Buzz
A staircase is a vital component in many construction projects, whether for outdoor decks or indoor structures. While the idea of building a staircase yourself might seem impossible, it actually consists of just three main parts: the side panels, the treads, and the risers. The side panels are angled wooden boards measuring 5cm x 30cm that bear the weight of your body as you step on the staircase. The treads are the wooden surfaces where you step, while the risers are the vertical pieces installed perpendicular to the treads. Once you measure and cut the side panels accurately, the other components should fit together quite easily.
Steps
Determine the Basic Dimensions
Measure the height of the space where the staircase will be installed, referred to as the total height. If you don't want the top step to align with the surface where the staircase begins, make sure to account for this distance in your measurement.
- For example, if you're building a staircase leading up to the porch floor, and you measure the height from the ground to the floor as 1m, that’s the total height.
- If you want the staircase to stop 10cm below the floor, then the total height is 0.9m.
Divide the total height by the typical step height. This calculation will give you the total number of steps for the staircase. A typical step height is around 17-20cm, but you may want to adjust this slightly for your specific needs.
- For example, if the total height is 240cm, dividing this by 18cm results in 13. Round this number to get the total steps, which would be 13.
Divide the total height by the number of steps to find the actual step height. Keep in mind that this height may differ slightly from the typical step height. Determining the actual step height ensures that all steps are evenly spaced, no matter the total height.
- Continuing with the previous example, divide 240cm by 13 steps to get 18.5cm. On the side panel, each step will be spaced 18.5cm apart.
Calculate the width of each step. The width of each step should be no less than 23cm, though 25cm is ideal. This provides enough space for an average foot to step comfortably and safely.
- As a general rule, the combined width of the step and the step height should fall between 41-46cm.
- So, if the step height is 18cm, the width should range from 23-28cm.
Determine the length of the staircase run. The run is the horizontal distance from the start to the end of the staircase. To find this dimension, multiply the total number of steps by the width of each step.
- For example, the run in the previous example is: 13 steps x 25cm (step width) = 325 cm.
Decide if a landing is necessary. The longest suitable wooden board for building a staircase is 5m. This means you can install up to approximately 14 steps. If your staircase is longer than this, a landing may be needed. However, you can choose to add a landing to any staircase if desired.
- If your staircase includes a landing, consider each segment of the staircase as a separate staircase run.
Determine how to attach the stairs to the existing structure. If the stairs are installed flush with the structure’s vertical surface, you attach the side panel to the existing framework. However, if the stairs aren't directly attached to the existing structure (like when they’re mounted to the floor via a cantilever), you must install a supporting structure or adjust the design of the top of the side panel.
- For instance, if the stairs are mounted below a cantilever attached to the floor, ensure the top step is not level with the floor surface.
- Instead, reduce the total height slightly and attach a hanging post to the top of the side panel.
Calculate the number of side panels needed. To prevent the steps from sagging when you step on them, wider stairs require more side panels beneath to maintain stability. A very narrow staircase may only need two panels, but it's best to start the design with three and increase if necessary.
- For safety reasons, side panels should be spaced approximately 40cm apart.
- Wider stairs are generally preferred since they make moving up and down the stairs easier and more comfortable.
Cut the side panel.
Use a side panel of appropriate length, with dimensions 5cm x 30cm. Don't rush to cut the panel into pieces. The side panel will be positioned at the angle depending on the height and width of the step, and both ends must be adjusted accordingly.
Mark the height and width of the step on the carpenter's square. In the example above, mark at 18.5cm and 25cm on each side of the square. You must clearly know which side corresponds to the height (vertical panel) and which corresponds to the width (step surface).
- Purchase a marking tool at the hardware store. It resembles a screw that attaches to the carpenter’s square at the required dimensions, allowing you to mark and cut the wood faster.
Adjust the side panel’s top according to the angle needed for the stairs. This angle depends on the size of the steps. Here’s how to do it:
- Place the carpenter’s square at one corner of the panel. Align the side marked with the height of the step along the top edge of the panel, and the side marked with the width of the step along the panel’s length.
- Draw a line between the two marked points for the height and width of the step. This line marks the horizontal line at the top of the side panel.
- Mark this line to match the width of the step.
- Use the square to draw a perpendicular line from the top of the panel to the point you just marked.
- Cut along these lines.
Measure and mark each step along the length of the panel. Use the horizontal line at the top of the side panel as a reference point. Measure and draw a vertical line equal to the height of the step. Then measure and draw a horizontal line equal to the step's width. Repeat this process and move downward until you have drawn the required number of steps.
Use a circular saw or hand saw to cut along the stair-step markings. If you're using a power saw, cut just up to the edge of the marking on the side board. Stop cutting when you're about 3-6mm from the opposite edge, then use a hand saw to finish the remaining cut.
Cut the bottom edge of the side board to make it lie flat on the floor. Draw a line parallel to the last step marking, and perpendicular to the side of the stair (where the final vertical board will be placed). Cut along this line to ensure the bottom edge of the side board is flat against the floor.
Test fit the side board to check for accuracy. Trim the top and bottom of the side board to fit the structure before cutting any other parts for the steps. Ensure the stair height is accurate. The side board should lie flat on the floor, and its top edge should fit perfectly into the existing structure.
Use the first side board as a template for cutting the remaining pieces. Place the completed first side board onto a 5cm x 30cm piece of wood and trace around it onto the new piece. Then, cut out the number of side boards required.
Install the stairs
Attach the edge banding. There are various methods for affixing the edge banding to the existing structure. The easiest way is to secure the metal bracket to the beam or floor support system. Insert screws through the holes in the bracket, one end flush with the edge banding and the other securely connecting to the beam.
- Place the edge banding on a firm surface such as concrete, wood flooring, or even a treated wood panel (for outdoor stairs).
Install the vertical panels to stabilize the edge banding (foot support board). Vertical panels are typically made from 2.5cm x 15cm wood. While it's not essential to install vertical panels, placing them between each step will enhance the staircase's aesthetic and durability.
- Cut 2.5cm x 15cm panels to match the width of the staircase. Attach them to the edge banding using 6.5cm nails or screws.
- Ensure the height of each step is uniform.
Install the stair tread boards. Cut wooden boards that match or slightly exceed the width of the stair treads, with the length corresponding to the width of the staircase or slightly larger if you prefer an overhang on either side. Attach the stair treads to the edge banding with 6.5cm nails or screws.
- For example, cut 2.5cm x 25cm boards to the width of the staircase to use as the stair treads.
- For a more artistic touch, use two boards with a 3-6mm gap between them. You could cut 2.5cm x 13cm boards to the width of the staircase and install two boards per step with a gap between them.
- For added stability, install 5cm x 10cm boards on either side of the main edge banding beneath the stair tread.
Install decorative panels on the outer edge of the edge banding (optional). Decorative panels can enhance the staircase's appearance by concealing the tops of the vertical panels and stair treads. Cut 5cm x 30cm panels to match the length and angle of the edge banding, but refrain from cutting any notches for the stair treads. Secure them to the sides of the staircase using nails or screws.
Varnish or paint the staircase if needed. Consider protecting the wood from environmental damage, especially for outdoor stairs. Even if you’re building stairs indoors, it’s advisable to finish the wood with a protective layer to resist wear and enhance its appearance.
- Varnishing, painting, or applying a gloss finish is suitable for stairs. You could also use anti-slip paint or apply non-slip tape to the treads.
Advice
- Make sure to install the landing step before placing the staircase treads to avoid the risk of tripping.
Warning
- Always verify the current construction standards in your area. This includes regulations regarding the minimum and maximum height and width of steps, the number of required edge boards, etc.
What You Need
- Power saw or hand saw
- Woodworking square ruler
- Marking tools
- Corded or cordless drill
- Short nails (at least 6.5 cm long)
- Metal cross joists for floor installation
- Wood board (5 cm x 25 cm) for edge framing
- Wood board (5 cm x 15 cm) for stair treads
- Wood board (2.5 cm x 15 cm) for foot support panels
