Building a hardwood staircase
If you are looking for a more personalized home, then you can try building your own staircase. Also the skills that you will learn will also help you build patios, and do a lot of home renovation. So here are a few tips on how to build and assemble your own staircase.
Measurements
- First of all lay a 2×4 plank of wood on the landing and make sure that it’s leveled. Then proceed with the measurements.
- First measure the rise of the staircase. Measure the distance from floor to floor. Then get the number of steps by dividing the total height by 7 inches, the typical rise of a step.
- Next determine the run of the staircase. This is the horizontal depth. To find out the run, multiply the width of the stairs with the number of stairs.
Making the cuts
- You will need a framing square for the job. Draw the notches for the future steps onto a 2×12 piece of wood. Set the width of the framing square at 10.5 inches in width and then mark the step. Do the same thing for the next steps.
- Use a circular saw to cut the steps.
- The bottom of the stringers will need to be trimmed to match the needed size.
Assembling the staircase
- The first step is to make sure the whole assembly place is leveled. Drill holes and screw the stringers into the top landing. It should be a stringer framing the outside, with another one aligned in the center.
- Next fasten the risers using the 2×4 boards. Now hammer the risers into vertical position on the stringers. Use headless nails, but be careful not to make mistakes.
- Use 2×6 boards to fasten the treads. Use a hammer and nails.
- The last thing you will need to do is protect the stairs with paint or stain and a layer of varnish.