How To Build Stairs

Many carpenters will agree that stair building is one of the most intricate and complex aspect of their jobs. Although challenging, stair building is extremely common and necessary considering that most homes and buildings include multiple levels. Despite its complexity, many novice builders attempt to build stairs. Of course, instructions and videos on how to build stairs are effective. However, stair building is a technique that takes several years to completely master. Thus, it is unwise for an inexperienced carpenter to undertake such a task. Improper building of stairs could result in serious injury, and will not pass building inspections.

Information on how to build stairs involves a lot of math. For starters, carpenters have to determine the distances from the deck surface to the floor (rise height). The staircase constructed has to perfectly fit this measurement. The number of steps needed varies depending on the height. To determine the number of steps, carpenters must choose a preferred step height, and divide this number by the total rise height. For example, if the preferred step height is 5 inches and the total rise height is 60 inches, than 12 steps are needed.

Instructions on how to build stairs involves determining the thickness of stair treads, which is one inch on most decks. Initially, carpenters design a staircase layout on paper or a computer program. This allows them to accurately determine the starting point and final position of steps. Once the layout is error free, carpenters may begin constructing the actual staircase. There is no simplified method on how to build stairs. However, there are products that make the job a little easier. In most cases, staircases are constructed on a building site. The exception is when a spiral staircase is installed into a home. These stairs are generally brought to the construction site assembled.