Tips for Accurate Stair Building

<h1>Tips for Accurate Stair Building</h1>Author: <a title="Rickie Bell" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/rickie-bell/29803.htm">Rickie Bell</a> Stair building methods have not changed much over the years, but with the advent of stricter local building codes in recent years it has become more of an exacting science. Many localities have enacted ordinances that must be adhered to in order to pass the house framing inspection. The days of building steps that are not safe to navigate, lack proper headroom, built shoddily, or too steep have long since passed by. If you are a general or house framing contractor, you must be familiar with these local codes in order to be successful. In the area where I live they can vary greatly from one jurisdiction to the next, sometimes from one side of the street to the other due to urban sprawl. Stair Building Guidelines These are the most common codes in my area for single family dwellings and will probably differ slightly in yours, always check with your local building department. <ul> <li>The minimum required headroom is 6' 8".</li> <li>Stair tread depth is between 10" and 11 1/4".</li> <li>Riser height is 7 3/8" - 8 1/8".</li> <li>Angle of incline 34 - 40 degrees.</li> <li>Bull nose (stair tread overhang) 3/4" -1 1/4".</li> <li>Minimum finished stairway width of three feet.</li> <li>Minimum clear space at the bottom and top of staircase in direction of travel is three feet, this is needed for moving furniture as well as people.</li> <li>Handrails shall be provided on at least one side of steps with four or more risers, located 34" - 38" above the treads bull nose.</li> </ul> Failure to follow local guidelines will probably result in the staircase failing inspection and costing time and money. Tips <ol> <li>The process for building stairs always begins with finding the rise and run and dividing them into even comfortable increments. No matter what type (straight, 90 degree L - shaped, winders, 180 degree U - shaped, or curved) the process always begins this way.</li> <li>The last thing you need is a squeaky set of steps, use a liberal amount of glue, anytime wood contacts wood.</li> <li>Measure three - four times and cut only once.</li> <li>If you plan to carpet the stairs a little money can be saved by using 3/4" scraps left over from the sub floor as risers.</li> </ol>About the Author: Rickie Bell, the author of this article is a professional <a href="http://www.carpentry-pro-framer.com/index.html" target="_new">house framing</a> carpenter with nearly thirty years of custom home building experience in the Chicago area. His website contains extensive information about <a href="http://www.carpentry-pro-framer.com/stairs.html" target="_new">building stairs</a> and other aspects of custom home building.Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/diy-articles/tips-for-accurate-stair-building-605706.html" title="Tips for Accurate Stair Building">Tips for Accurate Stair Building</a>

Stair building methods have not changed much over the years, but with the advent of stricter local building codes in recent years it has become more of an exacting science. Many localities have enacted ordinances that must be adhered to in order to pass the house framing inspection. The days of building steps that are not safe to navigate, lack proper headroom, built shoddily, or too steep have long since passed by.

If you are a general or house framing contractor, you must be familiar with these local codes in order to be successful. In the area where I live they can vary greatly from one jurisdiction to the next, sometimes from one side of the street to the other due to urban sprawl.

Stair Building Guidelines

These are the most common codes in my area for single family dwellings and will probably differ slightly in yours, always check with your local building department.

The minimum required headroom is 6' 8".
Stair tread depth is between 10" and 11 1/4".
Riser height is 7 3/8" - 8 1/8".
Angle of incline 34 - 40 degrees.
Bull nose (stair tread overhang) 3/4" -1 1/4".
Minimum finished stairway width of three feet.
Minimum clear space at the bottom and top of staircase in direction of travel is three feet, this is needed for moving furniture as well as people.
Handrails shall be provided on at least one side of steps with four or more risers, located 34" - 38" above the treads bull nose.

Failure to follow local guidelines will probably result in the staircase failing inspection and costing time and money.

Tips

The process for building stairs always begins with finding the rise and run and dividing them into even comfortable increments. No matter what type (straight, 90 degree L - shaped, winders, 180 degree U - shaped, or curved) the process always begins this way.
The last thing you need is a squeaky set of steps, use a liberal amount of glue, anytime wood contacts wood.
Measure three - four times and cut only once.
If you plan to carpet the stairs a little money can be saved by using 3/4" scraps left over from the sub floor as risers.

Rickie Bell, the author of this article is a professional house framing carpenter with nearly thirty years of custom home building experience in the Chicago area. His website contains extensive information about building stairs and other aspects of custom home building.

Rate this Article:

0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)

Re-Publish

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diy-articles/tips-for-accurate-stair-building-605706.html

Related Videos
Related Articles
Ask / Related Q&A

Play

Installing Stair Tread Pads

Play

How to Decide Which Stairs to Build

Play

Selecting Stair Parts

Play

Staircases for Your Home

Play

Building a Deck Part 5: Stairs & Railings

Latest DIY Articles
More from Rickie Bell

Small Garage Plans- The Importance of Using Plans to Avoid Mistakes

By: Tim Davis | 26/11/2009
Small Garage plans are essential go get started with your construction as fast as possible and to avoid pitfalls that a lot of people falls into. By following simple tips and using plans, your project can be a lot easier.

The Shocking Truth about Building a Tool Shed Yourself—You Must Have a Shed Blueprint

By: Pankas Carter | 26/11/2009
Envision yourself being able to build your own tool shed yourself like a professional. You have a shed blueprint that tells you exactly how much construction material you need, how your tool shed would look like, how much time you need to spend on that project, what tools are required for your project, and how much money you have to spend on all materials.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: is Earth4Energy a Scam?

By: Harry Best | 26/11/2009
This is a sign of popularity: mixed emotions. When a product is capable of raising considerable amounts of both praise and spite, it has become popular! If there was no value whatsoever in Earth4Energy, no one would even bother discussing it. But many people are passionate about this solar panel DIY kit... and there's a reason why. Let's try to stick to facts, here. And let's proceed to analyze Earth4Energy.

How to Make Cheap Solar Panels-Learn How to Make Cheap Solar Panels

By: N Jamal | 26/11/2009
The best thing about solar power is that it has an unlimited potential. Learning how to make cheap solar panels is neither technical nor costly; in fact you can easily solar power your complete home for a very small investment. You just need to know how to make your own renewable energy source and today I am going to tell you exactly how to build your own solar panel for electricity.

Basic Doghouse Plans for the Rest of Us

By: Ron Vinnedge | 26/11/2009
Building a really basic doghouse seems an easy enough job to accomplish, and it really is. However, I had decided that I'm no design guru so I'd need a good set of just good old basic doghouse plans.

Build a Solar Panel on Your Own

By: Neville Sinclair | 26/11/2009
If you have decided to build a solar panel, then you might be curious to know what exactly the purpose of a solar cell is. The purpose of a solar cell is to generate electricity through the release of electrons from a solar panel that is subjected to electromagnetic radiation or protons and this in turn stores energy from the sun.

How To Build Your Own Solar Panel

By: Neville Sinclair | 26/11/2009
Homemade solar panels are great for producing electricity and even heating water and they work by absorbing energy from the sun through solar cells and storing the energy for later use or using it immediately in the home. Homemade solar is where you build your own solar panel by collecting the parts you need and then putting it together yourself.

Do It Yourself Solar Panel – Generate Home Solar Electricity

By: Neville Sinclair | 26/11/2009
There has long been a raging debate about whether DIY solar panel plans really do work as environmentalists claim they do. Some people do not believe that such plans really can help you save significant amounts of money on your electricity bills.

Tips for Accurate Stair Building

By: Rickie Bell | 16/10/2008 | DIY
Stair building methods have not changed much over the years, but with the advent of stricter local building codes in recent years it has become more of an exacting science. Many localities have enacted ordinances that must be adhered to in order to pass the house framing inspection.

Modern House Framing and the Pythagorean Theorem

By: Rickie Bell | 02/09/2008 | DIY
The relationship between carpentry and the Pythagorean Theorem is believed to be around 4,000 years old. The modern house framing industry would not be possible without the use of this theorem. It is applied in nearly all aspects of home building. Some examples would be roof framing, squaring foundations, and walls to name just a few.

Advice on How to Choose the Best Cordless Tools in Todays Crowded Marketplace

By: Rickie Bell | 10/08/2007 | Home Improvement
With the numerous choices available in cordless tools how does a person choose? It is recommended that a person do their homework before making this type of purchase.

An Air Nailer Could Make Your Life Easier

By: Rickie Bell | 10/08/2007 | Home Improvement
These days it is hard to find a construction project or woodworking shop which is not employing the use of modern pneumatic nailers. The choice of the proper model for the task at hand can greatly improve results for hobbyists and pros alike.