How to Build Basement Stairs on a Budget

Basement stairs come in all shapes and sizes fromtreads, hardwoods etc. The adjustable stair building
the very simple utility/access stairs to the morebrackets allow for customized rise and tread
elaborate decorative stairs in which the basement isconfigurations which can be adjusted to meet all
expanded to be a major part of the living area. Onebuilding codes for both interior and exterior
of the major issues facing the stair builder is theapplications.
unpredictable overall stair height that often occursThe first thing you need to do is to determine the
with basement stairs. Whether new or existingmaterial you are going to use, the exact number of
construction the basement slab height nearly alwayssteps and the stair width. A fully interactive stair
seems to vary up or down making pre-built stairscalculator is available online which further simplifies the
problematic. For this reason basement stairs areprocess.
usually built to customized heights.For materials, you will need (2) 2 x6's per stringer
The normal procedure in the industry is to call out amember for both sides. The stringers should be
stair specialist to custom build the stair using 2 x12straight without any twist. The 2x6's should be at
cut stringers as framing for constructing the stair.least 12" longer than the total length of your stair.
This can be a difficult and costly process requiring aAdjustable brackets will allow stairs to be built up to
high degree of skill. However, there is an easiernine feet in width, using only the two outside
solution available that will save you time as well asstringers. Use 2x8's for risers with heights up to 7-1
money. The system consists of self-adjusting, stair4" and 2 x10's for risers over 7-1/4". Treads may be
building brackets, used to form an "engineered stair".2x12's, 5/4 pine, 5/4 hardwood, sturdy floor ripped to
Adjustable stair building brackets provide a custom,size or MDF etc. Pre-cut risers and treads exactly to
tailored approach to stair building that is much faster,length once you figure out how many steps you
easier and stronger than conventional construction.need and their width- this will save time.
They're an easy, low cost and simple solution for anyYou start by setting the brackets on two 2x6
custom basement stair building.stringer members using the reusable spacers and
This bracket system can quickly form a basic utilitypivot screws. Once set, remove spacers and rotate
stair or an elaborate, fully finished hardwood stair.the brackets to adjust stair rise and run. Fix the
The adjustable stair building brackets basically do thebrackets in position and attach the risers and treads.
work for you, making the stair building process simple3D demos will explain the process clearly- see link
and streamlined. The brackets are approved asbelow.
adjustable joist hangers which automatically adjust toTools and other materials needed will be: Power drill,
form any rise or run required while at the same time,saw (preferably power saw),# 8 1-1/4" Phillips head,
allowing the risers to be structurally attachedstar or square drive screws for the stair building
between the stringers, carrying the load across thebrackets, #8 2-1/2" screws for every 9 " of tread
stair like stepping floor joists.and riser connections and spacers to customize the
Only two outside stringers are required because theyrise and tread configurations.
are full depth, without notching (unlike conventionalICC-ES approved, this" Engineered Stair Building
cut stringers) and they're engineered to carry muchSystem" eliminates the need to cut stringers and has
greater loads than conventional cut stringers.been tested to be faster and much stronger than
Additionally, only three to four end cuts are requiredconventionally constructed stairs. Savings of $500 per
per stringer which eliminate approximately seventyflight of stairs and more are not uncommon with
saw cuts when compared to conventional cutadjustable stair building brackets. Using this system,
stringers for basement stairs.both professionals and do-it-yourselfers will build cost
The adjustable stair building brackets may be usedefficient basement stairs, without sacrificing quality,
with many different materials including pine, MDFaccuracy, strength or appearance.