DIY home tweaks can be cheap and fun, but implementing some projects can be more intimidating than others. This category includes, for example, the construction of stairs. However, once you have mastered the basics of measurement, it won't be a difficult undertaking. With the right tools and some guidelines, you will learn how to take measurements of a staircase, avoiding confusion and reducing the possibility of making mistakes in the construction phase.
Steps
Step 1. Familiarize yourself with the basic terminology
The vertical plane of a step is called "riser", while the horizontal one is called "tread". The "uprights" (or "fascias") extend to the sides along the entire length of the ladder and offer support.
Step 2. Use a tape measure to calculate the distance from the first floor to the second floor
Please note: this distance must be taken from the extrados of the second floor flooring slab, not from the intrados (i.e. the first floor ceiling).
Step 3. Use a calculator to calculate the number of steps you will need based on their rise
- Divide the height already calculated by the height of the riser of the steps, which you must have already established. Usually, the correct height of a riser is 15 to 18 cm. The result of the division will give you the number of steps to make.
- Round the result up or down if you don't get an integer from the division. For example, if you got a result of 8, 5, try dividing the total height first by 8 and then by 9. This way, you will have two riser values: the first for an 8-step staircase, the second for one of 9. Choose which of the two risers you think is best for you.
Step 4. Establish the depth of the treads (the horizontal planes of the steps)
To do this, you don't need to take any measurements, but you don't have to choose a random value either. Usually, the tread of a step is 25-30 cm, so you should be within this range.
Step 5. Take the number of risers you got and subtract 1 (for example, if you got a value of 20, consider the number 19)
This will be the number of stair treads. Now calculate the total length of the stair by multiplying this number by the depth of a single tread. So, if you are using 25cm treads and need 20 risers, you will multiply 25cm by 19, giving you a total length of 475cm (4.75m).
Step 6. Subtract the height measurement from the total height value (measured from the first floor to the second floor)
The result of this operation will give you the height at which to place the tread of the first step. Find that of the second by subtracting the rise measurement from the distance between the tread of the first step and the floor of the second floor. Keep repeating this operation and draw a diagram in which to report the height and position of each step.
Step 7. Measure the distance between the bottom of the first tread (remembering this will be about 2.5cm thick) and the top of the second riser
This will be the length you will need to use to cut the horizontal elements that make up the uprights (the two wooden elements that run sideways to the staircase for its entire length, supporting it).
Step 8. Consider a 2.5 cm overhang for each tread
If you are using a 10 '' tread, cut it so that it is 27.5cm deep, so that it protrudes slightly over the riser it rests on.
Advice
- Typically, a tread is 2.5cm thick - keep this in mind when covering building materials.
- Measure the ladder twice and double-check them before you start cutting. This will help you avoid waste and material damage.
Warnings
- If you want to have a tread of 25 cm, take the measurements taking into account the fact that you will need it to protrude by 2.5 cm.
- If you find yourself choosing between two different lifts, make sure you have concrete proof of what it would be like to consider one or the other measure. You certainly don't want to make it to the end and find that you've made the steps too low or too high!
