I want to build a set of steps (wood) about 30" high can anyone help me figure out how to cut the lumber?

Question

I only need 3 or 4 steps for that height, not sure but dont want them too steep. Am using 2x12s and I want the "Jagged sides where the steps lay on the sides.

Answer 1

Home Depot and Lowes both sell pre cut sides or stringers as they are properly called in their deck section. I bought two and made a really neat free standing plant stand. You can make your own, but unless you really want to make all the cuts, the alternative is not expensive at all compared to the price of the lumber.

Answer 2

Beth and Wayne is right. I'll just add a little. Is this for a deck or interior? It will change the construction a bit, but won't affect the math. Total rise of 30" divided by 7-1/2" is 4 risers. So you have 4 rises @ 7-1/2" I use a tread width of 10-1/4" so using a 2x12 (which is 11-1/4" wide) you have a 1" nose. You need a framing square. Set one tongue on 7-1/2" and one on 10-1/4" and step off the cuts. The plumb cut is 7-1/2" and the level cut is 10-1/4". Now the first riser height is actually only 6" because you subtract for the depth of the material for the tread. Here's the change in the deck construction and interior construction. If for a deck and you don't want risers actually on the stairs (open risers), cut the last level cut for the last tread the 10-1/4" But if for interior and you are using material for the risers, subtract the thickness of the material of the riser for the last level cut. This is because you need to have the nosing stick out 1" and it will have the riser on the previous step, but you have use the the header or the the beam as the last riser. After you cut the board you can use it as template for the other stringer(s)

I answered this question in more detail before so you can link to it:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AsD5OfpGcOAh7pCD42lCYw7sy6IX?qid=20060626173016AAlUhKq

If you need any tips you please email me and I will try to help. Good Luck

Answer 3

You need to start by figuring the RISE
If you have 30" of height to work with,start by figuring how many steps you want or how many will give you a comfortable step.
4 steps=7 1/2" which is a pretty comfortable step.
Next you have to figure the RUN,this is how far stairs will extend out from building.You always have one less RUN than you have RISE.10" is a good run,but this can be adjusted to accommodate the material your using IE.3-3 1/2'" boards =10 1/2"
Draw this out on your 2 x12,check it before you cut it.
Good Luck!

Answer 4

If you go to a bigger harware store they sell lumber that has been pre-cut for steps.