How to Properly Plan Stairs | This Old House

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  • čas přidán 27. 12. 2019
  • Tommy shows Kevin how to figure out how many risers are needed for stairs going from one section of the house to another.
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    How to Properly Plan Stairs | This Old House
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  • Jak na to + styl

Komentáře • 164

  • @urviewingpleasure
    @urviewingpleasure Před 4 lety +11

    I've always wanted too see how Tom did steps, he's a true Craftsmen.

  • @rhodakozak1205
    @rhodakozak1205 Před 9 měsíci

    Thank you for making this video! We just bought our first house and were wondering why we felt unsteady using the stairs; the measurements are wrong! So now, we know what the measurements are supposed to be, so we can plan for new stairs! Having the correct measurements and how to calculate them is a game changer!

  • @mrj-charles6383
    @mrj-charles6383 Před 4 lety +2

    Thanks, I like the tip on how to use the square to get even measurements all the way across.

  • @davem3789
    @davem3789 Před 4 lety +13

    👍👍 for the c-clamping square to straight edge idea. I’m going to use that on my next set of stairs. Thanks

  • @jenyminor
    @jenyminor Před 3 lety

    I love this old house Page! These Guys are the best of the best!

  • @cillyede
    @cillyede Před 4 lety +5

    Good as always. Hello from Germany.

  • @mpybals8002
    @mpybals8002 Před 8 měsíci +3

    The rise is 7.69 or 7 11/16 and the run is 9 1/2. The height is 69 1/4 so you would divide that number 69.25 by 9 which gives you the 7.69 rise or 7 11/16. The run is 9 1/2 so you times 9.5 x 8 because you always have one less run. The total run length is 76. Cut off whatever you are using for stair treads off the bottom of stringer. For instance if you are using a one inch thick stair tread cut one inch off bottom making the first rise 6 11/16 tall. The top rise will need to be held down 8 11/16. Lastly cut off the run of the top step for whatever you are using on the face of the rise treads. For example if you are using 3/4 plywood the top run on the stringer needs to be 9 1/2 minus 3/4 which gives you the top tread run of 8 3/4.

  • @GotWire
    @GotWire Před 4 lety +8

    A master at work. That would take me probably about 100 tries to get done right as I've never done it before haha

  • @123Goldhunter11
    @123Goldhunter11 Před 2 lety

    Good stuff per usual. Thanks.

  • @garmar704
    @garmar704 Před 4 lety +13

    Sometimes I have dreams that I'm Tom Silva and there's no challenge that cannot be conquered. Then I wake up and I'm just me.

    • @robbynenriquez
      @robbynenriquez Před 4 lety +2

      Tom S is the MacGyver of TOH and my hero. I do wish he had laid out the math a little more for us.

  • @danielhowald8855
    @danielhowald8855 Před 4 lety +1

    Happy New Year

  • @fidelquintero590
    @fidelquintero590 Před 4 lety +2

    I do stairs just like that the difference is that they give us the whole material cut already so we always have to adjust the stringers a little. It would be nice if they fit perfectly like how it did for this stair master

  • @jima4286
    @jima4286 Před 4 lety +11

    Need to mention that most building codes have head height clearance rules for stairs, more likely a problem in interior.

  • @many4173
    @many4173 Před 3 lety

    Your a rock star !

  • @mostafasaberian3851
    @mostafasaberian3851 Před rokem

    Really l learning from you thanks

  • @tuesfeo1
    @tuesfeo1 Před 2 lety

    Og seems like a nice guy to work with 💪🏾

  • @JD_Spencer
    @JD_Spencer Před rokem

    Thx for the video but there wasnt enough on the calc part. Have to know how to calculate rise and run to build atairs.

  • @rglce25
    @rglce25 Před 4 lety +10

    There's a lot more to it than just that

  • @louisgholland709
    @louisgholland709 Před 3 lety +2

    Wish they had this old house Vocational programs in Urban Community's kids will respect whatever they build with their own Hand's.

  • @montanaspring7176
    @montanaspring7176 Před 4 lety +1

    im clueless, Tommy FTW!

  • @wwhomeshow
    @wwhomeshow Před 4 lety

    Building Staircases can be a DIY puzzle box! Another quick and informative video ATOH! 🏠

  • @apmadeithappen2
    @apmadeithappen2 Před 6 měsíci

    That track saw is the secret weapon!

  • @anthonyervin448
    @anthonyervin448 Před měsícem +1

    You forgot crowning the boards sir. And mention that 37degrees is the default unless split foyer or failed amount of room

  • @okoboji2001
    @okoboji2001 Před 3 lety

    What about picking the right lumber for the stringers? What grain direction works best? What grain direction works best for the treads?

    • @wboquist
      @wboquist Před 2 lety

      You can ask for "stringer stock" at the lumber yard to receive suitable lumber.

  • @mikcall54
    @mikcall54 Před 3 lety +89

    Tom did everything but tell us how he figured the rise and run.

    • @derekw40
      @derekw40 Před 2 lety +1

      Lol

    • @xgum
      @xgum Před 2 lety +4

      the man only works in right angles

    • @cussininthekitchen8224
      @cussininthekitchen8224 Před 2 lety

      Measure 7.5 inches on the sides

    • @itybitygangsta
      @itybitygangsta Před 2 lety +4

      Everything but how to do it lol

    • @dayzeo
      @dayzeo Před rokem +4

      Wouldn’t you just divide to total height by 7.5” for the rise then multiply the resulting number by 10” for the tread?

  • @BiggMo
    @BiggMo Před 4 lety +1

    In Washington State there should had been a safety rail around that mid level floor they working on.

  • @chrisallen3741
    @chrisallen3741 Před 8 měsíci

    What is the cut you made on the bottom of the stringer that locked in the floor? I never seen anyone explain that

  • @Nail56
    @Nail56 Před 4 lety +51

    Well, he didn't explain the math between the rise and cuts...

    • @lionheart93
      @lionheart93 Před 4 lety +2

      yup dislike

    • @NShores
      @NShores Před 4 lety +6

      I suspected from the start that the video wasn't going to be much of a deep dive, based on its (less than) 4 minute running time. I would really like to hear more about stairs!

    • @ImTheJoker4u
      @ImTheJoker4u Před 4 lety +4

      Or calculate the tread thickness.

    • @B.E.C.K.
      @B.E.C.K. Před 3 lety +3

      Most pros use the Construction Calculator. It’s a great resource and comes as a phone app now too.

    • @thomaswayneward
      @thomaswayneward Před 3 lety

      There is no formula between the rise and tread, they are individually figured using the required horizontal length of the entire stair way and the required total height.

  • @melissakuralt790
    @melissakuralt790 Před 2 lety

    We have to have a 90 (Lshape) staircase going to basement. Two of the floor joists have to be removed to allow for head room. Do the headers that cap off the floor joists have to be supported by a wall under them, or can I keep it open?

    • @larryc8568
      @larryc8568 Před rokem

      I know it is late, but the joists holding the header should be doubled.

  • @wboquist
    @wboquist Před 2 lety

    What are the minimum requirements for headroom for people who are using the stares?

  • @newdogatplay
    @newdogatplay Před 4 lety

    How to cut stringers for unlevel landing I've hunted for your video an can not find it ,please put it on here

  • @jennifer9528
    @jennifer9528 Před rokem +1

    Great! But what are the required dimensions of the board before it's cut into stringers? (2x8? 2x10? 2x12?)

  • @LubaLuba1
    @LubaLuba1 Před 3 lety

    what about connecting where can i find 45 degree hangers for stringers

  • @richardmckrell4899
    @richardmckrell4899 Před 2 měsíci

    Tom ran into a little problem on these stairs as a 9 1/2' tread is the minimum tread allowed. He probably has an issue with them sticking out in the hall but I'd make them closer to 10". 2r + t = 25 would give you 9 5/8".

  • @apostasiaelegcho5612
    @apostasiaelegcho5612 Před 3 lety +5

    Going by the marks of a framing square when laying out stringers, you're almost always guaranteed to be off at least a 1/16nth of an inch. Measuring the hypotenuse is the only accurate method for stringer layout. I rarely see anyone do that.

    • @wboquist
      @wboquist Před 2 lety +2

      That's true. I once saw a carpenter use the square, and he gained about an eighth of an inch on each tread. Over sixteen treads, he was off two inches at the top.

    • @apostasiaelegcho5612
      @apostasiaelegcho5612 Před rokem

      @CORNER MARKET PLACE Ok :)

  • @thebirdac
    @thebirdac Před rokem +3

    He forgot to subtract 1/4" to the bottom of the stringer that sits on the floor ,to accommodate for the thickness of the tread which is 1" thick .1" (Tread) - 3/4" (Floor) = 1/4" ,so by taking that 1/4" off the bottom it will lower the top tread 1/4" .Ex: Risers are suppose to be 7 1/2" high ,so by taking that 1/4" off the bottom your first rise at the bottom will be 7 1/4" high and the rise at the top (from the top of the floor to the top of the tread) will be 7 3/4" ,so when you install your hardwood floors or ceramic tiles with sub-floor (3/4") thick and your treads (1") thick all your risers will be equal from bottom to the top .You need to subtract what you intend to put on your floor to the thickness of the tread which is 1" thick .

    • @mikelazenby55
      @mikelazenby55 Před 11 měsíci

      Yep, I came to the comment section to see if anyone else noticed this.

    • @tarahall1025
      @tarahall1025 Před 6 měsíci

      Trying to design a switchback staircase- I want a rise of 6” and tread of 12.5” - is that allowed? And working with 10’ ceilings on main

  • @Genertrevia
    @Genertrevia Před 3 lety

    hello I have space which is 98 inches height and 50 inches on the ground. How can those stairs be designed?

  • @jamilahmed7347
    @jamilahmed7347 Před 3 lety

    Plz can you make a video of your cordless drill

  • @diggersdaddon7205
    @diggersdaddon7205 Před 8 měsíci +1

    You need to think about tread thickness, too. For example: If finished floors are 3/4" and tread material is thicker (say 1.25") and you don't lower the risers that 1/2" difference, your first step up will be 1/2" taller and top step up 1/2" shorter than all the steps in between. Riser layout would be the same, but you'd need to cut that 1/2" off the bottom.

    • @mpybals8002
      @mpybals8002 Před 7 měsíci +2

      You are right that you need to adjust for finished floor but your risers height is measured from finished floor. Your bottom step would be taller until the hardwood or whatever is installed.

    • @nailbanger2
      @nailbanger2 Před 6 měsíci +1

      ​@@mpybals8002
      Always a good idea to start a story pole with ALL the pertinent information on it. This includes any possible landings, although this set didn't have any.

  • @tonylove1261
    @tonylove1261 Před 4 lety

    When is the show on? It was on PBS at 7 pm Saturday’s in NY. Can’t find it anymore.

    • @felipepubillones2768
      @felipepubillones2768 Před 4 lety

      Believe it's strictly online now

    • @garychambers5930
      @garychambers5930 Před 4 lety

      In Arkansas it come on PBS Saturday's at 1:00
      New episodes
      I would think it would be the same everywhere in the US

  • @scotttovey
    @scotttovey Před 4 lety +8

    To calculate the number of steps, take the total height which in this case is 69.25, and divide by a number of steps you think will be needed. If the result is over 8 inches the result is a bad number of steps. If the result is in between 7 and 8 inches, the result is a good number of steps. If the result is under 7 inches, the result is a bad number of steps. Total Total Riser height Steps Height 69.25 / 8 = 8 11/16 bad 69.25 / 9 = 7 11/16 good 69.25 / 10 = 6 15/16 bad
    To calculate the step length, add the riser height to twice the step length.
    The result should be between 26 and 27 inches.
    Riser Tread Tread
    Height Length Length Total
    7 11/16 + 9 + 9 = 25 25/36 bad
    7 11/16 + 9 1/2 + 9 1/2 = 26 25/36 good
    7 11/16 + 10 + 10 = 27 25/36 bad

    • @jonnboimuhfucka
      @jonnboimuhfucka Před 4 lety

      Thanks.

    • @scotttovey
      @scotttovey Před 4 lety

      @@jonnboimuhfucka
      Your Welcome! 😎👍

    • @DSGLABEL
      @DSGLABEL Před 4 lety

      Steps are some intimidating.

    • @72strand
      @72strand Před 4 lety

      SH (step height) is 170 till 180 mm (6.7 inches to 7.0 inches)
      But the step depth is the magic number 620 mm (24.4 inches) in a formula.
      That is 2SH+1SD = 24.4"
      Now take Height 6.7" times 2 = 13.4" + X = 24.4" so X is 24.4 - 13.4 = 11"
      Test this (2x) SH = 6.7" + SD = 11" the total shall be 24.4"
      All this gives you that is you choose the step height of 7" the depth shall be shorter.
      You can do stairs that have longer depth. That is no problem. Just don't do them to short.

    • @scotttovey
      @scotttovey Před 4 lety +1

      @@72strand
      Actually, I worked the calculation until I got the same answers that Tommy provided in the video.
      FYI: Most code specifications in America are still SAE, not metric measurements.

  • @RM-lk1so
    @RM-lk1so Před 3 lety

    Never a thumbs down. But this topic should have more info.

  • @dillonpeters2121
    @dillonpeters2121 Před 3 lety

    To easy its fun when u get hardwood one on one floor and tile the next floor got to watch yourself when factoring in different finisbed floors

  • @itson3048
    @itson3048 Před 7 měsíci +1

    How did you figure the angle for the birds Mouth on the bottom?

  • @rickyrodriguez5744
    @rickyrodriguez5744 Před 3 lety +1

    Riverside California building code doesn’t allow the use of screws, they call for 16ds.

  • @davidwells298
    @davidwells298 Před 3 lety +1

    Drill a hole where rise and run meets less apt to splitting

  • @frednatural7310
    @frednatural7310 Před 4 lety +3

    Has TOH ever reviewed Larry Haun's videos from the 1970's?

    • @thomaswayneward
      @thomaswayneward Před 3 lety

      No, Larry Haun's videos were associated with Fine Homebuilding, a competitor.

  • @scottparrott6669
    @scottparrott6669 Před rokem

    What is that he has attached to his power saw?

  • @felipejose9909
    @felipejose9909 Před 4 lety

    I can build stairs after this 3 min video.

  • @ltandrepants
    @ltandrepants Před 2 lety

    what about thickness of tread finish

  • @anthonydias8403
    @anthonydias8403 Před 3 lety +1

    How did you calculate the notch on the bottom stair?

  • @nickdifilippo4055
    @nickdifilippo4055 Před 4 lety +2

    Wow I will never do stairs another way. I like the circular saw with guide/fence/track attachment too

    • @MattLitkeRacing
      @MattLitkeRacing Před 4 lety

      Nick DiFilippo it’s a Festool HKC saw

    • @Scottybravo1
      @Scottybravo1 Před 4 lety

      For almost $900 for that saw and track, I don't like it that much

    • @MattLitkeRacing
      @MattLitkeRacing Před 4 lety

      Scottybravo1 time is money. Most good tools will pay for themselves if that’s the work you do

    • @thomaswayneward
      @thomaswayneward Před 3 lety

      They are being paid to promote the guide. Any carpenter would be laughed at on the job if they used that guide. I can cut as good as a table saw on any cut, freehand, and so can any good carpenter.

    • @nailbanger2
      @nailbanger2 Před 6 měsíci

      ​@@thomaswayneward
      You are correct about the festool track saw, but having spent over 40 years trying, I still haven't gotten to the level of skill you claim to possess. I haven't seen it in any others, either. What a good carpenter does is work around his deficiencies. I have several homemade track saws, simple masonite and 3/4"x3/4" hardwood saw guide in lengths of 8', 50", and 18" that take the skill of cutting a straight line out of the equation. For most things, I don't even take them out of the truck. But when I'm building cabinets or coffered ceilings, or stairs, they come in real handy for the price of $20.

  • @steamenginewatt2712
    @steamenginewatt2712 Před 3 lety +1

    What I do is: After the lay out with the square, LEAVE the pencil mark with the saw blade, this is the template. For the rest of the stringers, put the pencil mark DOWN on each new stringer, and REMOVE the pencil mark with the saw blade. Your stringers should all be the same... Good luck !

  • @marcodeluca4068
    @marcodeluca4068 Před 3 lety

    What about the pitch of each tread ???

  • @jstrick85
    @jstrick85 Před 2 lety

    I’m always one step ahead. Like a carpenter. Who builds stairs.

  • @slappy915
    @slappy915 Před 4 lety

    I just wish the template was better explained. I expected to see it on top or something. :(

  • @thesnowgeese
    @thesnowgeese Před rokem

    Twice the rise plus the run (2r+R) should be within an inch of 25”. 😉

  • @rodralph824
    @rodralph824 Před měsícem

    Let’s see how the top went

  • @sammontalvo8904
    @sammontalvo8904 Před 2 lety

    You didn't explain the cut that attaches to the board

  • @robertocastro5102
    @robertocastro5102 Před 2 lety

    How much money would it cost to make a 7-step stone and concrete staircase in front of the house?

  • @tory7142
    @tory7142 Před rokem

    👍👍

  • @probegt75
    @probegt75 Před 4 lety +1

    My dad always used these two little brass clamp things when he did stairs idk what they're called

  • @thomaswayneward
    @thomaswayneward Před 3 lety

    He didn't cover how to figure the tread width. The total length, on a horizontal, of the stairs, always has a requirement. The tread must be adjusted accordingly.

  • @lancesay
    @lancesay Před rokem

    riser height = 7.5 in and tread = 10 to 10.5 in.

  • @joevaldivia6733
    @joevaldivia6733 Před 2 lety

    Tim didn’t explain how to calculate the rise and run 🤨

  • @steamenginewatt2712
    @steamenginewatt2712 Před 3 lety

    What would the correct rise and run be on Led Zeppelin's Stairway To Heaven ?

  • @wildernessofzin9543
    @wildernessofzin9543 Před rokem

    Not only that …. measurement for foot or base .

  • @jamesgardner7352
    @jamesgardner7352 Před rokem

    Didnt show how to get angle on bottom to lay flush

  • @kellyanderson995
    @kellyanderson995 Před rokem

    I don't think he said how wide the stringer board has to be. Basic info...

  • @TheSubtleBeast
    @TheSubtleBeast Před 3 lety

    I do not like Tommy saying “That’s illegal” 😭

  • @gerardcomeau2160
    @gerardcomeau2160 Před 4 lety +1

    *Break a hip ... grandma !*

  • @Piccolo_Re
    @Piccolo_Re Před 8 měsíci +1

    It must be nice having a $700 circular saw for a project…

  • @davidclark6694
    @davidclark6694 Před 2 lety

    Failed to tell people how you calculated the tread and riser size.

  • @cole141000
    @cole141000 Před 4 lety

    Nails are actually better than screws for 99% of wood framing-the most important thing you want in a fastener for a building unless you are sistering material is sheer strength. I feel like he’s sold out to be more attractive to the undereducated viewer.
    This is why men like Essential Craftsman and Larry Haun just can’t be replaced. It bothers me that the kind of work that is typically to be very home-grown is becoming so commercialized.

    • @thomaswayneward
      @thomaswayneward Před 3 lety

      Nails are plenty good for all carpentry. A single 16 sinker will hold about 400 lbs. so four in a stud is 1600 lbs.

  • @gregorysalter6226
    @gregorysalter6226 Před 3 lety +1

    Dude. Rise and run are one thing. Unit rise and unit run are another. Got to be specific man. Vary vary specific.

    • @nailbanger2
      @nailbanger2 Před 6 měsíci

      That's " very, very specific ".

  • @MrEdolsian
    @MrEdolsian Před 4 lety +2

    You didn't explain the math..

  • @QIKWIA
    @QIKWIA Před 4 lety +1

    All the years I've been watching this show, How come they never show these guys messing up a project?😄😂😂..
    🤷🏽‍♀️I wanna see some mistakes made by these "master carpenters"..
    😁☺️😖😂😅

  • @nsuddeth91
    @nsuddeth91 Před 4 lety +3

    I didnt learn anything.

  • @martinsanchez1949
    @martinsanchez1949 Před 3 lety

    Lacked detail

  • @JAMESMOORE-gq4vv
    @JAMESMOORE-gq4vv Před 6 měsíci

    You didn't show the most important things, the 5.5 inch first step, and where it ended up at the top, were you 7.5 inchs down from the top or flush with the top, all you really showed was your little jig.

  • @oldironsfury
    @oldironsfury Před 2 lety

    If your up in north Maine
    Just use the circular saw to finish cut the stair stringers
    That extra meat you cut into with the circular saw doesn’t really matter
    🤣🤦🏻‍♂️😂

  • @anerioone
    @anerioone Před 4 lety +1

    poor explanation and incomplete

  • @nax1807
    @nax1807 Před 4 lety +2

    These videos are much too short

    • @josephkilleen7807
      @josephkilleen7807 Před 4 lety

      As in, "They give you a flyover of a project, but not the substance to complete a job."
      They are not teachers, that's for damned sure. They often tell a DIY'er just enough to make them dangerous.

  • @GoForwardPs34
    @GoForwardPs34 Před 7 měsíci

    Wrong title on this video

  • @jasonhall4930
    @jasonhall4930 Před 2 lety

    This video is tv fluff, skipped the important stuff.

  • @walsterdoomit
    @walsterdoomit Před 4 lety

    Thumbs down. Explained nothing.
    Slight kudos for the board square setup. Otherwise how long a stringer do you need. What’s the run? No math.
    Disappointing.

  • @foremanjacobmiller3589

    😂what

  • @Rocky1115
    @Rocky1115 Před 4 lety +1

    This video was pointless. It didn't show how to lay out stairs whatsoever.

  • @mikeelliott1971
    @mikeelliott1971 Před 4 lety +1

    normally one would make a templet, and then make the rest..

  • @steamenginewatt2712
    @steamenginewatt2712 Před 3 lety +3

    After this 3 minute video with its lack of in-depth techniques and methodology, I'm just going to install an elevator !

    • @Fnberg744
      @Fnberg744 Před 2 lety

      Exactly. Left out as much as he included

  • @eastside0434
    @eastside0434 Před 3 lety

    Very basic and incomplete video

  • @gina4319
    @gina4319 Před 3 lety

    During Trump's second term he's going give Biden a televised kiss on the cheek

    • @jacqdanieles
      @jacqdanieles Před 3 lety

      -4 more years- 😂

    • @gina4319
      @gina4319 Před rokem

      @CORNER MARKET PLACE Some Lumpy Dumpy in the Pen 😂

    • @gina4319
      @gina4319 Před rokem

      💋CORNER PLACE 💋

  • @eireannsg
    @eireannsg Před 4 lety +1

    0:40 which idiot designed those stairs. They are good for if you want to fall down. Here the steps are too small
    3:17, yet another disaster. the steps seem too high, difficult to carry things up.
    Has no one in the US an idea how to design the ideal stair?

    • @eireannsg
      @eireannsg Před 4 lety

      @DR PHIL Of course Amsterdam and the UK are bad examples. In other European countries that type of stairs would not get an approval. Guess the family of this old house is originally from England or Holland.

    • @eireannsg
      @eireannsg Před 4 lety

      @DR PHIL Yupp

    • @eireannsg
      @eireannsg Před rokem

      @CORNER MARKET PLACE the steps are too high, the stair is too steep and the entire foot doesnt fit on one stair step. I posted my initial comment 2 years ago.