How to Build a Hardwood Staircase

Measurements

• 1

  Lay a 2x4 plank on the landing, standing up on its side. Check with the level before proceeding with the measurements.

• 2

  Determine the rise of the staircase. Measure from the top of the plank down to the ground/floor. Let's say that is 70 inches. Divide this by 7 inches, the typical rise per step. That yields 10 steps with a rise of 7 inches per step.

• 3

  Determine the run of the staircase. The run is the horizontal depth of the staircase, which should be at least 10 inches, with the typical stair width being between 10.5 and 11.5 inches. Let's say these stairs are 10.5 inches wide. Multiply these numbers together (10 * 10.5) to find the run, which in this example is 105 inches.

Cut the Springers

• 4

  Use the framing square to draw out the notches for the future steps onto a 2x12. This device had guide pins that can be set to give it a firm fit along the other side of the plank. Set its width for 10.5 inches and mark out a step with the pencil. Then move it down so the top pin is now set where the bottom pin previously was, placing the square into position for the next step. In this example, this needs to be repeated for 10 steps.

• 5

  Cut the steps out with a circular saw.

• 6

  Trim the bottom of the springer by cutting off the width of the proposed stair treads. In this example, 2x6s are being used that have a width of roughly 1.5 inches, so cut 1.5 inches off.

• 7

  Repeat until the necessary number of stringers are made. This example needs three, but a smaller example may need only two, while a larger one might need four or more.

Erecting the stairs

• 8

  Check with a level, and then drill holes and screw the stringers into place at the top landing. There should be a stringer framing the outside, with one more aligned in the center, covering an 8-foot space.

• 9

  Fasten the risers using the 2x4 boards. In a different staircase design, they may need trimming, but this design is 8 feet wide and presumably the lumber was cut properly at the yard. Hammer the risers into their vertical position on the springers, using the more discrete headless nails. Be careful, however, as these are hard to extract if you make a mistake.

• 10

  Fasten the treads using the 2x6 boards with hammer and nails. Two per tread will be necessary for this model.