How to Build Basement Stairs With Cherry Treads

Measure Components

• 1

  Divide the height from the basement floor to the first floor by 7 ½, the height of ideal risers in inches. This will give you the total number of treads. Treads should be at least 10 inches wide with an overhang of ¾ to 1 ¼ inches. If the treads are 10 inches wide, not counting the overhang, figure how many steps you need for a staircase slope of 34 to 37 degrees.

• 2

  Use a carpenter’s square and pencil to outline a model for your stringers or supports for the stairs. The 10-inch treads will sit on a shelf that is 10 3/8 inches wide. The 7 1/2-inch risers will fit against a vertical support that is 7 5/8 inches high. Cut the model from a 2-by-12 that you will use for a stringer.

• 3

  Use the model, measuring tape and pencil to outline the treads and risers on three 2-by-12-inch stringers. Treads and risers are both ¾-inch thick. The top floor is your first tread with the wall acting as the riser. The bottom floor is your last tread. Since you want all treads and risers to measure the same, leave the top tread and the bottom riser ¾-inch short.

Cut Components

• 4

  Cut the risers according to the outline you made using your model.

• 5

  Cut the treads to match the width of the staircase. It should be at least 3 feet wide. A 1-by-12 cherrywood board is actually 11 ½ inches wide, the right size for your treads.

• 6

  Cut the risers to match the width of the staircase. The risers need to be a ¼-inch less than the rise of the steps. A 1-by-8 is actually 7 ¼ inches wide, the ideal height for 7 ½-inch risers. This spares you from having to rip risers to the correct height.

• 7

  Paint the exterior of the risers and stringers. Apply polyurethane wood finish to the treads and let dry for 24 to 48 hours.

Assemble the Stairs

• 8

  Measure and cut a 2-by-4 stringer support the same width as the stairs. Cut notches in the three stringers so that they fit flush against the 2-by-4 at the correct angle for the staircase.

• 9

  Rest the stringer notches on the 2-by-4 support. Secure with glue and two common nails for each stringer.

• 10

  Position the 2-by-4 support so the stringers fit in the correct position at the top of the wall. Use construction glue and two common nails to attach the support to the studs.

• 11

  Apply construction glue to the riser support at the bottom of the stairs and secure with three finishing nails. Put nails 1 inch from each side of the riser and one in the middle. Fill with wood filler.

• 12

  Install the treads as you install the risers. Work your way up the stairs. Apply construction glue to the tread base and nail with three finishing nails. Put nails 1 inch from each side of the riser and one in the middle. Fill with wood filler.