Making an interior or exterior wooden staircase – practical information sheet

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You have decided to make an outdoor or indoor wooden staircase and you are looking for ideas for its design and creation? Designmag offers you a practical information sheet to help you realize this DIY project.

Examine it and consult our two tutorials in pictures that will allow you to visualize the essential points to remember!

Making an interior or exterior wooden staircase is a quite possible task.

It requires a bit of preparation, planning and preliminary calculations. Side construction principle and rules on the steps, know that the tread (the horizontal part of the steps) must be between 24 and 31 cm and that their width must be at least 80 cm.

Making a wooden staircase – the first stage of the project passes necessary by the calculation of the dimensions

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Making a wooden staircase is an activity that can not, in any case, succeed without some preliminary calculations. Below, we reveal the details of the steps to follow for this preliminary step.

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To calculate the dimensions of his future wooden staircase, we divide the work in a few steps. To start, we make a list of things to consider. They touch on the following aspects:

• the height of the stairs
• the slope of the stairs
• the number of steps
• the dimensions of the steps

To facilitate his work, we note his elements on a piece of paper to write the results of his calculation in front of each point. We take measurements of the space where the stairs will be placed. Then, we use a computing tool on the web, like, for example this one. Of course, you could also ask a consultant at a DIY store.

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The information obtained at the end of the step calculation stage will help you to get an idea of ​​the number of steps to build; they will be helpful in determining what materials will be needed for your project. Once this information is ready, you can think of ways to customize the project.

What are the standard dimensions of a classic wood interior staircase?

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As a general rule, the typical dimensions of a wooden interior staircase are as follows:

• height of the ceiling space: between 2. 50 m and 2. 81 m
• the arrangement of the steps (also known as steps): between 60 cm and 90 cm
• height of steps: between 16 cm and 23 cm

Good to know: the steps have an ideal height that is determined in time. It is 18 cm, this height corresponding best to the physical effort we are willing to make to go up the stairs. Respecting this practical information will allow us to build a practical and comfortable wooden staircase.

How to make a wooden staircase from his calculations

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After finishing the calculation step, we move to that of their realization. A square and a pencil are used to draw the cutting lines on the wooden material; these will be used to create steps and risers of his wooden staircase. Note: this part of the work is to be done with extreme attention to detail.

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We then go to the cutting stage for which we will need a saw and a hand saw (to eliminate small imperfections). Cut according to the lines drawn on the wooden planks during the previous step.

Assemble a self-made wooden staircase – a description of the steps to follow

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Once all the boards are cut, we are ready for the step of fixing the stairs. This work is done using wooden plates that should be fixed at the landing. At the end of this step, it is ensured that all the elements are firmly fixed.

The work on the wooden staircase itself continues with the installation of risers. These are made from wooden planks that have been previously cut using the calculations already made as a starting point. They contain all the practical data relating to the size of risers.

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Once cut, risers are attached to the interior wood staircase. For this, we use a screwdriver and glue. The two means of fixing the risers will guarantee us more stability of the staircase.

After the risers, the treads are installed. They can be made in one or more planks that have been cut according to his calculations. His boards are attached to the skeleton of the stairs with screws and glue.

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To make a secure interior wooden staircase, do not forget the railing and the handrail! These can be homemade or purchased ready to put on. In any case, it is ensured that it is fixed to the wall in a solid manner; as for the handrail, we pay attention that it follows the angle of its DIY staircase.

How to make a wooden staircase outside for garden or terrace

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Nowadays, outdoor wooden decks and decking are extremely popular. Many passionate do-it-yourselfers decide to make their outdoor design elements themselves. And often, they also have to make some steps to facilitate access to their terrace.

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The principle to follow for making an outdoor wooden staircase is essentially the same as the one discussed above. We begin by determining the essential elements relating to the dimensions (height, slope, number and dimensions of the steps). Then we go through the step of applying the dimensions on the wooden material and its cutting.

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We install the skeleton of his wooden staircase on his terrace; then we take care of the steps and risers.

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Good to know: unlike indoor stairs, those outdoors do not always have a riser. We can skip the steps related to their cutting and installation.

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As we saw above, the steps can be composed of one or two planks of wood. Everyone is free to decide which is the best option for their outdoor space.

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The fixing of wooden planks is to be done with screws instead of nails. The first option is preferable because it is more durable in time and safer.

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It will be understood, the manufacture of a wooden staircase is not very difficult; on the other hand, it requires a careful and serious approach. If you like DIY and need a staircase inside or outside, do not hesitate to embark on this kind of project!

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