How to Build Stairs Around a Tree Trunk

Position two 2-inch L brackets evenly on the top end of a 1-by-8-by-24 inch board, with one side of the bracket flush to the largest surface of the stair board, and the other side even with the end of the stair board and pointing up at a 90-degree angle. Predrill holes into each L bracket hole position. Attach the L brackets to the stair boards with 1-inch wood screws passed through washers. Repeat for four more stair boards.

Position the first assembled stair board against the tree, about 6 inches off the ground where you would like the steps to begin. Mark the location of the L bracket holes on the tree and predrill each hole. Attach both L brackets to the tree using larger wood screws than the screws for the stairs, tightening until the brackets sink into the bark.

Position the next stair 9 inches higher than the first and with 3 inches of horizontal distance between the stairs. Attach the second stair with the same procedure. Repeat for three more stairs.

Use the number of stairs attached and the distance remaining to cover and determine how many more stairs will be necessary. Build the stairs following the previous instructions and attach them to the tree with the same pattern as before.