DIY Network

Simple Stairs Don't be intimidated by stair installation. From "Wasted Spaces" episode DWSP-301

Customize the stair design for any application.

If you don’t have space for a ramp – and don’t fancy shinnying up a knotted rope – stairs are the number-one way to get from one level of a building to another. Fortunately, they’re simple to install if you follow some basic steps and can use standard-size stairs.

Karl Champley taught a homeowner how to install these simple stairs for access to a swanky overhead study loft in her teen son’s new hangout. The also finished up the floor-to-ceiling makeover with a host of hipster design touches that give the entire space an urban flair.

advertisement

Simple Stairs

Tools: safety glasses work gloves tape measure level pencils hammer nail gun screw gun masonry bit circular saw jig saw

Materials: nails screws OSB sheets 2x12s or premade stair stringers 2x10s treated 2x4

Note: This project used standard-size stairs. Make sure to measure carefully and customize the stairs, if needed, to fit the space.

	Figure A
	Figure B
	The stairs are ready for carpet, paint or any other desired finish.

• Cut stringers. Cut three stair stringers from 2" x 12" lumber to accommodate a 3-1/2" stair height. Cut a notch in the bottom of the stringers to fit over a piece of 2" x 4" lumber, making sure to cut the notch in the same place on each stringer.

• Cut other lumber. For each stair, cut 10-inch treads from 2" x 10" lumber and 7-inch risers from OSB. Also, cut one piece of treated 2" x 4" lumber to 3 feet long.

  Note: These stairs will rest on a bare concrete floor – but untreated lumber will absorb moisture and rot from bare concrete. To combat this, install the treated 2x4 directly against the floor.

• Install the treated 2x4. Position one stringer against the wall and have a helper hold it in place. Fit the treated 2x4 into the notch and press it flush to the wall. Use a masonry bit to drill through the 2x4 and into the concrete floor, then attach the 2x4 to the floor with concrete nails (figure A).

• Attach the stringers. Toenail the first stringer to the 2x4 and attach to the top stair support with metal brackets. Attach a second stringer in the same way at the other end of the 2x4. Attach the final stringer halfway between the other two.

• Add the stairs. Install the 2" x 10" treads by nailing down through the treads into the stringers. Nail the OSB risers into the stringers (figure B). The stairs are ready to be finished as desired.

RESOURCES :
Dream Connection
Website: www.dreamconnection.org