from the house. If the stairs will have two interior walls, the stringer width will be significant. If the stairs have one or two open stringers, the stringer width will need to be smaller. However, if there is a living space under the stairs, a 1×10 stringer is sufficient. The width of the stringers will depend on the rise and run of each step.
Install stair risers
The first step in building a stair is to install the stairs risers and treads. Start at the bottom and use a compass to measure the distance between each stair tread and riser. Leave a 1/4-inch gap at each end to allow for expansion. Next, attach the stair treads to the risers. Install stair treads as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
When installing stair treads, be sure to take measurements and cut them accordingly. While you can trim the treads to fit the stairs, you might end up with visible gaps that need to be filled with wood filler or caulk. In addition, installing risers first will make it easier to level the treads. Installing stair treads first is a little more complicated than installing risers.
When measuring the height of the stair, you should consider the thickness of the flooring and the subfloor. Also, be sure to follow local building codes for stair construction. A standard riser height is seven inches. Divide your measurements by this standard height to get the exact height of the risers. This measurement will determine how many risers and treads you’ll need. If you have multiple floors, you can build multiple levels if you have enough space.
Next, measure and mark the stringer and tread positions for the staircase. Use a framing square and stair gauges to make accurate measurements. Measure from the top of the newel block to the bottom riser. Once you’ve finished cutting the stringers, you can proceed to the riser and tread measurements. A stair can have a total of 3 stringers, and each tread should be sized to fit the stair.
Finish stairs
When building a staircase, it is important to choose quality construction materials. Choosing a good quality material is critical, as it will give you a superior end product. Cheaper materials may have knots and voids that could crack in the future. Make sure to check the quality of the materials at the lumberyard, as most have them in stock. Also, make sure to take into consideration the design of the stairway.
You should first measure the width of the treads. This will help you determine the proper length and width. If the tread is too wide, you can cut it to the right size. Then, nail the tread into place. You may need to add a finishing nail to secure it into place. After all, the step should look more attractive with a new tread. In any case, the stairs must be structurally sound and secure.
When measuring the stringers, mark their height and depth. Make sure the length is equal to the depth of one stair. Make use of a framing square to lay out the stringers. Once you have done this, lay out the stringers according to the pattern you just made. It is a good idea to use your first stringer as a pattern for the rest of the stringers. This will eliminate a potential stair-building dilemma.
