You can save a lot of money if you build your own wooden stairs. Regardless of whether you want to build an indoor or outdoor staircase, the construction requires careful planning, the right tools and a certain technical know-how. Certain requirements must be observed. According to regulations, the steps must be at least 80 centimeters wide and the tread must be no less than 26 centimeters deep. However, 100 centimeters of step width and 18 centimeters of step height are the optimal dimensions. Below you will find out what else needs to be taken into account and how this exciting DIY project can be managed.
First you need to know the exact number of levels of yoursStairscalculate. The total height of the stairs is divided by 18 (the step height). A round result is only achieved in exceptional cases, which is why the remaining centimeters are distributed evenly across all steps. If the remaining amount is more than 9 centimeters, another step should be added.
For a comfortable ascent and descent, you can use the convenience formula: 2 x incline height + step depth. If the result is between 60 and 66 centimeters, the stairs are comfortable. Please note that the stairs should have an inclination of 25 to 40 degrees. These measurements can of course be adapted to the existing conditions such as the start of the stairs. Here you can easily onlinethe dimensions of your new stairscalculate.
Further regulations regarding the railing:
– from 125 centimeters of stair width – handrails on both sides
– Handrail should not be deeper than 75 centimeters
– Railing height – at least 90 centimeters high
In this example, the stairs have the following dimensions: height of the steps - 19 centimeters, tread depth - 26 centimeters, 35 degree angle.
After the tread depth and height of the steps have been calculated, use a carpenter's square and pencil to mark the cuts for each tread on the wooden planks. Repeat the process until all stages are marked.
Always adhere to the saying: “Measure twice, saw once!” This way you can ensure that the markings are correct and nothing can go wrong. If the markings are made incorrectly, you will not be able to build a dimensionally accurate wooden staircase yourself.
A circular saw is the ideal tool for cutting most of the stair stringer boards, but not all the way. Instead, use a handsaw to finish the cuts. Cut carefully. Make sure you keep the blade on the same side of the line for each cut. Make sure that the incisions on both cheeks are at the same height.
A sharp hand saw ensures the accuracy of sawing and ensures the stability of the stair stringers. Clamp the finished part to the second wooden board and trace the lines. This way you save time and guarantee the same dimensions for both pieces.
At the point where the stairs connect to the stair landing, install plywood to create a connection point for the stair stringer. Mark the drill holes in the plywood and align the cheeks precisely. Screw tight from the back. Use an electric screwdriver as a tool to work faster and safer.
Assemble the risers. Then the stairs. Make sure the steps are cut precisely so that they fit perfectly in their spots. For a really good and lasting connection, you can glue and screw them at the same time. This also prevents squeaking.
Apply some wood glue along the edges and place the stair treads on top. Press firmly so that the glue adheres well. Repeat the process step-by-step for each stage.
For more stability, it is recommended that you not only glue the steps but also screw them. Use screws rather than nails to attach the steps to the stringers. Screws can be fixed better with glue and ensure a firm connection that does not start to wobble over time.
A sturdy railing is a must for safe stairs. It is important that it is built correctly and according to regulations to prevent accidents. The railing posts should be mounted vertically and with screws, while the handrail and railing boards should follow the exact angle of the stairs.
After the first railing board is attached from bottom to top, use a piece of wood to accurately determine the exact distance and angle to the next board. Once you have marked its location, attach it to the stair post with screws. Then cut the board precisely.
When you cut the wooden boards to size, again use the hand saw. This way you don't have to calculate the exact distances and angles for each wooden board. Repeat the process for each wooden plank until you assemble the entire railing.
Finally, install a handrail. Install the handrail hardware the same distance from the last railing board to maintain the correct angle.
The entire process will be easier if you assemble the handrail miter in advance. In this case, you can use nails and a hammer for assembly. Pre-drill the sides of the miter to prepare the holes for the nails.
Assemble the handrail with the appropriate accessories and attach the screws to the bottom. It is advantageous to drill the holes for the screws in advance to prevent the wood from splitting.
If you measure all the parts carefully, screw them together and combine them with a stable railing, only then can you build a safe and stable wooden staircase yourself. Please adhere to the specific requirements and be extremely precise when doing the woodwork. However, the project is rather unsuitable for beginners because it requires some experience and manual skills.
If you build such a wooden staircase yourself, you can save a lot of money and still make the staircase stable. Since it doesn't look very nice left alone, it is best suited for the basement. If, on the other hand, you would like to build this wooden staircase yourself in the area between the floors, then you can paint it and design it in harmony with the interior design. You can dress up the steps or cover them with a carpet as desired. The railing can be painted in any color to match the rest of the interior.
Such a staircase is not only suitable for the home, but can also be used in the garden. This allows different levels to be connected outdoors, for example in a garden on a slope. For this purpose, you do not need a stair design as large as the one shown in the construction instructions, but rather a smaller design. You can find an example of this in the video. Here you can watch a short video instruction on how you can build a small wooden staircase yourself. It has nine levels and can be used for different purposes. You must attach the finished stairs to a stable structure to avoid accidents.
