How to Build Stairs

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Stairs are an essential part of many construction projects, from decks to interiors. It can seem daunting to think of making your own, but they’re actually made of just three main parts: stringers, treads, and risers. Stringers are diagonal 2 in × 12 in (5.1 cm × 30.5 cm) boards that support people's weight as they walk up the stairs. Treads are the top baseboards onto which you step, and risers are placed perpendicularly under each tread. Measure and cut the stringers accurately, and the other parts will mostly fall into place.

The Easiest Way to Build Stairs

  • Measure the height of the area to determine how many risers, treads, and stringers you need.
  • Cut the stringer boards to size with a circular saw and install them.
  • Cut the risers so they're exactly the same height for each step and insert them.
  • Measure, cut, and secure the treads in place.
Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Making the Preliminary Measurements

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Build Stairs
    This is also called the total rise . If you don’t plan to make the top step level with the area where the stairs begin, be sure to account for this gap in your measurement. [1]
    • For example, if you are building stairs to go up to a deck , and you measure 3 feet (0.91 m) from the ground to the top of the deck, then this is the total rise.
    • If you want the stairs to stop 3 inches (7.6 cm) from the top of the deck, however, count the total rise as 2.75 feet (0.84 m).
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Build Stairs
    This will give you the total number of steps on your stairs. The typical rise per step is about 6.5–8 inches (17–20 cm), but you'll probably use a slightly different height for the actual rise. [2]
    • For example, if your total rise is 95 inches (240 cm), divide it by 7 inches (18 cm) to get 13.53. Round down to get the number of steps: 13.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Build Stairs
    Divide the total rise by the number of steps to get the actual rise per step. Remember this will probably be slightly different than the typical rise height. Finding the actual rise per step will ensure that your steps are all the same height, no matter what your overall rise is. [3]
    • To continue with the same example, divide 95 inches (240 cm) by 13 steps to get 7.3125 inches (18.574 cm). On your stringer, each step will rise 7.3125 inches (18.574 cm).
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Build Stairs
    The run (tread width) of each step should be no less than 9 inches (23 cm) and realistically at least 10 inches (25 cm). This allows enough space for the average foot to step comfortably and safely. [4] [5]
    • As a rule of thumb, the width of the treads and risers added together should equal between 16–18 inches (41–46 cm).
    • So, if your riser is 7 inches (18 cm) tall, your tread should be anywhere from 9–11 inches (23–28 cm) long.
  5. 5
    Find the total run of the staircase. The total run is the horizontal distance the stairs will travel from beginning to end. To find this, simply multiply the total number of steps by the run of each step.
    • For example, the total run in our hypothetical example is 130 inches (330 cm): 13 total steps x 10 inches (25 cm) (tread width) each = 130 inches (330 cm) total run.
  6. 6
    Decide if your stairs need landings. The longest boards suitable for building stairs will probably be 16 feet (4.9 m) long. This means you will probably max out at about every 14 steps. If your stairs have a long rise and run, you can install landings. However, you can install landings on any staircase, if you prefer.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Build Stairs
    The stringers are the pieces of wood that will run diagonally underneath the length of the steps to hold them up. These are what your risers and treads will eventually be attached to. Determine their length the same way you determine the hypotenuse of a right triangle in geometry: [8]
    • Multiply the horizontal length (run) by itself, multiply the height by itself, and add the two results together. Then, find the square root of this sum.
    • Keeping with the previous example, sqr(130 x 130) + (95 x 95) = 161 inches (409 cm)
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Build Stairs
    If the stairs will sit flush with the vertical face of the structure, attach your stringers to the existing framework. However, if the stairs won’t sit flush with the existing structure (such as if they will attach to a deck with an overhang), be sure to either create a secondary support system or modify the tops of your stringers. [9]
    • For example, if your stairs will mount beneath an overhang of a deck, making sure that the top step isn’t level with the top of the deck.
    • Instead, make the total rise slightly shorter and attach support posts to the top of the stringers.
  9. Watermark wikiHow to Build Stairs
    To prevent your steps from sagging or bowing as you step on them, a wide staircase will need plenty of stringers underneath to keep it evenly supported. A very narrow staircase might be able to get away with having only two stringers, but it’s best to start at three and work your way up as necessary. [10]
    • For safety reasons, the stringers should be spaced approximately 16 inches (40.6 cm) apart.
    • Wider staircases are generally preferable to narrower ones because they are much easier and more comfortable to navigate.
    10. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Cutting the Stringers

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Build Stairs
    Don’t cut it down to length just yet. It will sit at an angle that depends on the height and depth of your steps, and the ends will have to be modified. [11]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Build Stairs
    Mark a carpenter's square to the height and depth of your steps. In our example, you would need to mark it at 7.3125 inches (18.574 cm) on one side by 10 inches (25 cm) on the other. Be sure you know which side corresponds with the height (riser) and which side corresponds with the depth (tread). [12]
    • Look for stair gauges at a hardware store. These are small knobs you can attach to your carpenter’s square at the right measurements to make marking and cutting a breeze.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Build Stairs
    This angle will depend on the size of your steps. To do this properly: [13]
    • Place the carpenter’s square over one corner of the lumber. Lay the side marking the height along the end of the lumber and the side marking the step depth along the length of the lumber.
    • Draw a line between the step-height and step-depth marks. This line marks the horizontal top of your stringer.
    • Mark the line so that its length is equivalent to the depth of one stair.
    • Use the square to draw a perpendicular line from the end of the board to the spot you just marked.
    • Cut along these lines.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Build Stairs
    Using the horizontal top of the stringer as a reference point, measure and draw a line down a distance equal to the height of one step. Then measure and draw a line across a distance equal to the depth of the step. Repeat this, moving downward until you’ve drawn the necessary number of steps. [14] [15]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Build Stairs
    Use a circular saw or hand saw to cut the step notches. If using a circular power saw, cut to the edge of the marks on the stringers. Stop saw cuts 1 ⁄ 8 – 1 ⁄ 4 inch (0.32–0.64 cm) short of the opposite lines, then use a handsaw or jigsaw to finish. [16]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Build Stairs
    Draw a line parallel to the top of the last step notch, and perpendicular to the side of it (where the bottom riser will eventually go). Cut this away to make the bottom of the stringer flush with the ground. [17]
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Build Stairs
    Cut the top and bottom of the stringer to fit, then test-fit it before cutting it out. Make sure the height is accurate. The stringer should sit flush with the ground or floor and also with the point at the top where it will attach to the existing structure.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Build Stairs
    Lay the first completed stringer down on a 2 in × 12 in (5.1 cm × 30.5 cm) board and simply trace the outline of the first stringer onto the other 2 in × 12 in (5.1 cm × 30.5 cm) boards. Then cut as necessary.
    9. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Assembling the Staircase

PDF download Download Article
  1. There are many ways to attach the tops of the stringers to the structure. One easy way is to screw metal joist hangers to the floor joists or deck supports. Drive screws through the holes in the joist hangers, putting one edge flush with the end of the stringer and the other against the joist.
    • Set the bottoms of the stringers on a firm footing like concrete, wood flooring, or even a block of treated lumber on top of gravel (for outside stairs). [18]
  2. Risers are usually made from 1 in × 6 in (2.5 cm × 15.2 cm) wood. Though you can do without them, screwing these planks vertically between each step will make the stairs look nicer, and last longer. [19]
    • Cut 1 in × 6 in (2.5 cm × 15.2 cm) boards to the width of your stairs. Secure each stringer with 2.5 in (6.4 cm) screws.
    • Ensure that the riser height is exactly the same for each step.
  3. Cut lumber to be at or slightly longer than the tread run in width, and as long as the stairs are wide (or just wider, if you prefer a slight overhang on the ends of your stairs. Secure the treads to the steps of the stringers with 2.5 in (6.4 cm) screws over each stringer. [20]
    • For instance, you could cut 1 in × 10 in (2.5 cm × 25.4 cm) lumber to the width of the stairs, and use this for your treads.
    • For a special touch, use two boards and leave a 1 ⁄ 8 – 1 ⁄ 4 inch (0.32–0.64 cm) between them. For instance, you could cut 1 in × 5 in (2.5 cm × 12.7 cm) boards to the width of the stairs, and install two on each step, with a gap between them.
    • To make extra-strong steps place 2 in × 4 in (5.1 cm × 10.2 cm) boards on both sides of the center stringer under the treads.
  4. Trim boards can give your stairs a little more class by covering up the ends of the risers and treads. Cut 2 in × 12 in (5.1 cm × 30.5 cm) boards to the same length and angle as your stringers, but do not cut step notches into them. Place the cut lumber over the ends of your stairs, and fix into place with 2.5 in (6.4 cm) screws. [21]
  5. Varnish, paint , or seal your stairs if necessary. Consider treating the wood against the elements, especially if the stairs will be outdoors. Even if you're building indoor-use stairs, finishing them will be a safeguard against everyday wear and tear, and beautify the end product.
    • Almost any varnish, stain, or paint will work just fine for stairs. You can also use non-slip paint or put non-slip adhesive pads on the stairs.
    6. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What material can I use under steps to quieten down the noisiness?
    Community Answer
    Use a panel adhesive under each tread where it lays on top of stringers, before nailing. This is just like when framers (good framers that is) use same adhesive before installing decking to floor joists. This can be bought in caulking tubes at any lumber yard.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 24 Helpful 41
  • Question
    How many steps should I make if they are 108 inches?
    Community Answer
    Fifteen steps for 7 3/16" rise, or 14 for 7 3/4" rise. Remember that the stringer steps are one less than the actual steps. You could go with the 15, and 4 stringers if you knew a piano was being moved up them. 1/2" with 800+lbs makes a big difference. If the storm room is under the stairway, the extra stringers overhead can't hurt.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 17 Helpful 35
  • Question
    Can a small staircase be supplied in kit form?
    Community Answer
    Stringers of 3 to 5 steps can be purchased from your local lumber store. You can purchase them and the necessary step boards, cut to length, and assemble.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 24 Helpful 47
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Remember that the bottom step has the supporting wood underneath it, smaller in height than the other steps to account for the height of the first step that will be nailed onto it.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
      • Make sure the material you are using for the landing is in place before you lay out the steps to avoid trip hazards.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Always check building codes that apply in your area. These may stipulate particular minimums or maximums for step runs and rises, the number of stringers that are necessary, etc.
        Thanks
        Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Circular saw or crosscut hand saw
      • Carpenter framing square
      • Stair gauges
      • Corded or cordless drill
      • Screws (at least 2.5 inches (6.4 cm))
      • Metal floor joist hangers
      • 2 in × 10 in (5.1 cm × 25.4 cm) planks for stringers
      • 2 in × 6 in (5.1 cm × 15.2 cm) planks for steps
      • 1 in × 6 in (2.5 cm × 15.2 cm) planks for toe and foot boards

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Use a Carpenter Square
      How to
      Install Wood Stairs
      How to
      Cut Stair Stringers
      How to
      Figure Out the Dimensions of a Staircase
      How to
      Close Stairs
      How to
      Build Spiral Stairs
      How to
      Floor an Attic
      How to
      Remove Polyurethane
      An Expert-Approved Guide to Epoxying Floors Yourself
      How to
      Stain Stairs
      How to
      Frame a Floor
      How to
      Measure Stair Stringers
      How to
      Install New Stair Treads
      How to
      Apply a Stain to Laminate Floors
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFIqiwtaAYA
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFIqiwtaAYA
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFIqiwtaAYA
      4. ↑ Lui Colmenares. Licensed Contractor. Expert Interview. 18 August 2020.
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFIqiwtaAYA
      6. ↑ Agustin Renoj. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview. 13 January 2021.
      7. ↑ Agustin Renoj. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview. 13 January 2021.
      8. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/decks/how-to-build-deck-stairs/view-all/
      9. ↑ http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to-plans/how-to/a2145/4224738/
      1. ↑ http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to-plans/how-to/a2145/4224738/
      2. ↑ http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to-plans/how-to/a2145/4224738/
      3. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/decks/how-to-build-deck-stairs/view-all/
      4. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/decks/how-to-build-deck-stairs/view-all/
      5. ↑ http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to-plans/how-to/a2145/4224738/
      6. ↑ http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to-plans/how-to/a2145/4224738/
      7. ↑ http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to-plans/how-to/a2145/4224738/
      8. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/decks/how-to-build-deck-stairs/view-all/
      9. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/decks/how-to-build-deck-stairs/view-all/
      10. ↑ http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to-plans/how-to/a2145/4224738/
      11. ↑ http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to-plans/how-to/a2145/4224738/
      12. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/decks/how-to-build-deck-stairs/view-all/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To build stairs, start by cutting the stringers, which are the pieces of wood that run diagonally under the stairs and hold them up. Then, install the stringers to the top and bottom of the area where you're building the stairs by screwing them into metal joists. Once the stringers are in place, install vertical risers between each step on the stringers. Then, secure the treads to the steps of the stringers, which is what you'll actually be stepping on when you use the stairs. Finally, apply a varnish, paint, or seal to the stairs to protect them against wear and tear. If you want to learn how to calculate how many steps you need for your stairs, keep reading the article!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,532,898 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • J. B.

        May 21, 2017

        "Properly position the carpenter's square near one end of the lumber and lightly mark the apex of the square on ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement