I bought a townhome that has a 2 1/2 foot drop off my patio. I can't afford to put a deck in yet, but would like to install some temporary stairs. I moved 200 miles away from friends and family for a job, so need to be able to do it myself. I've done other smalled wood projects on my own and would prefer not to have to hire someone. Any ideas or tips?
2006-06-26 15:25:03 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
Yeah, you can easily make stairs on your own. My dad built some on his own that went into our old barn and that rise is about 4 feet. You might want to buy some clamps or find something to prop your wood against when you're building it to make the job easier. If you use nails, I'd recommend using ring-shank nails so the boards don't work loose, otherwise I'd recommend pre-drilling and using screws. Remember to keep the height of each step the same. You may also want to see about putting some non-slip pads on the stairs since they can be slick if they are wet. They can normally be applied just like a big sticker. The hardest part is just calculating how to cut the risers.
2006-06-27 02:04:56 · answer #1 · answered by devilishblueyes 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would say that if that blind guy in Indiana can build a house by himself you can build a set of stairs.When building stairs remember that code requires all the steps have the exact same amount of rise. It seems a lot of amateurs end up with a different rise for the top step.I believe they forget to include the landing.If you make this mistake you will end up tripping and falling sooner or later.
2006-06-26 17:15:25 · answer #2 · answered by windyy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are near a Home Depot, Rona, or Home Hardware, you can 'pick the brains' of the staff member(s) in the lumber supplies dept. I find them always very helpful and well-versed in outdoor building. If you can make a drawing (a very simple one) giving heights (elevation) of the patio door and a rough idea of what you want to accomplish, AND tell them that you intend to do this alone, then they can properly advise you. Good luck!
2006-06-29 13:59:32 · answer #3 · answered by llama_mama_4_2 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe if they are not too big but I would think you would need someone to hold the riser in place while you attached it. Do you go to a church where you live? Maybe you can get someone from there who would help you so you don't have to pay. Or get to know the neighbors. If they are decent, maybe they will help.
2006-06-26 15:28:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
For a quick fix, look at Lowes, they make some precut Risors, (Stair Sides) you can place them as close or far apart as you want, its treated wood, I think it uses 2x12 for steps. I used one on my deck.
2006-06-26 23:57:41 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
my dad built our stairs himself....he bought all of the wood from the home depot.
2006-06-26 15:29:02 · answer #6 · answered by Isabella 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋