Home ImprovementTools
Are you building a new set of stairs?
Installing carpet or a chair lift?
There are lots of reasons you might need a way to measure your stairs rise and run.
And you might need to change your technique depending on the style of stairs.
Thankfully, theyre all fairly low-cost and easy to use.
Jot down your measurements as you determine the angle, length, width, and depth of the stairs.
Building Ruler
Heres another low-cost option that you’re free to use for multiple purposes.
This also helps in visualizing the shape of the stair, acting as a template to trace around.
Theyre quite cheap to buy and fold up compactly, so buying and storing one wont be difficult.
Youll want a fairly large square, though, for measuring the entire stair.
Like many other basic tools, this is one that will serve you well in future woodworking projects.
Again, remember to take all of the measurements into account, not the rise and run only.
Its also called a stair step scribe, so you’re free to search both terms.
Theyre also larger and so could be more difficult to store once youre finished.
The question would be whether your time is worth the money you would save.
This, of course, only applies if youre basing your figures on an existing staircase.
Level
Have you ever walked up a set of stairs are leaning to one side?
Its even worse when they pitch forward.
Not only is this a safety issue, but it looks terrible.
When youre measuring your stairs, first check to see if theyre level.
It usually doesnt take much of an adjustment in material to get the stairs level.
A little adjustment goes a long way in leveling.
If its off in some way, youll see what you oughta do to correct it.
The most useful function for this tool in building stairs would be measuring the depth of each stair.
If the stairs have an overhang, you could also use it to determine the height of each stair.
If youre unsure of your measurements using other tools, use a laser to verify your findings.
No, the very first thing youll want to consider is the real shape of the staircase.
Straight Stairs
With no bends or turns, a straight staircase is exactly what it sounds like.
It can be short or long, wide or narrow, provided it doesnt change direction.
Most staircases will fall into this category.
you’re able to also make straight stairs out of any material.
An outdoor set of stairs might be concrete, while an indoor staircase is made of wood.
If youre going for a more natural look outdoors, try logs or stone.
The stairs dont necessarily have to be even in a natural landscape.
Just take a stab at confirm that all the stairs match the style.
You dont want some stairs to be perfectly level and finished, while others are uneven and rough.
L-Shaped Stairs
This is simply two or sets of straight stairs in a series.
Some sort of landing breaks up the smaller steps and allows for a change of direction.
Natural materials are still safe to use but not in their raw state.
In other words, use wood instead of logs and concrete instead of stone.
U-Shaped Stairs
This variation on the L-shaped design has a wider landing between each flight of steps.
The stairs make a 90-degree turn, or L-shape.
An escalator is a compact form of U-shaped stairs.
You have to turn 180 degrees between each flight of steps.
Winding
This is another variation on the L-shape design.
Stairs that are wider on one side than the other form the landing.
Curved
This is what most people actually think of as a winding staircase.
In this design, there are no landings at all.
Each step is the same width as every other, but the gradual angle allows you to change directions.
Spiral
Another winding staircase is the spiral staircase.
This design looks like a curved staircase, except each step is narrower at the inside edge.
This makes it more like a series of U-shaped landings, though the change in direction is more gradual.
Its also supported by a single pole in the center, which all the steps appear to revolve around.
These secondary stairs are usually L-shaped, but they can be any design.
Its the highway of stair design.
Ladder
The easiest jot down of steps to construct is the straight or angled ladder.
This can be a space-saving option to get up into your loft sleeping area or attic storage.
Youll often see these used in small apartments or tiny homes.
Likewise, youll want some sort of textured tread on them.
Which throw in of Stairs to Build?
You may want to replace or cover the same style of stairs you have.
Going with curved or bifurcated can transform the appeal of your home.
It all depends on how much space you have to work with.
