Put your carpentry skills to work with these how-to instructions for building a beautiful set of wooden steps.
Step 1.
Prepare the Area for Wooden Steps
Building outdoor wooden steps requires a clear, level area.
Credit: Kim Cornelison
Precut stringers, available at home centers and building supply stores, make the job much easier.
They are usually cut to accommodate a standard 11-inch wide tread with a 7-inch rise per step.
Next, calculate the number of steps you will need, allowing a 7-inch rise for each.
Once you know how many steps you’ll need, compile a list of materials.
All materials should be made of pressure-treated wood or rot-resistant material.
Square up one end of the anchor board, then cut it to length.
verify it’s level with the house and centered on the doorway.
Be sure the step notches are level and the stringers are square with the house.
Once the stringers are in place, nail them to the ends of the anchor board.
The cut should be made parallel to the existing angled cut.
Toenail the middle stringers to the anchor board so they are flush with the top.
Nail a riser to the lower end of the stringers to tie the step framing together.
When attaching the riser, ensure it’s flush with the top of the step notch on each stringer.
Add an inch to each end to allow for overhang.
Using two treads on each wooden step will reduce the chance of cracking and cupping.
Be sure to allow enough overhang on the front of each step to accommodate the thickness of the risers.
Cut the remaining 1x8-inch risers to the correct width.
Use a rip cut parallel to the wood grain.
Step 12: Attach Step Risers to Wooden Steps
Nail the wooden step risers to the stringers.
check that the risers are flush with the outside stringers before attaching.
Because these stairs were made from pressure-treated pine, they will last for many years.
