| Stairway
Construction Tips List
1. If you're not comfortable using power tools, then you should
familiarize yourself with all of the safety requirements, before using
them.
2. Plan your design out carefully and make sure that everything is going
to work, before you even think about cutting your first piece of lumber.
3. If you're building an exterior stairway, make sure that you use
galvanized or stainless steel, nails, building hardware or screws. If
you're going to paint the stairway, then you could zink coated nails,
but I've had problems with them rusting, in the past.
4. It isn't a good idea to use a high gloss, gloss or even a semi-gloss
paint, on your stair treads, without using some type of slip resistant
materials. Glossy stair treads are slippery and could increase the
possibility of someone slipping and injuring themselves.
5. Measure twice and cut once. Always double check all of your
measurements, before cutting, to reduce material waste.
6. Avoid storing your stairway building materials outside, whenever
possible. Once I left a 2 x 12 that I was going to use, for a stair
stringer outside for two weeks, in sunny Southern California, before it
was ruined and I needed to purchase another one.
7. Be careful when nailing your treads and risers on and always start at
the bottom and work your way towards the top. Make sure that your treads
and risers are nailed, before standing on.
8. Follow instructions to the letter, when possible. Make sure that you
understand how to use and apply all of your building materials, paint,
adhesives, carpeting and other stairway components. Sometimes a little
education and application, of our education, can save us a lot of money,
in future home repair bills.
9. Always think safety and no matter what you're doing, always work in a
safe environment, especially when building a set of stairs. Try to avoid
using power tools around wet areas or other unsafe building conditions.
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