How to Build Stairs
All multi-story buildings and homes need stairs so that people can access the higher floors. Stairs can be of different sizes and shapes and can also be made using different materials such as wood, iron and concrete.
Required Materials
- carpentry level
- 2×6 lumber for treads
- framing square
- masking tape
- 2×12’s for stringers
Required Tools
- circular saw
- circular saw blade
- hand saw
Instructions
The riser, tread and stringer are the basic parts of all staircases. The function of a stringer is to support the stairs. Normally there will be two stringers on each side of the staircase. The riser and tread signify the height and width of the staircase.
The total height of the staircase means the height from the landing point of the stairs to the final point. The total run means the horizontal length of a single stair - measured by taking the width of the staircase from the end of the landing edge to the edge of the upper floor.
- Measuring Height - Measure the height of the staircase, then put 2×4’s down using a level.
- Calculating the Number of Stairs - From the height of the staircase, calculate the number of stairs required. Calculation is usually done by dividing the total height by 7.25. Be sure to get this calculation correct.
- Determining Treads - Find the total run of the stairs minus one; if you are intending to build 10 stairs, you only need to purchase 9 treads as the last one does not require any tread.
- Finding the Level - Find out the exact level needed for the staircase. As the height of the risers and stairs varies, calculate the exact height required for the risers by dividing the total rise by the number of steps to be built.
- Laying the Stairs - Lay the stairs using a frame square on 2×12’ stringers. Position the frame square level and mark its outline. Place the square frame on top of the mark already made then, after checking the level again, make a fresh mark. Continue marking similarly until the entire length of the staircase has been covered.
- Cutting - Cut along the marked lines using a circular saw. You can cut the corners using a hand saw. Temporarily fix the first stringer in place and check whether your measurements are right. Make adjustments if necessary.
- Installation - Fix the stringers and treads to the floor with nails. Remember to start installing the stair treads from the bottom upwards.
Tips and Warnings
- Check whether or not your staircase requires a handrail - very steep steps demand one as a safety precaution.
- When selecting the stringers, make sure they are strong enough by selecting wood specifically sold for stairs.