Use All the Right Angles for a Basement Staircase Build

The life of a basement staircase is typically not all that exciting.  In many instances it’s a basic structure built when the house was constructed that still stands bare.  If it’s time to renovate a basement, don’t overlook those trusty, yet uninteresting stairs.  Now’s the time to rework them (if possible) into the new design.  Or at a very minimum, make sure they are appealing and safe now that the basement is going to be finished and getting more traffic.

Including the staircase in the initial remodel planning will allow for an optimum use of space, as well a visual appeal to the area.  And of course, now is the time to address any safety upgrades to the lighting, handrails, etc.

Remember that homeowner’s insurance typically doesn’t cover damages resulting from areas not built to code.  So don’t skip checking with local safety codes.  Stairs especially can often be subject to requirements on certain slopes, and even shape, for safety.  Getting the proper permit is necessary to ensure construction follows building codes. This will help protect the homeowner from accidents and litigation.

When it comes time for the measurements, the math involved is rather straightforward. 

Total Rise = the distance starting from the basement floor straight up to the basement ceiling. 

Total Run = mark where the stairs will end, then measure from that point to the first floor.   

It’s important to convert the measurements into inches for the next steps. 

Riser Height = divide the rise by 7.  The dividend is the number of risers required (round up if it’s not a whole number).  

Number of Steps = simply subtract one from the number of risers and you have the number steps required. 

Tread Width = divide the run by the number of steps.

The key is for uniform height and width for all steps so be sure all of the risers and treads are the same by averaging the measurements across the total length of the stairs.

When it comes time to build, the right type of fastener can make a difference.  SCRAIL® can be used almost anywhere ordinary screws are used.  Without sacrificing the quality and superior holding power of a screw, SCRAIL® are driven in with the ease of a nail, using a pneumatic nail gun.  You can achieve dramatically increased holding power versus nails, while gaining the added benefit of easy adjustment and quick removal.  The perfect combination for a strong staircase and supportive handrail to complete any staircase build.