Some people think that building
a staircase is an easy and straightforward task, but the fact is that
the construction of stairs can be quite tricky and complex. Even a simple
measurement error can be enough to force you to start all over. Therefore,
before you attempt your stair building project, inform yourself and
set down a plan.
First Things First
Prior to putting down the plans for your staircase, check with
your local municipalities to ensure that you are allowed to build those
stairs on your premises. Skipping this step could lead to trouble. Once
you have obtained the required permits and have meticulously mapped
out where the steps are to be installed, it is time to take out your
tools!
How to Build Stairs
A typical staircase is made up of three basic parts: the stringer,
riser, and tread. The most important part of the step is the stringer,
as it supports the staircase and determines its actual size, including
the height and depth of each step. The stringers must be cut with great
precision. If you are unfamiliar with the procedure of how to build
stairs, you may find the job of cutting proper stringers difficult.
In that case, go to a local hardware store and buy some – it will
save you time and energy. It is common to use three stringers, two on
each side and one going up the middle of the staircase for additional
support.
The next step consists of
the risers, the vertical piece at the back of each step; they have to
be cut and attached to the front of the stringers. The number of risers
needed depends on the overall height of the staircase. In order to calculate
the approximate number of risers for your staircase, use the following
formula:
Take the height of the total
staircase and divide it by 7. For example, if the overall height is
14 feet, or 168 inches, divide 168 by 7 which will give you 24 risers.
The exact height of each riser will be 7 inches (168 divided by 24).
Treads are the horizontal
part of each step and are generally 10 inches wide. The number of treads
needed is the same as the number of risers less one (in this case, 24
- 1). Treads should be the last pieces to install on a staircase.
When contemplating on how
to build stairs, remember that precise measurements and accurate cuts
are the most important aspects of the work. Prevent frustrating problems
by measuring twice and thereby guarantee yourself a magnificent set
of stairs.
The risers, the vertical
back part of each step, will have to be cut and attached to the front
of the stringers. The number of risers needed depends on the overall
height of the staircase. In order to calculate the number of risers
for your staircase, use the following formula:
Take the height of the total
staircase and divide it by 7. For example, if the overall height is
14 feet, or 168 inches, divide 168 by 7 which will give you 24 risers.
The exact height of each riser will be 7 inches (168 divided by 24).