How To Build Small Stairway With Measurements And Assembly Methods - Construction Tutorials

www.homebuildi... Visit our website for more helpful videos on stair building, new home construction and house repairs. Here's another viewer requested video on how to build a small stairway with part measurements. Keep in mind that some types of weaker lumber might require additional structural support for this type of stairway, especially if they are going to be wider than 24 or 30 inches. You might need to install another frame like those built on the outside some where in the middle or spaced no more than 24 inches when using 2 x 6 treads.
Check out this video for more structural advice for stringer less stairs - • Three Examples of Simp...

[@davedeatherage4902]

Thank you, I've never built box stairs or stringer stairs before, but I am learning to work on our first house, I believe I and my wife can do this deed. Thanks again!

[@stairbuilding]

You can do it!

[@torizellner]

Superb video! Just bought my first miter saw and I just finished cutting all the pieces. My dog thanks you SO MUCH!!

[@serenityprojects7364]

I love this thank you so much I need to make stairs for my Great Dane and staffy dogs but it needs to be 26” tall at the top step but it can’t be too steep. I wanted to make it from the back of the steps of the tallest step and to the front of the smallest step 30”. The steps need to be 18” long with 7” wide steps. These are the measurement I have to work with plus some 2x4s to work with. I haven’t made steps before so this video is going to help so much. The measurements are different than what works for my bedroom and my high 28” tall bed.

[@TurtleTango]

Thanks for the video. It was very helpful to build some new hot tub steps, which turned out very study. For those wondering, here's my cut and materials list: For 2x4, we need 4 @ 8.5", 2 @ 10.25", 4 @ 11", 4 @ 15", 2 @ 32.25", 1 @ 36" (if you want the back stabilizer) For 2x6, we need 6 @ 36" For 1x6, we need 3 @ 36" (one of these needs to be cut to 5" or less - I cut mine to 4 5/8" to leave a tiny space) I used the following materials, which cost me about $120 for cedar: 3 - 2x4x8 2 - 2x6x10 1 - 1x6x10 Based on the length of your own materials, plug it into a cut list calculator to figure out how you want to cut your 2x4s, though here's what I did: #1 -- 32.25", 15", 15", 15", 10.25" #2 -- 36", 32.25", 10.25", 8.5", 8.5" #3 -- 15", 11", 11", 11", 11", 8.5", 8.5"

[@WinstonOBoogie007]

Just bought cedar 2x4s and red oak 1x6s. I’m going to make steps to help my aging chocolate lab get in bed without hurting her hips. Cut all the pieces yesterday, today is assembly day. Going to leave back and sides open so the cedar smell fills the room. Thank you for the video! Very clear and understandable

[@TXLoveNPride]

Please share your results. I'm doing same

[@beingelmo]

Thank you for making this video. I used this as a guide and built a stairway for my photo studio. Thank you so much!!

[@stairbuilding]

Fantastic!

[@davidhk7]

Thank for this simple yet sturdy design. I will try to use this for my new shed!

[@stairbuilding]

You are welcome!

[@p9782]

Me top! How'd it work for you?

[@BaAllen7239]

Thank you! Going to make some stairs for my son that has hypotonia to practice and strengthen his legs!

[@Nino-nn8qg]

😊😊😢😊😅😂😂❤😂😂❤😂❤❤❤❤❤❤😅❤

[@Nino-nn8qg]

😮❤😅❤❤❤

[@DebHams]

TomKe it completed.i like this and plywood on back ..thank u

[@chillywilly1321]

Any suggestions for a rounded step? So not the usual rectangular steps, but more of a half circular step

[@bestchild3004]

Hopefully this will work!! Im using this for my quinceanera as a prop

[@sepehrramshini6411]

I have 2 concrete steps in my garage but they're too steep for my mom so I wanna build a 3 riser step on top of it with wood. Do you think it's doable?

[@jimreinders6930]

excellent ideas shared-thank you!

[@stairbuilding]

I appreciate that!

[@wyattsdad8561]

Just downloaded this great vid. I’m gonna use it to build a stairway to a hot tub. Thank you for making this!

[@stairbuilding]

Sound great.

[@jocelynclemens2036]

That's exactly what I'm doing! I've never built stairs before but he makes it looks so easy - I've taken notes, screenshots, saved the video and am through the comments for additional suggestions to see if he added anything else. Hope yours worked out well! Hoping mine does too! 😉 Just not sure what to do to underneath side to keep it off the concrete 🤷

[@JohnHarvey-p2b]

Hey good u do one on how to make a 8 × 4 roof if u good

[@miaa793]

I know this is an old video, but I was hoping you could help me out. I'm trying to build an improvised version of these stairs. it's for my mom so she can saddle her horse without help lol she has one but it's plastic and it's not wide enough so I was going to improvise my own build. these are the measurements that Ive guesstimate (based on the dimensions of her plastic one + her input/range of motion abilities) but I'm not sure if it would work out or not. Help? 🙏 Height: 19” height of first step: 9” Depth of first step: 12” Width: at least 18” I would love to be able to add some kind of railing or handrail for her on one side, but that might be too ambitious lol

[@salmad1000]

I love your videos! I would like to know if you have any instructional video on how to make a wood overlay over a 3-step cement stairway in which the top step is too high for my elderly aunt to climb. I could share a photo if needed.

[@stairbuilding]

I made a few video that might help. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHaqhn-lfbF4os0

[@kraigledoux8167]

could I get frame measurements for a 4 step in this design thanks

[@nebulousJames12345]

Can we keep extending this? To like 43 inches high?

[@eaglesguit]

I would like to see the top to be like 3x3x so that when we step out onto the stairs from a camper, you are on a mini deck.

[@TurtleTango]

Extend the base plate from 32.25" (2' 8 1/4") to 58", extend the 10 1/4" pieces to 36", and add a couple additional 15" (1' 3") supports. That said, you may want to modify it slightly if using 2x6 for the surface since those are really only 5.5" so you would end up needing about 6.5 pieces. If you went with 6 pieces, you would have to leave a gap of 0.5" between each board; instead you could go with a top of either 33" or 38.5" so you could use either 6 or 7 boards. Good luck.

[@hoxymoron]

Thanks for posting this video. Very helpful. What would the measurements be for a total rise of 16"? Would it be proportionately the same as the measurements you provide here? If I used the same proportions, the rise of each step would be 5.3" and the depth each tread would be 9.2." Does that sound accurate?

[@stairbuilding]

That sounds good, but if you can, most building codes have a minimum tread depth of 10 inches, but some do still use 9 inches.

[@scottchristensen2342]

Looking to make a Stile to allow ingress to the National Forest from our property. Building the staircase perpendicular to the barded wire fence with the idea that a 4 ft tread width will provide 2 ft on either side of the fence. Will add a post in the middle of the top tread to provide a hand hold. Stairs would be built with the barbed wire top wire running underneath the top stair. I dont have the berm clearance to do a ladder type stile. You made a terrific video that I am working my numbers to create a 4' x 4' x 4' freestanding stair. BUT... since you volenteered to provide measurements for other dimensions, I am looking for an open staircase 4 feet high, with 4 foot tread width and a top step of 4 feet. Thank you in advance. Will forward photos after its completed. BTW we have wild horses just on the other side of the forest fence that would be less than 10 feet to where these steps would be built! Scott, Palomino Trail, Overgaard, AZ

[@stairbuilding]

Sounds like a big project and you're welcome.

[@AlignToDeliver]

I’m replacing 2x two-step flights (interior split level home), and this looks ideal as a frame over which we’ll lay engineered floorboards. My treads are 900mm wide and 300mm deep, with the top of each step being 150mm above the next. My gut says I should put 1 or even 2 supporting L-shapes inside for support, as well as the 2 exterior ones. Does that make sense? I’ll make the frame from 45x90 timber, and clad with 18mm plywood, so it’ll be super sturdy even before we add the floorboards. I just need to remember to allow for the floorboard thickness when I set my heights.

[@stairbuilding]

If you don't think this will work, use the supports you're suggesting.

[@Pacifictheory]

How do you do calculations on the height difference?

[@stairbuilding]

I have plenty of videos on calculating riser heights at our website.

[@debbiethompson5524]

This is a great help for my urgent need for a two-step stairway for my dog door installation. Do you by chance have the video in a .pdf format, with diagrams printed? What a pain I am! Thanks for video - very helpful.

[@stairbuilding]

You're not a pain at all or the first to ask and I will be doing some videos on different designs with lumber measurements in the future.

[@jocelynclemens2036]

Any ideas on how to keep these from sitting directly on the concrete? And maybe also moveable. Thought about locking casters but no way to really hide them.

[@stairbuilding]

I use a refrigerator dolly to move them and don't worry about the bottom boards, because they can usually be replaced easily if you use screws.

[@natej6671]

I have a question related to sheathing layout. It is recommended to have an 1/8" gap between sheathing. Since sheathing is 4' x 8' and framing is typically spaced at 16" o.c. , at some point the 1/8" incremental gap will miss the 16" o.c. joist framing.... and also, even before the sheathing misses the joist, the layout will become offset to a point where the sheathing wouldn't break evenly along the center of the joist. How is this handled in the field?

[@stairbuilding]

You need to adjust the joist for the sheathing by adding 1/8 of an inch to the on center layout at some point and for every sheathing break.

[@mikecarty1070]

Hi, I have a question. I’m looking to do that at my father's house. He is 72 and has a 3-step concrete. But his go sideways. So one side is completely open. But the other is closed off because it’s part of the house. The back door goes into the laundry room. So the fully open part would only have the one's side that u just talked about. But nothing for the wood to go into on the other side how would u make something like that? I was also thinking of bringing to landing out to make a little more room away from the side of the slab but then I know the post would have to be anchored to the concrete ground. I would like to make this where it’s removable because if have to. Because u won’t need a permit if it is not a permitted structure And could u make a list of materials from the wood of each thing to the size of screws and the dimensions so when watching ur able to screenshot the list to have for buying

[@stairbuilding]

I don't understand why a stairway like this won't work.

[@justinjohnson3846]

Do you not have to have the same height for each step to be the same for code? I think it’s within 3/8” for each riser? I could be wrong, I thought I saw you have one stair 5 1/2” and the others were 5”. .?? Thank you for the great visual video.

[@stairbuilding]

The bottom riser needs to be smaller to have equal riser heights, most of the time. Check the final measurements if I have them in the video and if should make sense, if not let me know.

[@AlignToDeliver]

I think (note: I am a hobbyist woodworker) that the height of the riser is complemented by the thickness of the tread, so the difference in the height of the bottom riser is different as there is no step tread below it, as such, because that would be the floor / ground it’s standing on.

[@mynameisearl2626]

used this today easy strong

[@funwithfelixandnoah]

I have a 10" rise from my grarage floor to the doorway (36" wide doorway). Do you have any suggestions to make these steps. At the moments my parents and my chikldren have issues with the large step. Can I build shorter steps that make sense?

[@MarlzJinx]

I would also put a corner bracket on the underside on each end...

[@rubyanaya126]

Thank You ❤😊

[@stairbuilding]

You're welcome 😊

[@jimitv1]

Thank you for the previous reply. I was given composite decking and would like to know if I can use it for the treads? I am only going to build a 2 (possibly 3) step stairway? For something that small, should the composite be strong enough without sagging?

[@stairbuilding]

Check with the manufacture of the decking for stair stringer spacing and joist spacing or on center spacing.

[@1200s-e8n]

DIY RULES!

[@catherineshideaway1765]

How do we attach it to the house? Or is that not needed?😅

[@TurtleTango]

A few screws through the 1' 3" risers on the back should do, though make sure you are screwing into a solid surface such as a stud, or in modern garages you may have OSB or plywood backing that should work out fine too.

[@bonnielevier6211]

Building a set of stairs for an outside storage building. Don't like the cinder blocks that are in place.

[@thesoundofeverything8023]

Im using 1x6 and 1x4 s 5 steps 10’ 1/2 x about 7 in…Im gonna try to adapt the measures but its kind of hard…lol

[@DebHams]

How much lumber is needed to build this step, for each peice of total needed

[@stairbuilding]

You can calculate the amount by adding all of the lengths of pieces.

[@richardcetz7994]

Hi you think you can help me out with 4 stairs the hight needs to be 2ft . Would you please help me out with a dieahram? Thanks

[@jocelynclemens2036]

The first step is 3.5 (2x4 on its side - which technically measures 1.5x3.5), second is 6.5 taller at 8.5 (vertical piece) + 1.5 (horizontal piece) = 10 total height, third is 6.5" taller at 15 (v) + 1.5 (h) = 16.5, so it seems like the fourth step would be 21.5 (v) +1.5 (h) = 23 I also need 4 - this was the math I came up with. But then that 3rd run needs to be an 11" piece, not a 10¼, as that would be for the run of stair 4. This would also change the length of the bottom horizontal board from 33.25" to 43.25". I'm just guessing since I have never done this and am just trying to DIY some spa stairs instead of paying $450 for some ugly fake wood ones at the store. Someone feel free to correct me 🤷 I've never built anything

[@chrisquigley2725]

I have a problem with my stairs, i have no choice but to put my stairs at 24 inch width due to only having a 49 inch w and 69inch length with a 105 inch height if i remember correctly. Everyone i am trying to hire is saying they need to add space by cutting beyond and turning the stair width to 30-36 inches and i do not have the space at all to cut out anymore and i already bought and used a lot of resources as is. Is 24 inches fine width for stability especially when you have 0 choice. I have been working on this for abiut 6 months now and just want to finish it in 3 days.

[@stairbuilding]

Most building codes use a 36 inch minimum for stairs, but there are exceptions. You will need to ask your local building department to clarify the codes.

[@chrisquigley2725]

@@stairbuilding i did they said just the national codes is all they require, if i cut anymore width i am going into the path of the kitchen and if i cut anymore length i have to try and move the duct and i have a kitchen table on the other corner. This is a small house, before i started to do this it was the pre made spiral metal staircases with top of it half in the wall and about a ft drop at the bottom step. I ended up losing my footing and slipping down banging my knee hard

[@davefink2326]

How wide can the steps be, with just the two supports? You are using dimensional for the steps here , can I assume you cannot use treads made out of 5/4 boards or composite Because they won’t be strong supported by fasteners going through the bottom of the risers?

[@stairbuilding]

I can't provide you with exact on center spacing, because different types of lumber can span farther. If you replace the 2x6 with a 3x12 you should be able to span at least 36 inches, but this also might depend on the lumber type and grade.

[@davefink2326]

@@stairbuilding thanks. The manufacturers are telling me 9 inch on center. They cite the extra wear and bounce that steps take.

[@highfrequency9127]

What your the Measurement b for a four step

[@stairbuilding]

I don't think I have a four step example, but you can check at our website.

[@TAMBAMoiCartay]

Can you do this if you stair max height is 8ft

[@stairbuilding]

If your local building code inspectors approve it, then I don't see why not.

[@KimbetlyHervey]

What is the stair height of this set when complete when using these measurements?

[@stevenstellin8430]

The simple thanks

[@stairbuilding]

You're welcome 😊

[@lis819]

Any chance of metric?

[@Tre16]

Just convert it with google

[@anthonylopez1164]

How much would you have charged for this Set-up of Steps?

[@galvanizedgnome]

$6,755

[@rachelleoiler1236]

For this exact design how many boards of each will I need to buy?

[@stairbuilding]

I don't have those numbers.

[@TurtleTango]

See my comment above, though here is what I used: 3 - 2x4x8 2 - 2x6x10 1 - 1x6x10

[@reynoirjr]

I know you mentioned it in the video but have you made plans for a 7 and 8 step version of this? Id like to build "stairs to nowhere" for a photoshoot and this would be perfect.

[@stairbuilding]

Not yet, sorry.

[@mattkoeninger9927]

I would like to build these same stairs buy having a finished height of 14 inches.

[@TurtleTango]

It is currently 18" (1'3" + 1.5" for the base + 1.5" for the step) so reduce each riser by 1 1/3" or it might be easier to just remove the extra height from the top two steps, so exchange the 8.5" with 6.5" and the 1'3" with 1'1".

[@thesoundofeverything8023]

I think I ll use 2x3s for base…

[@jimitv1]

Thank you for the great tutorial. How come you don't have the risers go all the way down to the top of the 2x4 that tread sits on? That leaves a little square gap between the riser and the tread. Just asking because I have no clue about any of this, but am willing to try. Thank you.

[@stairbuilding]

You can, if it will work better for your project. I sometimes like to leave a gap here to allow for lumber shrinkage. For example if the one piece of lumber shrinks, it could put pressure on other components, causing them to lift and create problems.

[@DebHams]

Go make