We couldn’t build multi-storey buildings without stairs, and even if we did, we wouldn’t know how to get up and down. The main stairs used in large buildings are built as a result of fine calculations made by engineers and architects. But let’s say you want to build a wooden staircase inside your own building or for a multi-storey building. How to make a ladder is difficult if you have not seen it before.
The answer to the question of how to make a ladder actually lies under very fine calculations and measurements. To make a solid and useful staircase, you should calculate the distance between the two floors well and then use your carpentry skills. After correct calculations, you can build this complex structure step by step. Let’s see step by step how to make a ladder in all details.
How is a ladder made?
Step #1: Take a height measurement:
As the first step in the construction of stairs, you should measure the height of the area where the stairs will be made. This ratio is called the berth height. The important thing during this measurement is to decide whether the last step will be at the level of the upper ground. If you want it to stay below the upper floor, you must reduce this distance from the total pier height.
Step #2: Calculate the height per step:
After measuring the total pier height, it is necessary to measure the pier height per step. In general, this ratio varies between 17 and 20 cm. Let’s assume that the total height of the pier is 240 cm. When we divide this by the average step height of 18 cm, we get the average number of 13. 13 is the number of steps of the ladder.
Step #3: Compare the total height with the height per step:
We measured the total pier height and the number of stair steps over the average step height, but it takes a fine calculation to find an exact head per step height. Dividing our total pier height of 240 cm into 13 steps, we get 18,462 cm. So each step must be 18,462 cm.
Step #4: Determine how wide the steps will be:
Although the step width varies depending on what kind of ladder you want to make, it should be at least 25 cm for safe use. The width of the steps attached to each other should vary between 41 and 46 cm. According to the height of the pier, which we calculated as 18 cm, the steps should have a width between 23 and 28 cm.
Step #5: Find the total length of the treads the staircase will have:
The pier height is the net height of the ladder. But it is the total step length that matters because the beams are cut accordingly. We calculated that there would be 13 steps on the ladder and found that each of them should be 25 cm wide. In other words, the total step length of the ladder should be 325 cm.
Step #6: Decide if there will be a landing:
According to our calculations, the longest of the stair plates will be close to 5 meters. So it can lift 14 digits. If you want a landing, that is, a wider part for your staircase, you should also consider this and include it in the calculations.
Step #7: Calculate the length of the stair stringers:
The pieces that will be found diagonally under the ladder and will keep it standing are called beams. To find the beam length, you must multiply the horizontal length and height by itself and take the square root. According to our example, the beam length is as follows; √((325 x 325) + (240 x 240)) = 404 cm
Step #8: Determine the connection method between the ladder and the structure:
It is extremely important how the ladder will connect with the building. Additional support may be required if the ladder needs to be combined with the upper floor. If it will join with a protrusion on the upper floor, a calculation should be made by subtracting this distance from the beams.
Step #9: Determine the number of beams:
Determine the number of rafters depending on the width of the stairs. For safe use, it is recommended that there be 40 cm between the beams.
Step #10: Prepare the boards for the joists:
After making all the necessary measurements, it’s time to build. First, start with a piece of wood measuring 5 x 30 cm.
Step #11: Mark the measurements on the board:
Mark the measurements you have obtained as a result of your calculations on the board. Mark the calculated dimensions of 18,462 cm and 25 cm on the board with a precision stair square.
Step #12: Mark the angle measurements:
After marking the two different measurements on the board, determine the angle over the intersection of the two. The right angle is extremely important, as a triangular cut will be made on the wood.
Step #13: Complete all measurement markings:
After determining the first angle on the measurements you marked, complete the other markings accordingly. A saw blade-like shape will appear that goes down in a triangular shape.
Step #14: Cut where you marked:
After marking the measurements and angles, it was time to cut. Cut the wood along the lines you drew with a handsaw or a more powerful jigsaw. You have to be extremely careful while doing this.
Step #15: Continue cutting:
When cutting the board where you have marked, be careful to cut in a perpendicular path, taking into account the relationship between the floor, the bottom and the beam.
Step #16: Check the boards you cut:
Take the first joist board after the cut and check it by placing it in the area where the ladder will be made. You should make the necessary corrections in this step. It is extremely important that the first board fits perfectly.
Step #17: Cut the others using the first joist board:
Once you see that your first joist board fits perfectly to the measurements, take it and make the measurement drawings using it as a template on the other boards. Things will get a little faster after this point because you won’t be repeating the initial calculations.
Step #18: Insert the beams you cut:
After completing all the cutting operations, you can now proceed to the insertion process. You must ensure that the joist bases are placed on a solid foundation.
Step #19: Fasten the joists:
After placing the joists, secure the joists with the kick bars. You can do this fixation with 2.5 x 15 cm boards in the width of the stairs.
Step #20: Place the rungs on the joists you fixed:
After fixing the beams, cut the size and number of steps according to the calculations you made. Place the cut treads on the joists and fasten them.
Step #21: Install the outer joists, if desired:
The outer beam is a piece that looks like a beam but considers the elegance of the structure rather than its strength. If you wish, you can place the outer beams in the size of the beams on both sides of the stairs.
Step #22: You can varnish, paint, insulate wood:
Your ladder is now ready. From this point on, you can paint, varnish or make a different insulation process on this ladder as you wish.
We explained the step-by-step method of making a wooden staircase by answering the question of how to make a staircase that allows us to move up and down between multiple-floor structures. If you are going to do something like this for the first time, you should consider getting help from the master.
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