How to build a set of stairs


Building a set of stairs require some knowledge of math and a few hand tools.  Since the majority of stairs use 2" x 10" x 1-1/2" thickness lumber, this project will do likewise.  The critical points to remember in stair building are the rise and the run of the stairs, the overall height of the steps and the building code requirements.

The comfortable stair rise is from 7-1/2" to about 9" and the run of the stairs vary from 9-1/4" to 12" wide.  Stair treads should not be less than 9-1/4" wide.  A rule or thumb for calculating stairs dimensions:

  •  Stair riser plus tread should be about 16 1/2" to 18".

  •  Riser height times tread should be about 70" and 75".

  • Stair angle should range from 30 to 38 degrees.

  • At the lowest point where the riser meets the top of the tread and between the back of the stringer, the distance must not be less than 3-1/2" in width.  2"x 4" material must be used to stiffen the stringer should the measurement fall below 3 -1/2".

  • A 9-1/4" rise and 9-1/4" tread would equal a 45 degrees stair angle.(not recommended)
Lets assume that a set of stairs is required for a sundeck height of 48" and the stair width is 36".  The top of the stair is required to line up with the top of the decking.  In this case we will choose 8" for the riser and a 10" run for the tread. For the 48" deck height, there will be 6 risers and 6 treads or steps.

We'll use a framing square and a pair of stair gauges for the stair layout.. Insert the gauges to the corresponding marks on the framing square, 8" for the rise and 10" for the run.  Use a sharp pencil (for accuracy) to lay out the 6 steps on the 2" x 10" material.   The short end of the framing square is called the tongue, whereas the long end is the blade.  Imagine the blade of the square as the run (tread) and the tongue of the square as the rise. If we connect the points 8" and 10", a right angle triangle is formed.  The hypotenuse of that angle is called the flight of the stairs.

Once the 6 steps are marked out, the top step is marked out for the tread width and the bottom step is checked for actual riser height minus the thickness of the 2" x 10" lumber.  With a skilsaw, cut along the appropriate lines and finish the cuts with either a jigsaw or a handsaw.  The pattern is traced on to an another piece of lumber and the stringer

The copyright of the article How to build a set of stairs in Home Renovations is owned by Eriki Filipe. Permission to republish How to build a set of stairs in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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