Here’s some more information on stairs, courtesy of Bing’s AI chat:

Sources cited by Bing: https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-build-stairs-5206139, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFIqiwtaAYA, https://www.wikihow.com/Build-Stairs

How to Build Stairs: A Guide for Beginners

Building stairs can seem like a daunting task, but with some basic knowledge and tools, you can create a functional and beautiful staircase for your home. In this blog post, we will show you how to build stairs step by step, from measuring and cutting the stringers to installing the treads and risers. Whether you need stairs for your deck, basement, attic, or any other area, this guide will help you get started.

What You Need

Before you begin building stairs, you will need some materials and tools. Here is a list of what you will need:

• Stringers: These are the diagonal boards that support the weight of the stairs. They are usually made of 2×12 lumber and cut to fit the height and length of the stairs. You can buy pre-cut stringers at some home improvement stores, or you can make your own using a circular saw and a framing square.
• Treads: These are the horizontal boards that you step on. They are usually made of 2×6 or 2×8 lumber and cut to fit the width of the stairs. The minimum tread width is 9 inches, but 10 inches or more is recommended for comfort and safety.
• Risers: These are the vertical boards that go under each tread. They are usually made of 1×8 or 1×10 lumber and cut to fit the height of each step. The maximum riser height is 8 inches, but 7 inches or less is recommended for comfort and safety.
• Nails or screws: These are used to fasten the stringers, treads, and risers together. You can use 16d nails or 3-inch deck screws for the stringers, and 8d nails or 2-inch deck screws for the treads and risers.
• Metal joist hangers: These are used to attach the stringers to the top and bottom of the stairs. You can use standard joist hangers or stair-specific ones that have angled slots for the stringers.
• Circular saw: This is used to cut the stringers, treads, and risers to size. You can also use a handsaw or a jigsaw for some cuts, but a circular saw will make the job faster and easier.
• Framing square: This is used to mark the angles and dimensions of the stringers. You can also use a speed square or a combination square for some measurements, but a framing square will give you more accuracy and versatility.
• Tape measure: This is used to measure the height and length of the stairs, as well as the width and depth of each step.
• Level: This is used to check that the stringers, treads, and risers are level and plumb.
• Hammer or drill: This is used to drive the nails or screws into the wood.

How to Build Stairs

Now that you have gathered your materials and tools, you are ready to build your stairs. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Measure the Height and Length of the Stairs

The first step is to measure the height and length of the area where you want to install the stairs. This will determine how many steps you need and how long your stringers should be.

To measure the height, use a tape measure to measure from the floor where the stairs will start to the floor where they will end. This is called the total rise. For example, if you are building stairs from your deck to your yard, measure from the top of the deck to the ground.

To measure the length, use a tape measure to measure from the edge of where the stairs will start to where they will end horizontally. This is called the total run. For example, if you are building stairs from your deck to your yard, measure from the edge of your deck to where you want your stairs to end in your yard.

Write down these measurements as you will need them later.

Step 2: Calculate the Number of Steps

The next step is to calculate how many steps you need for your stairs. This will depend on how high each step is (the rise) and how wide each step is (the run).

The rise per step should be between 6.5 and 8 inches for comfort and safety. The run per step should be between 9 and 11 inches for comfort and safety. As a rule of thumb, the sum of the rise and run per step should be between 16 and

18 inches. For example, if your rise per step is 7.3125 inches, your run per step should be between 8.6875 and 10.6875 inches.

To calculate the number of steps, divide the total rise by the rise per step. Round down to get the nearest whole number. This is the number of steps you need. For example, if your total rise is 95 inches and your rise per step is 7.3125 inches, divide 95 by 7.3125 to get 13.03. Round down to get 13 steps.

To calculate the total run, multiply the run per step by the number of steps. This is how long your stairs will be horizontally. For example, if your run per step is 10 inches and you have 13 steps, multiply 10 by 13 to get 130 inches.

Write down these measurements as you will need them later.

Step 3: Cut the Stringers

The next step is to cut the stringers to fit the height and length of your stairs. You will need one stringer for each end of your stairs and one stringer for every 16 inches of stair width. For example, if your stairs are 36 inches wide, you will need three stringers: one for each end and one in the middle.

To cut the stringers, follow these steps:

• Take a 2×12 board and mark the thickness of your treads on one end. For example, if your treads are 2×6 lumber, mark 1.5 inches from the edge of the board.
• Place a framing square on the board with the long arm aligned with the edge of the board and the short arm aligned with the tread thickness mark. The corner of the square should be at the edge of the board.
• Slide the square along the edge of the board until you see your rise and run measurements on the inside edges of the square. For example, if your rise per step is 7.3125 inches and your run per step is 10 inches, slide the square until you see these numbers on the inside edges of the square.
• Mark along the outside edges of the square to draw a triangular notch on the board. This notch represents one step on your stringer.
• Repeat this process until you have marked all the notches for your steps on the board. Make sure to leave some extra length at both ends of the board for attaching it tothe top and bottom of the stairs. For example, if you have 13 steps, you should have 14 notches on your board, plus some extra length at both ends.
  • Cut out the notches with a circular saw. Make sure to stop the saw before you reach the corner of each notch, and finish the cut with a handsaw or a jigsaw. This will prevent overcutting and weakening the stringer.
  • Repeat this process for each stringer you need. You can use the first stringer as a template for the others by tracing its outline on another board.

  Step 4: Install the Stringers

  The next step is to install the stringers to the top and bottom of the stairs. You will need to use metal joist hangers to secure them to the floor or deck where the stairs will start and end.

  To install the stringers, follow these steps:

  • Attach metal joist hangers to the floor or deck where the stairs will start and end. Use nails or screws to fasten them to the framing. Make sure they are level and spaced evenly according to the width of your stairs. For example, if your stairs are 36 inches wide and you have three stringers, attach one joist hanger at each end and one in the middle, 18 inches from each end.
  • Place the stringers into the joist hangers and secure them with nails or screws. Make sure they are level and plumb. You can use a level or a plumb bob to check this.
  • Cut off any excess length from the stringers at both ends. You can use a circular saw or a handsaw for this.

  Step 5: Cut and Install the Risers

  The next step is to cut and install the risers to each step. The risers are the vertical boards that go under each tread. They should be cut to fit the height of each step and the width of your stairs.

  To cut and install the risers, follow these steps:

  • Take a 1×8 or 1×10 board and measure and mark the height of each step on it. Use a tape measure and a pencil for this. For example, if your rise per step is 7.3125 inches, measure and mark this distance from one end of the board.
  • Cut the board along the mark with a circular saw or a handsaw. This is your first riser.
  • Repeat this process for each step until you have enough risers for your stairs. You can use the first riser as a template for the others by tracing its outline on another board.
  • Attach the risers to the stringers with nails or screws. Start fromthe bottom and work your way up. Make sure the risers are flush with the top of each tread and the back of each stringer.
    

    Step 6: Cut and Install the Treads

    The final step is to cut and install the treads to each step. The treads are the horizontal boards that you step on. They should be cut to fit the width of your stairs and the depth of each step.

    To cut and install the treads, follow these steps:

    • Take a 2×6 or 2×8 board and measure and mark the width of your stairs on it. Use a tape measure and a pencil for this. For example, if your stairs are 36 inches wide, measure and mark 36 inches from one end of the board.
    • Cut the board along the mark with a circular saw or a handsaw. This is your first tread.
    • Repeat this process for each step until you have enough treads for your stairs. You can use the first tread as a template for the others by tracing its outline on another board.
    • Attach the treads to the stringers and risers with nails or screws. Start from the top and work your way down. Make sure the treads are flush with the front of each riser and overhang the back of each stringer by about an inch.

    Congratulations!

    You have successfully built your stairs! You can now enjoy using them for your home or yard. You can also add some finishing touches to your stairs, such as painting, staining, or adding handrails or balusters. Just make sure to follow the local building codes and safety regulations for your area.

    We hope this blog post has helped you learn how to build stairs step by step. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Happy building!