remodeling 100 yr old house--how do you build a stairway?

Answer 1

It's a step by step process. Just take it one step at a time.

Answer 2

Creating stairs is a tricky affair! Some construction professionaks never get it right! I've seen some pretty poor excuses for stairs, in my time!!!

ther is a lot of math involved. You need the total run, which is the horizontal distance covered by the stairs, and the total rise, which is how high the stairs need to go. there is the total width! This is critical, due to the fact that most building codes have a minimum width requirement. If your stairs are too narrow, they may make you remove them and start over!!

The run and rise form the basice formula for the design of the stairs. What and how are they fastened and secured top and bottom?

It can get complicated!! So you see, in this instance, until you have more DIY experience under your belt, I suggest you call in a professional stair company. A lot of framing carpenters may think they know, but according to what I've seen ove the years....well...get a professional, OK??

Answer 3

Hi Jeannie. I am a professional carpenter and I strongly urge you hire a contractor. Stairs typically require a lot of calculations and installation skill, and in a 100 year old house it will be even more complicated due to the irregularities and differences in the lumber layouts and dimensions. Without seeing the location of your stairway, I couldn't even begin to tell you how to do it. However, here is a good link that explains a basic, straight-run stairway.
Good luck with your remodel. It sounds like quite a project! :-)

Answer 4

No offense Jeanie but it would help to have some details. The age of the house might not matter at all; the process in any style will be by 2007 standards.

Interior? Exterior? Replacement? New? Style in mind? Budget perhaps? Are you interested in some historical preservation and creating a similar style that may have been installed?

Any decent supplier should have a "Blue Book" detailing stair construction; detailing measurements as well as instructions of How To. Actually the copy I have is gray.

One of the things the book suggests is that you'll need a tool; similar in looks to a small square (Triangular) in shape; with measurements stamped into it, sliding/locking guides for creating tread and riser cuts in a long piece of stock; such as a 2 x 12 x 12 ft. or whatever the total rise happens to be.

Certainly you can also purchase "Stringers"/ stack them/ support them/ add risers and treads to them/ wall them in/ and finish.

Not strictly a first time undertaking for a DIY.

Steven Wolf

Answer 5

really depends on the size of staircase, I've built several and not too complicated but the process is pretty much the same. take the longest 2x12 you got (at least 12') start at one end with a framing sqaure, put the edge of the sqaure on the 2x12 at 7 and 11, mark it and move all the way down the board doing the same thing. then cut those blocks out. dont use a skillsaw all the way cut the little bit with a handsaw. this will give you a perfect riser every time. Then you can purchase the steps at your local hardware store. (pretty cheap)

Answer 6

Hire a good carpenter to do it for you, not a do it yourself project without the know how and the right tools.

Answer 7

Call a contractor....dont attempt it yourself. Put your time to something more personal like a fountain in the front yard

Answer 8

It's a very skilled job. If you don't know get a book or employ an expert