Mitre 10 Mitre Plan - Build your own stairs

Stairs are often needed for access to a verandah or a deck, or a cubby house in our case. You could pay someone to build them for you, or you could build them yourself with a little help from Mitre 10. There's nothing really difficult about it when you have the right tools, the right materials and the right advice as provided in the Mitre Plan. However safety is a must, so make sure your construction is safe and solid and that the treads are level and not too narrow for safety and comfort. Make sure that the height from one tread to the next, and the distance from the front of each tread is exactly the same over the full length of your stairs to provide predictable stepping pattern and to avoid injuries. If handrails are required, make sure they are firmly fixed as well.

Building stairs requires accuracy in both setting out and construction. So spend the time on them and familiarize yourself with the full process. It will be well worthwhile. The first thing to learn is some of the building terms that are used and what they actually mean so you'll have a better understanding of what is requires to make your job easier.

STRINGERS: These are the boards which run diagonally on edge from the ground to the upper level and to which treads are fixed.
TREADS: The parts you actually walk on between stringers.
RISER: This is the vertical distance between the upper surfaces of the treads and must be equal for all treads over the full length of the stairs.
NOSING: The top point of the tread.

LUKES Tip's:
1) Don't forget your safety when cutting timber. Eyes, ears and mouth if you are using treated pine.
2) Assemble your stairs near to where they are to go as they can become heavy to carry fully made up.
3) Before commencing this project, check with your local council to confirm tread and riser span regulations in your area.
4) Use non-corroding galvanized bolts, nuts, washers and nails to fix your stairs together. Ordinary hardware will rust and stain the timber.

HOME | PAST SHOWS | PRESENTERS | COMPETITIONS | CONTACT

*PAST SHOWS