How to Make Removable Basement Stairs

Determine the height of your entire staircase and divide that number by 7, the average riser height in inches. Round the result to the nearest whole number to determine the number of steps the stairs will have, and divide the height by that number to determine the actual riser height.

Clamp stair gauges to a framing square, one at the 10-inch mark on the body and the other at the riser height on the tongue. Place this against a 2-by-12 board and trace the shape of the first step. Slide it along the board, tracing each step until you reach the target number of them. Do the same with a second board.

Cut out the steps with a circular saw, trimming the ends so the back of the stair top is parallel to the risers and the bottom is parallel to the treads. Shave off 1½ inches from the bottom of the lowest step to compensate for the thickness of the treads.

Cut twice as many 2-by-6 boards as you have steps to the planned width of your stairs. Screw two of these each to the upper surface of your steps to create treads.

Screw L-brackets to the back side of the top of the stairs, positioned so the horizontal portion is at the top. To install your staircase, hook these brackets over the bottom of the doorway to the upper level of your house and secure them to the floor. Unscrew the brackets from the floor and pull the staircase out to later remove the basement stairs.