At long a last a master carpenter shows you how to assemble stairs that are solid and attractive. Whether you need to build three steps up to deck or a full flight to your second floor, this one-on-one tutorial with Scott Schuttner takes the guesswork out of going up and down.
You're right there as Schuttner shows how to build two common staircases: a straight-run stair with plywood treads and risers (to be covered with carpeting) and an L-shaped stair with housed oak treads and risers. You'll discover how a pro troubleshoots and corrects problems, as well as how to
1. calculate and mark the rise and run for any length stair
2. position carriages to accommodate drywall and skirtboards
3. fasten sturdy treads and risers so they never squeak
4. anchor shopmade newel posts, balusters and handrail
During the action, the camera takes you where your eyes want to be: in tight when the saw cuts notches, over the shoulder to see how the carriages are secured to the header, and underneath the stair as wedges are hammered home. And to give you the best of both worlds, page number on the screen refer you to Shutter's companion book, Basic Stairbuilding, where you'll find more detailed information.
Scott Schuttner is a contributor to Fine Homebuilding Magazine. He is a woodworker and custom home builder in Fairbanks Alaska. Running Time 60 minutes.
CA Prop 65 WARNING: Drilling, sawing, sanding or machining wood products can expose you to wood dust, a substance know to the State of California to cause cancer. Avoid inhaling wood dust or use dust mask or other safeguards for personal protection.