This guide outlines how to build steps, with tips, step-by-step actions and handy shortcuts.
If you want to build steps, the design should match the floor plan and meet legal requirements. We give helpful tips on choosing materials and show how to calculate the optimal step size based on the incline height and step.
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How to build steps
Planning usually begins with the design and the desired material. For example, the upper and lower floors can be connected with a straight or spiral staircase. On a wooden staircase, in addition to the steps, the handrail is often made of wood. But there are also railings made of stainless steel that go perfectly with concrete stairs.
How to build steps: instructions and checklist
It pays to create a checklist. This way you can always keep an eye on the costs and also avoid mistakes when building your stairs. This applies if you are building a new house, and especially if you are merging two apartments or want to reconnect existing rooms.
How to build steps: terms you should know
Do you know what a stair stringer is? No? Then this short introduction is a good start before you build a staircase yourself. The topic is very extensive. But learning is worth it.
This way you can see which parts are particularly important during planning for how to build steps, and understand the information provided by the experts better. Use these basic vocabulary to familiarize yourself with stair construction.
- A staircase connects two floors.
- A leveling staircase usually connects the entrance level with the first floor.
- The walking line indicates which path you usually take on a staircase.
- The stair landing is a flat surface at the end or beginning of the stairs.
- The stairwell is the free space in the center of a staircase, i.e. where you can see the lower and upper floors in a staircase.
- The handrail is to support yourself when going up and down steps.
- The floor height describes the distance between the floors to be connected.
- The top step is the entrance, the bottom is the exit of a staircase.
- The tread, also known as the tread width, refers to the depth of the step. It measures at least one foot length so that you can climb the stairs head-on instead of sideways.
- The gradient describes the height that you overcome from one step to the next. You measure them vertically from one step to the next.
- The slope ratio results from the slope and the tread. A good ratio ensures a safe and comfortable staircase.
- The stair stringer refers to the two boards on the sides of a staircase.
- The stringers hold the steps.
- The riser is the vertical part of the step. It closes the space under the step. The riser is found on many, but not all, stairs. It serves as an important support for the step and prevents it from bending downwards.
How to build steps: the rules for planning
According to the standard rules (check for variations in your state), stairs must be safe to walk on, both during normal daily use and in the event of a fire. The standard contains all minimum and maximum dimensions. It is important to know this information for how to build steps before you start.
How to build wooden steps: instructions, wood types, tools
Wood is one of the most popular materials in how to build steps. A wooden staircase is particularly suitable if you want to create an additional staircase in the house and a concrete staircase would be too heavy from a static point of view.
Which woods are best to build steps?
Whether you build steps for an indoor or outdoor staircase, make sure you use high-quality wood. After all, the project should not only be beautiful, but also functional and last a long time. Solid wood is durable and easy to care for.
The wood from deciduous and coniferous trees is equally suitable for stairs. They include pine, larch, Douglas fir, oak, maple, ash and walnut. Beech is less suitable because the wood deforms easily.
However, you can create pretty accents with copper beech and maple , for example as decoration on the railing. Pine wood is particularly suitable for the cheeks. Larch and Douglas fir are considered very durable and load-bearing wood, while walnut wood impresses with its intense dark color. If you are looking for an attractive grain, ash wood is recommended .
Solid wood is considered particularly durable. With hardwoods, the maintenance effort is also limited. There are also veneered wood materials that are also suitable to build steps.
- Pine is a suitable wood.
- Larch is very durable.
- Douglas fir is considered a resilient wood.
- The heartwood of oak is a sought-after material for wooden stairs.
- European beech can be processed into stable steps and handrails.
- Maple wood creates bright accents, for example on handrails and cheeks.
- Ash has an interesting grain.
- Walnut wood has a dark color with a slightly reddish shimmer.
Also look for eyes and other blemishes that affect the strength of the planks. The following applies here: the fewer defects, the more durable the stairs are.
Humidity also plays a role. Make sure the wood is well dried. Planks with 8 – 12% moisture are best. Wood that is too wet will bend, and wood that is too dry will become porous.
How to build steps
Step 1: plan and calculate dimensions
First, calculate the number of steps for your stairs. How high should your stairs be? Divide this number by the slope height. 18 cm is considered optimal. So that you can climb up and down without stumbling, the gradient must be the same on all steps.
Step 2: Transfer dimensions and saw wood
Once you have decided on a type of wood and calculated the dimensions of the stairs, obtain sufficient material for the stair stringers, risers, treads and handrail.
Now use a carpenter’s square to transfer the dimensions to your wooden boards. The following applies to both cheeks: height of the step and the step at right angles to it. To do this, choose an inclination between 25° and 40° and first mark it parallel to each other on both ends of the cheeks. You also prepare the steps for assembly.
Take your time with the calculation and check twice before sawing. Everything is right? Then get to work. You need these tools:
- Circular saw
- Hand saw
- Cordless screwdriver
- Wood glue and screws
You use the circular saw to do the rough work: sawing the steps. Always place the saw blade on the same side of your markings. This ensures accurate, even cuts. Using a hand saw, finish the cuts until the piece of wood comes out. You then use the piece as a template for further cuts.
Step 3: Assemble the steps
Connect the two stair stringers together using a cross plank. To do this, mark the desired step width on the plank. Using the markings, screw the board to the front sides of the stair stringers. The board not only stabilizes the side parts of your wooden stairs: you will later use it to connect the stairs to the landing.
Now attach the first steps. Start with the risers to keep the appearance aesthetic and consistent. Only then do you attach the steps. With glue and screws you can ensure a secure hold and less noise when climbing stairs later.
Now comes the railing. Screw the posts vertically. Tip: Avoid horizontal crossbars so that children do not use the railing as a climbing frame.
Step 4: sand and paint
Finally comes the fine work: sanding and painting the wood. This is particularly worthwhile if you build steps outdoors. This is how you protect your work from the weather. But you can also turn your simple wooden staircase into an eye-catcher inside with the finishing touches and a beautiful color. In any case, you reduce the risk of injury if you sand off splinters, burrs and small bumps.
Note: Put on protective clothing such as glasses, mask and gloves before work . Be sure to wear a mask when sanding to avoid inhaling the fine wood dust! Sand from low grit to high. Handy, battery-operated orbital sanders are particularly suitable for smooth surfaces. It is best to use a handy eccentric sander for the railing and handrail.
Final words
After sanding, paint or varnish in the desired color. To apply the mass, we recommend a roller or a wide brush. It is important that you use a stair paint or varnish for wood.
Make sure there is good ventilation. Apply the paint or varnish thinly in two to three layers. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and allow the protective layer to dry sufficiently as specified there.
Photo by Taryn Elliott
