How to make stairs by yourself: step-by-step instructions, calculations, and tips

Stairs are an integral part of any private house, cottage, or summer house. They provide a convenient and safe ascent to another level of the building or the porch by the house. If you do not wish to spend money on the services of craftsmen, then making stairs by yourself is quite a feasible task. Below you will find recommendations on material selection, calculations, installation, and finishing of stairs. The article will also be useful for those looking for information on calculating materials for a shelter, as the principles of planning and calculating the amount of materials may be similar.

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1. Types and purposes of stairs

Before starting work, determine where and how the stairs will be installed:

1. Stairs to the house (porch)
   Used for entering the house or onto the veranda, often located outside. Such stairs by the house must be resistant to weather conditions and have sufficient width for comfortable ascent.

2. Stairs in the house (to the second floor)
   Usually installed in the hallway or living room. Special attention is paid to design and comfort: the height and width of the steps should be comfortable for daily use.

3. Temporary or auxiliary stairs
   May be needed during construction, renovation, or for utility rooms (garage, basement, shelter). Here, the main focus is on strength and ease of installation.

2. Choosing material for stairs

The material affects aesthetics, durability, cost, and complexity of installation. The most popular are:

1. Wood

   • Eco-friendly, lightweight, and attractive material.
   • Ideal for wooden stairs by yourself in the house.
   • Can be easily processed and painted.
   • Requires protection from moisture and pests (treatment, varnishing).

2. Metal

   • High strength and durability.
   • Metal stairs by yourself are suitable for both interior and exterior.
   • Can be more challenging to install due to the need for welding work.
   • Often require additional coating with anti-corrosion paint.

3. Concrete

   • Reliable and resistant to mechanical loads and weather conditions.
   • Concrete stairs by yourself are an optimal option for porches or massive structures.
   • Manufacturing and what to cover concrete stairs with are the main questions to be resolved (from waterproofing to finishing).

3. Calculation and planning of stairs

1. Determine the total height of the stairs

Measure the distance from the finished floor (or ground) of the lower level to the finished floor of the upper level. This distance is the total height (often referred to as the “rise height”).

2. Calculate the number of steps

Divide the total height by the average height of one step. The optimal height is considered to be approximately 15 to 20 cm.

• For example, if the total height is 300 cm and you choose 17 cm for one step, then the number of steps will be approximately 17–18 pieces (the calculation is made without remainder, as each step must be the same).

3. Determine the depth of the step

The depth (the horizontal surface where the foot stands) is usually made within 25–30 cm. This allows the foot to fully rest on the step without hanging off.

4. Ratio of height to depth

For comfortable ascent, it is recommended to adhere to the so-called “golden rule”: if you add the height of the step twice to its depth, the resulting number should be approximately 60 to 64 cm. This is the optimal ratio at which stepping on the stairs is comfortable and safe.

5. Width of the stairs

The width should be determined based on:

• Traffic (how many people often use the stairs at the same time).
• Space in the room or on the site.
  For the comfortable ascent of one person, the minimum width of the stairs is about 80 cm. If two people need to pass each other, it is advisable to choose a width of 100 cm or more.

6. Angle of inclination

The higher and narrower the steps, the greater the angle of inclination, and thus the more difficult the ascent. Conversely, with low and longer steps, the angle is smaller, making it easier to ascend. Therefore, plan the angle so that the stairs are comfortable for daily use.

7. Calculation of materials

• Wooden stairs
  You need to calculate the number of boards or beams for the stringers or supports, as well as for the treads (horizontal part) and risers (vertical part).

• Metal stairs
  Determine the length and number of metal profiles (angles, channels) that will go into the frame, as well as the material for the treads (sheet metal, wood, etc.).

• Concrete stairs
  Calculate the approximate volume of concrete needed for pouring (taking into account the length, width, and height of all steps and landings). Don’t forget about reinforcement for the strength of the structure and material for the formwork.

Thus, by following the basic recommendations regarding height, depth, and angle of inclination, you can plan comfortable and safe stairs of any design (wooden, metal, or concrete). The main thing is to measure the height correctly, calculate the dimensions of each step, and select the necessary materials.

4. Step-by-step instructions for making stairs

4.1. Preparation

1. Finalize the project
   With the calculations ready, draw a detailed plan of the stairs, including height, number, and dimensions of the steps.

2. Purchase materials and prepare tools
   You will need:

   • a tape measure, level, square;
   • a saw (or angle grinder or jigsaw, depending on the material);
   • screwdrivers, drills, welding machine (for metal);
   • safety glasses, gloves, etc.

3. Prepare the base
   If this is stairs in the house, make sure the floor and ceilings are strong and level. If this is stairs by the house, prepare a foundation or concrete platform that can withstand the weight of the structure.

4.2. Wooden stairs by yourself

1. Making stringers/supports

   • Mark the cut locations on the boards for each step (taking into account height and depth).
   • Carefully cut out these sections.

2. Installation of treads and risers

   • Secure the stringers to the subfloor or ceiling beam.
   • Install the risers (if provided in the project).
   • Attach the treads – boards for the horizontal surface.

3. Railings for stairs by yourself

   • Install the posts (balusters), marking their placement on the stairs.
   • Mount the handrail on top.

4. Finishing

   • How to make wooden stairs by yourself beautiful and durable? Cover them with special varnishes, oils, or paints.

4.3. Metal stairs by yourself

1. Preparing the frame

   • Cut the metal profiles (angles, channels) according to the dimensions.
   • Weld the frame according to the drawing (2 stringers or supports with crossbars).

2. Installation of treads

   • For treads, you can use a ribbed sheet, wooden boards, or a combined option.
   • Weld or screw the treads to the frame with bolts.

3. Railings and protective coating

   • Install railings on the frame.
   • Be sure to apply an anti-corrosion primer, and then paint the stairs the desired color.

4.4. Concrete stairs by yourself

1. Formwork and reinforcement

   • Assemble the formwork from boards or plywood, securing it with posts.
   • Use reinforcement bars or mesh for strengthening.

2. Pouring concrete

   • Prepare concrete of the required grade (M200–M300 for stairs).
   • Pour the formwork gradually, thoroughly compacting the mixture.

3. Caring for concrete

   • In the first days, cover with polyethylene and occasionally moisten to allow the concrete to gain strength without cracks.

4. What to cover concrete stairs with

   • After complete drying, you can tile, use clinker, natural stone, or cover with special impregnations and paints.
   • If this is concrete stairs in the house, choose decorative materials (laminate, wood, vinyl) for a more attractive appearance.

5. Railings for stairs by yourself: safety and design

Railings are not only an aesthetic element but also a guarantee of safe ascent and descent. A few tips:

1. Optimal height of the handrail is approximately 90–100 cm from the level of the step.
2. Material can be the same as that of the stairs (wood, metal). A combination is also possible (metal frame + wooden handrail).
3. Fastening must be reliable so that the structure can withstand significant loads.

6. Useful tips and common mistakes

1. Carefully check calculations
   Incorrect height or depth of steps will make the stairs uncomfortable or even dangerous.

2. Use quality materials
   Saving on wood, metal, or concrete can lead to rapid wear of the stairs.

3. Protect the structure from moisture
   This especially applies to stairs by the house and concrete stairs by yourself. Ensure waterproofing and proper covering.

4. Don’t forget about design
   The shape, color, and finishing of the stairs should harmonize with the interior or exterior of the house.

5. Follow safety standards
   When working with tools, use safety glasses and gloves. Ensure that temporary structures (supports, formwork) are securely fixed.

7. Conclusion

How to make stairs by yourself is a task that requires attention to detail, correct calculations, and precision in work. You can choose wooden, metal, or concrete stairs depending on your budget, style, and operating conditions. A properly designed and constructed structure will last long, and railings for stairs by yourself will provide additional safety and completeness to the design.

Remember that for every project, whether stairs to the second floor by yourself or calculating materials for a shelter, it is important to accurately calculate the required amount of materials, adhere to installation technologies, and safety. The result will surely please you with reliability, comfort, and savings on professional services.

We hope that these tips will help you make stairs by yourself of any type – from the porch to the second floor. Choose quality materials, work responsibly, and enjoy the results of your labor!