How to Build Stairs

If you have ever tried to build stairs on your own, you probably realize the amount of algebra and formulas that go into it. You have a height where you want them to top out. You also have an area on the bottom where you want them to land. This is your rise and run.

You must then have perfectly equal treads. You also need perfectly equal risers. Without them, every human being will find the odd one because they will trip. This is a huge safety hazard.

The human mind is based on patterns and it recognizes them rather quickly. After two steps on a set of stairs, your mind adapts and you develop your pattern of walking. If one step is out, your going down.

In the photos, I was given a line on the floor and a line on the wall. I did the rest. My assignment was just to build the stairs. I decided to go the extra mile with the handrail because everyone else was still working on the math and the structure.

I just did these today in a free trim class offered by the union. I built the handrail from scrap wood that had been ripped off of some 1x6's. The 4x4's were just some junk laying around.

I get to tear it all down tomorrow. It all goes in the dumpster, firewood, whatever. The walls come down, octogon windows, trim, etc.

This is the huge difference between a union and a non-union carpenter. The training.... Sure, the pay and benefits are better as well. The knowledge obtained is unbelievable though.