How To Cut Common Stairs---Pt.1
When it comes to stairs for your home or exterior deck, most people would rather hire a contractor to build them but after reading this article you should have a clear understanding of how to build a set of common stairs.
This article is written to help take the pain out of trying to cut common set of stairs for any type of building. In the example below, we will be cutting stairs for a deck that is 48" high. The width of the stairs are 36".
Terminology
Riser---------------The measurement of the vertical rise between each tread or step).
Tread--------------The part of the stairs you step on. Common size thickness 5/4" to 1-1/2"
Run----------------The measurement of the distance beginning at the first riser to the last riser in a total stair installation.
Stringer-----------The structural element that creates the both risers and treads. Built usually from 2x12 material.
Nosing-------The portion of the Tread that overhangs the Riser, commonly 3/4" to 1".
Hand Railing
--------The portion of the total stair installation that someone holds on to while ascending or descending the stairs.
Spindles-------------The separate vertical elements that are part of the Hand railing Detail.
Level Cut-------------The horizontal cut that creates the Tread placement in the Stringer.
Plumb Cut------------The vertical cut that creates the Riser placement in the Stringer.
Pressure Treated-----Exterior grade of lumber.
Framing Square------The tool that is used to layout stair stringers.
It is recommended that someone
who is cutting stairs to be familiar with the terminology of the 2' Framing Square. This Square is used in multiple areas of construction and most for building an entire home.
So, needless to say, you need a 2' Framing Square to layout your stairs.
The framing square has 2 blades on it, one long blade (body-24") and one short blade (tounge-16").
The Tongue (Riser) numeric graduations are for the Riser and
the Body (Tread) numeric graduations are for the Tread of the Stairs.
If you cannot follow along with the terminology in the next couple of paragraphs please find a framing square along with the very short manual and read up.
Another small tool that comes in handy when you layout stairs are a pair of stair guides that you can purchase at your nearest hardware store. You don't need them but they make the handling of the 2' Framing Square a little easier.