Is it difficult to build stairs? Some people have a hard time putting anything together, while others can easily build just about anything without instructions. The latter group will find it easy to build stairs, while the former group will most likely find it difficult.
For the rest of us, the answer will depend on the type of stairs we wish to build. Most people will choose to investigate the use of a stair kit. There are stair kits available for almost every type of stair. Spiral staircases, fold-away attic staircases, patio and deck staircases, and numerous others are available. Most of these kits come complete, and it is simply a matter of assembling the kit to build stairs. If there is a stair kit for your project, then it will be much easier for you to build stairs.
If you decide to build stairs from scratch, there are at least two very critical dimensions: the height of each step, and the landing size of the step. Typical step height is 6.75 inches (17.15 cm). If you plan to build stairs that will be covered by a building code, it is critical to adhere to this dimension within the tolerances allowed by the building code in your jurisdiction. Even if the stairs you are building are not covered by a building code, it is best to follow this dimension, as people are conditioned to this step size and less likely to trip on conventionally sized stairs.
The landing area is the place where you put your feet as you go up the stairs. The typical length for this dimension is 11 inches (about 28 cm). The width of your stair is typically dependent upon the application, and there is no set or standard dimension.
To build stairs without the use of a pre-made kit requires more detailed planning and much more careful detailed work. It is more difficult to build stairs this way, but you get the advantage of building them in exactly the manner you want.
