# Making Stairs Out of Logs
Things You'll Need
- 2-by-12-by-48 inch treated board
- 4-foot level
- 16d galvanized framing nails
- Framing hammer
- 18-inch-diameter, 10-foot-long logs (2)
- Electric chainsaw
- 9-inch lag bolts
- Heavy-duty drill with hex driver bit
- 12-inch-diameter, 4-foot-long logs
- Work gloves
- Safety glasses
Instructions
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1
Hold a 2-by-12-by-48 inch treated board flat against the vertical surface just below the top landing of the stairs. Lay a level on the top edge of this board. Adjust the board until the bubble in the level rests between the marks on the tube of the level. Drive four 16d nails with a framing hammer every 8 inches along the length of the board.
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2
Cut the ends of each 10-foot log at a 45-degree angle. Put the long point of both cuts on the same side of the log. Stand each log so that the bottom cut rests on the ground and the top cut rests on the header. Drive two 9-inch lag bolts through the top of each log with a drill equipped with a hex head bit. Drive each bolt at a different angle to add extra grip and complete the installation of your stringers.
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3
Cut a row of semi-circular notches into the top of both stringers. Carve a notch every 12 inches along both logs with the tip of a chainsaw blade. Take your time and make each notch 4 inches deep and 6 inches wide.
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4
Use the chainsaw to cut the remaining logs in half lengthwise. Have an assistant at one end of the log to hold it in place while you split it. Stack each log in half, as you cut it, until you have enough halves to use as stair treads.
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5
Place the tread pieces into the notches on the stringers. Level each tread and fasten it in place with two lag bolts on each end. Install all of the treads to complete your log staircase.
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