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  #1  
Old 09-06-2005, 03:17 PM
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Anyone build a stairway?

I'm looking at replacing some outside stairways. Is this a reasonable diy project? The current design employs 3 riser sections, each cut out of 2x12 stock. I lack the skill and probably the tools to make these. Aside from this component, the rest of the project appears a relative breeze. Where would one turn to have the risers cut? I called a couple of lumber stores, and while they have some standard designs, the ones I use don’t fit that pattern.

Suggestions?

TIA

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  #2  
Old 09-06-2005, 03:20 PM
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http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/framecarp/technique/stairs/outdoor.htm


You could do it, I see good framers whip steps out in minutes I watch the yunguns waste lumber and say dirty words.
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Old 09-06-2005, 03:21 PM
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Isn't Cmac a carpenter?
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Old 09-06-2005, 04:51 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lebenz
I'm looking at replacing some outside stairways. Is this a reasonable diy project? The current design employs 3 riser sections, each cut out of 2x12 stock. I lack the skill and probably the tools to make these. Aside from this component, the rest of the project appears a relative breeze. Where would one turn to have the risers cut? I called a couple of lumber stores, and while they have some standard designs, the ones I use don’t fit that pattern.

Suggestions?

TIA
I cut my own risers last spring when I rebuilt my deck. All you need is a carpenter's square, circular saw and a hand saw.
Once you figure out the rise & run you want for each step it's pretty simple.
Measure the height of your deck and divide by the rise to calculate the number of steps.
I used a 10" run for each step which works well with two 6" boards for steps. The rise should be no greater than 8" to make climbing the steps comfortable. I used a 7 3/4" rise because I needed to end the stairs exactly where my old bottom posts are set in concrete.
Do a Google search and you'll find lots on info on building decks.
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Old 09-06-2005, 05:08 PM
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Use your old risers to draw a pattern on a 2 x 12. They can easily be cut with a handsaw if necessary.

Also, check out Home Depot risers. While perhaps not exactly the same as what exists, they might be capable of being used. I've added concrete pavers under the standard risers to get the exact height.

I've used both of the above techniques with success.
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Old 09-06-2005, 05:16 PM
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7/11 is good for approximation.. you could also use the old stringers as patterns if you are just replacing the stairs in their original position... the link that mm provided is all you need. a circular saw is nice but not necessary.. just a regular hand saw will do but may hurt your arm if you have a bunch of steps/stringers to cut.. sawzall can be used so can a jig saw.. you also really need a large square (looks like an L; min. - 16"x24" on the outside) it's fairly easy job. just keep a careful eye during the layout and you should be fine... if you have them cut or buy precut ones you'll pay quite a bit of money.. this is definitely diy job..
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Old 09-06-2005, 05:31 PM
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"Use your old risers to draw a pattern on a 2 x 12. They can easily be cut with a handsaw if necessary.

Also, check out Home Depot risers. While perhaps not exactly the same as what exists, they might be capable of being used. I've added concrete pavers under the standard risers to get the exact height.

I've used both of the above techniques with success.
"

That’s what I did for the test, which was only 3 steps long. I bought a radial arm saw which works okay. But I don’t think I could cut 3 of these identically even with the use of the saw. I don’t know if the saw would permit securing 3 2x12s and cut them all at the same time. Because of back problems, doing this with a hand saw is not gonna happen and a sawzall (my favorite tool) doesn’t cut straight enough.

The steps have an 11” tread (depth) and a 6.75” rise) I thought about using the standard stuff available from HD but that would require substantial redesign. The stairway goes up about 12 steps, to a platform where it turns a corner then goes up another 7 steps to where it interfaces with a walkway. So it would be a PITA to change the step size

Is there a suitable power tool for cutting these 3 at a time?
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  #8  
Old 09-06-2005, 05:34 PM
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chain saw? it's been done before... hehehe

if you cut them one at a time that should be close enough. that's how i cut them and it's all good.. you really need a free saw.. one that moves instead of the material.. too much effort otherwise..
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Old 09-06-2005, 07:13 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mzsmbs
chain saw? it's been done before... hehehe

if you cut them one at a time that should be close enough. that's how i cut them and it's all good.. you really need a free saw.. one that moves instead of the material.. too much effort otherwise..
Hey man, I've seen entire decks built with chain saws AND the lumber was milled with a chainsaw.
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Old 09-06-2005, 07:33 PM
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There are industry standards frequently adopted as local codes you can find on the internet. I used them to fabricate an oak railing system inside my house - lots of tricky angles.
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  #11  
Old 09-06-2005, 07:48 PM
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Originally Posted by MedMech
Hey man, I've seen entire decks built with chain saws AND the lumber was milled with a chainsaw.
yeah, there are amish/mennonites around here that use only chainsaws to cut almost everything... framing, decking etc. little hand held units, 8-10' bars.. and they are fast and good and their quality is pretty much A1 anyway...
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Old 09-07-2005, 08:24 AM
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You can also do it the "easy" but more costly way.

You build boxes, one on the other... it is much stronger, but costs a lot more in material.

You build a "base" then the next one you build on top, etc (smaller), and so on.

Didn't have breakfast yet so if it doesn't make sense... let me know.

Pete

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