Practical guide to building a wooden staircase with the perfect measurements! 2026

Isabel Gaines
Practical guide to building a wooden staircase with the perfect measurements! - grandgoldman.com
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Practical guide to building a wooden staircase with the perfect measurements. It is built from three main components: stringers, steps and risers (or tread and riser). The stringers are the 2x12-inch beams that carry the weight of people as they walk up the staircase, the steps are the baseboards at the top (where you step), and the counter-steps are placed perpendicularly below each step. With all this information, you can now start building stairs yourself.

Practical guide that you should know to make a wooden staircase!



Check out step 1 for a detailed guide on how to take your stair-making project from ideas to reality.


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Procedure:

Practical guide to building a wooden staircase with the perfect measurements

Step 1 instructions:

The result will be equal to the total number of steps on the ladder. The typical riser height of each step is approximately 7 inches, but you will likely use a different height in the final construction of the project (Rule of thumb: If the total rise is 90 inches, then divide by 7 inches; the result will be 5 inches. Round down to get the number of steps: 13)


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Step 2 instructions:

Divide the total rise by the number of steps to obtain the true height of each step. To continue with our example, Divide 241 cm by 13, the number of steps; The result will be 18.5 cm. On the stringers, each step will have a height of 18.5 cm.


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Step 3 instructions:

The length of each step must not be less than 23 cm and must be at least 25 cm. Multiply the total number of steps by the length of each step: 13 steps in total x 25 cm = 325 cm, the total length. The total length is the horizontal distance between the start and the end of the staircase. In our hypothetical example, the total length is 325 cm

Step 4 instructions:


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Practical guide to building a wooden staircase with the perfect measurements

The stringers are the pieces of wood that go diagonally below the width of the steps to support them. The steps will finally be attached to this piece. Determine the length the same way you find the hypotenuse of a triangle in geometry class:

Everything translates into multiplying the length by itself (square the length), multiply the height by itself (height squared) and add the two results. Then, find the square root of this sum.

  • √ ((325 x 325) + (241 x 241)) = 405 cm

Step 5 instructions:


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Practical guide to building a wooden staircase with the perfect measurements

The secret to keeping the rungs from sinking or bending when you step on them, a wide staircase will need many stringers underneath to support the weight evenly. For safety reasons, the stringers must be spaced between 40 cm and 122 cm.

Step 6 instructions:


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Make a 5 x 30 cm wooden board. Don't cut it to size yet; This will be inclined at an angle and this depends on the height and depth of the steps.

Step 7 instructions:

Practical guide to building a wooden staircase with the perfect measurements

Using a carpentry square, you will mark the height and depth of the steps. In the example you see in the image, 18.5 cm was marked on the vertical side and 25 cm on the horizontal side.


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Step 8 instructions:

Modify the upper part of the stringer to consider the total angle of inclination, as this will depend on the size of the steps. If necessary, consider any changes e.g. lengthor increased by assembling the stringers under an overhang.

Step 9 instructions:

Practical guide to building a wooden staircase with the perfect measurements

Measure and mark each step along the length of the wood. Use the top horizontal part of the stringer as a reference point to determine (measuring down) a distance equal to the height of one step.

Step 10 instructions:

Using a circular saw or hand saw, cut the tread notches in the stringers. If you are using an electric circular saw, cut the edges of the marks and then use a hand saw or jig saw to finish cutting.

Step 11 instructions:

Practical guide to building a wooden staircase with the perfect measurements

Cut the end of the stringer so that it is at floor level because cutting the protruding corner of the end is much easier, simply mark a line parallel to the top of the last step and cut it

Step 12 instructions:

Do the test by placing the stringers in the position where your ladder will go; Make sure the height is exact.

Step 13 instructions:

Use the first stringer as a template or pattern for the other stringers to follow. Place the first finished stringer on a piece of wood or board. Then trace the outline of the first stringer on the board. Then cut where necessary.

Step 14 instructions:

Only two things Secure and Stabilize the stringers when installing the counter steps or baseboards. Baseboards are usually made of wood measuring 2.5 x 15.5 cm. Although you can do without them, screwing these planks vertically between each step will make the staircase look prettier, last longer, and protect the wood at the ends of each cut stringer.

Practical guide to building a wooden staircase with the perfect measurements

Step 15 instructions:

Place the boards to seal the sides and give the stair molding an elegant look. You can also install trim boards cut to fit the step and install them just below.

Step 16 instructions:

Practical guide to building a wooden staircase with the perfect measurements

If the staircase is for outdoors, take into account giving the wood a special treatment against the elements that could damage it.

Get more information at perfectionidea.com and on our Facebook for more Practical guide to building a wooden staircase with the perfect measurements.

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Isabel Gaines

Author

Isabel Gaines

As a former restaurant owner turned reporter, Isabel brings a unique perspective to Grand Goldman. With decades of experience, her articles on cooking and homemaking are both informative and engaging, reflecting her deep knowledge and love for all things culinary.


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