How to Build Rustic Stairs

Envision Stair Parts

• Understanding the basic parts of stairs helps. For example, the cut "saw-tooth" sides that hold each step are called stringers. Every set of stairs will need two stringers that extend from the bottom of the first room to the top floor of an upper room. Stringers can also extend to one or more landings between two floor levels. Steps where the foot hits are called "treads." Planning irregular boards or half logs to construct these basic parts of stairs will require notching, wooden pegs or metal hardware.

Use Dried Wood

• Design stairs with aged wood. You will need to purchase wood or logs that have been kiln-dried to prevent warping. New wood will bend and warp. If you want to install knotty pine boards for stair stringers, buy boards that are roughly 3-by-12 inches. Buying premade boards is easier than cutting your own, although you can use boards or logs cut from timber on your own land if you let the wood age properly. Half-logs make good stair treads when you install them with the flat, cut side turned upward.

Incorporate Alternative Materials

• Rustic materials can include metal and rock materials. If you plan to add rustic handrails, you can use round wooden posts or designs cut from metal to fill in where balusters (small vertical support posts) normally fit. Picture balcony railing in a chalet that has a row of metal bars installed between the upper hand rail and lower foot rail that are visible from the room below. Smooth river rocks and cut stones can form support posts for rustic stairs inside or outside.

Plan Creative Touches

• Recycled and found objects work well. You can use old boards and accessories from vintage staircases to construct rustic stairs. Materials such as leather, brick pavers and bamboo can be incorporated into stair design. Pieces of logs, bark and old cabinets will fit creatively into baluster sections of rustic staircases. Spiral staircases lend themselves to materials for railings that are somewhat out of the ordinary.

Add Protective Sealants

• Invest time in protective finishes. Rustic stairs can usually have more porous wood or vulnerable pieces than stairs constructed of finished treads and balusters, for example. Landings made of cut stones will need a masonry sealant to protect the stones from stains and water over the years. Polyurethane provides solid protection for steps and handrails.