How to make a metal staircase on stringers with your own hands

Although building a metal staircase on stringers may seem like a difficult undertaking, you can make a strong and fashionable staircase that improves the look and feel of your house with the correct advice and supplies. Because of their strength, longevity, and sleek appearance, metal staircases are a popular option for both indoor and outdoor applications. This project can be completed by anyone, regardless of experience level, if it is planned and carried out carefully. It is a great way to start a new hobby or challenge yourself.

It’s important to know the basic parts and terminology related to metal staircases before you start. The staircase’s stringers serve as its structural backbone, giving the treads—the actual steps you walk on—and risers—the vertical portions that separate each step—support and structure. The materials steel and aluminum, which are renowned for their strength and adaptability, are usually used to make the stringers for metal staircases. The stability and general appearance of your staircase will depend on how these stringers are positioned and designed.

First things first, make sure you have the required supplies and equipment. This includes safety gear like goggles and gloves, as well as metal stringers, treads, bolts, a drill, and a measuring tape and level. This project requires precision, so be patient as you measure and cut each component precisely. A smooth construction process and a dependable, safe staircase can be guaranteed by careful planning and following safety regulations.

After assembling your materials, you must cut the stringers to the proper length and angle, install the treads, and fasten the structure as a whole. You can be proud of the finished product—a custom metal staircase—but it will take time and careful attention to detail throughout this process. You don’t need sophisticated technical skills to accomplish professional-looking results by taking a step-by-step approach and avoiding common pitfalls.

Not only can you save money by doing it yourself, but building a metal staircase on stringers is a fulfilling project that lets you add a unique touch to your living area. As you work through this guide, you’ll pick up useful skills and self-assurance in your do-it-yourself skills. Now, gather your materials and prepare to bring your dream of a staircase to life!

Step	Description
1. Plan and Design	Measure the space and create a design for the staircase, including dimensions and materials.
2. Gather Materials	Purchase metal stringers, treads, risers, screws, and other necessary tools.
3. Cut the Stringers	Cut the metal stringers to the correct length and shape using a saw or grinder.
4. Prepare the Treads	Cut the treads to size and drill holes for attaching them to the stringers.
5. Assemble the Frame	Secure the stringers to the floor and wall, ensuring they are level and properly aligned.
6. Install the Treads	Attach the treads to the stringers using screws or welding, ensuring they are securely fastened.
7. Add Finishing Touches	Sand any rough edges, paint or seal the metal, and add any desired handrails or additional features.

Types and features of stringer designs

A stringer is a beam that connects the building’s upper and lower levels. Its ends rest against the interfloor ceilings. Actually, the steps and every component of the lifting system are attached to this load-bearing portion of the staircase structure.

There are various varieties of stringer stairs, with variations in the quantity of beams.

• Single. These are structures that include one stringer located in the middle of the span.

• Double. These are two support beams on which steps are installed on top. A common option, especially when stairs are made of wood. By the way, the design on bowstrings is very similar to them. Only here the steps are located between the beams in special grooves.

The stringers themselves can be positioned either strictly along the edges in relation to the steps or slightly offset inward.

• Triples. This is when three load-bearing beams are installed: two at the edges, one in the middle. It makes sense to assemble such a structure only when the length of the steps exceeds 2 m.

Additionally, the following terms are used by experts when building stairs on stringers:

• fillies are small devices with the help of which a support for steps is formed.
• the comb is the stringer itself, which in shape is a stepped structure made from individual parts of the supporting profile.

The most common material used to assemble staircases on stringers is steel pipe or channel. Here, it’s critical to realize that both profiles—especially for models with a single stringer—must have a greater capacity to support loads. Electric welding is used to assemble the staircase itself, so having this ability is necessary to work independently.

A satisfying do-it-yourself project that improves the look and feel of your house is building a metal staircase on stringers. This post will walk you through every stage of the procedure, from assembling the required supplies and equipment to doing the last installation. To ensure a strong and fashionable staircase, you’ll learn how to measure and cut the metal, put the stringers together, and firmly fasten the steps. This thorough guide will provide you the knowledge and confidence you need to successfully complete your metal staircase project, regardless of your level of experience with do-it-yourself projects.

Scheme with two stringers

The presence of two stringers in a design determines whether it is considered double. The most straightforward configuration involves fixing the profile metal ends between two floors in a straight line. In other words, this design is rectilinear.

The same length of beams and precise spacing between them throughout the entire longitudinal arrangement are necessary for the correct installation of stringers. In this instance, the load-bearing components of the upper and lower floors are secured to two parallel laid elements.

It is more difficult with a rotating system, when the structure is divided by an intermediate platform, and the upper part relative to the lower one rotates at some angle. More often than not less than 90°. In this case, the issue of safety and strength of the object is solved by additional fastening of stringers either to the walls or to support pillars, which are installed under the platform and the upper part of the span. However, if you correctly calculate the elements of the system according to the loads, then the metal profile can withstand quite a serious weight without additional fasteners. This strength is the main difference between metal stairs and wooden ones.

The transition through the platform is the hardest node in the entire rotary structure. Here, it’s important to preserve the exact precision of the staircase’s specifications, which remain constant as one ascends and descends. Nevertheless, winder steps can be used to construct metal stairs with one or two stringers without the need for an intermediary platform.

Scheme with one central stringer

Compared to other lifting systems, this unique and seemingly straightforward design needs extra care. The entire weight of the march is carried by one stringer. The profile form also needs to account for additional torsional loads. As a result, picking the right stringer shape and section is crucial. A pipe that has a 150×150 mm cross section and a minimum wall thickness of 6 mm is generally appropriate.

For installation work, a staircase on a channel stringer is thought to be convenient. Placing the profile on interfloor ceilings doesn’t require twisting because it is stable. Put the channel on a wide enough shelf to guarantee installation reliability and stiffness. In contrast to the pipe, the installation of steps—or rather, fillies—is likewise straightforward and practical.

One characteristic of single staircases on stringers is their open layout. Additionally, since there are fewer components, there is a chance to save a little money. However, you shouldn’t anticipate significant savings because the central stringer needs platforms for steps, which are made of one or two independent supports. They can have a variety of shapes, but the most common ones are cut-out triangles or rectangles.

The supports create a horizontal plane on which the steps can be attached, and they are positioned at an angle to the stringer. Electric welding is used to secure the attachment to the beam.

Angles and steps

The ideal range for the stairs’ inclination with respect to the floor plane is between 20 and 45°.

However, since this is the best option, each case is examined separately because there are various scenarios in real life that differ significantly from the ideal one. Reducing the angle makes the structure more comfortable to move around, if the room’s dimensions allow for such a change. The stairs are angled greatly if the rooms are small.

It is possible to resolve the last issue by reinstalling the stages. Here, there is an ideal situation where one step hangs over the other but their projections are not parallel to one another. Everything is different when the angle of inclination is high. The steps will overlap in projection and hang over one another. However, a displacement of more than 8 cm shouldn’t be permitted. GOST and SNiPs lay this out on the stairs.

How to accurately calculate stringers for stairs

Prior to anything else, the design’s parameters must be established. While some of them are fixed, others are flexible.

• H – ceiling height;
• H1 – staircase height;
• L – projection length on the floor;
• h – riser height;
• l – step depth;
• n – number of steps;
• L1 – length of the opening on the top floor.

Construction standards state that "H1" values should not be less than 2 meters, "l" values should range from 25 to 30 centimeters, and "h" values should range from 12 to 25 centimeters.

The building design determines the constant value for the parameter "H" out of all the indicated values. The dimensions of the space are taken into account for all other dimensional indicators.

Calculation of the number of steps

In steps, there are H/h=300:18=16. However, keep in mind that the uppermost step is the floor of the upper story, meaning that 15 steps must be fastened to the stringer.

Calculation of stringer length

By using the number of steps as a guide, you can calculate the flight of stairs’ projection length, which in turn determines the step depth. It is, for instance, 28 cm. The ensuing mathematical computation is now performed: 28 times 15 is 4.2 meters. This is the "L" indicator’s value.

The Pythagorean theorem must be used to calculate the length of the stringer once the height of the ceilings and the staircase’s projection length have been determined.

H2 + L2 = P2, where P is the stair length.

P² = 3² + 4.2² = 26.64. Consequently, P=5.16 m. This is the length of stringer needed to build a set of stairs that meets the specified requirements.

Online calculator

We’ve compiled a list of online staircase calculators for your convenience, so you can use them to independently determine all design parameters, including the terminology and amount of material needed.

Making a metal staircase out of stringers by hand is a satisfying project that blends skill and utility. You can make sure the staircase is both aesthetically pleasing and functional by taking a methodical approach.

Every step, from design and planning to cutting and assembling, calls for meticulous attention to detail. To create a strong and secure structure, the appropriate equipment and materials must be used. With this project, accuracy is crucial, so take your time when taking measurements and making cuts.

It can be difficult to weld the metal components together, particularly if you’ve never done it before. If required, practice on spare parts, and put safety first by donning the proper protective gear. If you feel that welding is too difficult, think about getting professional assistance.

Sanding, priming, and painting are examples of finishing touches that will improve the appearance of your staircase while shielding it from rust and wear. To add a unique touch to your creation, select a finish that goes well with the exterior or interior decor of your house.

Overall, with the correct planning and perseverance, building a metal staircase on stringers is a doable do-it-yourself project. Along with the satisfaction of having constructed a major element of your house on your own, you’ll acquire useful skills. Savor the procedure and the outcomes of your diligent efforts!

Video on the topic

Saving on the stairs. Self-taught welder!! BUILDING FOR OURSELVES

DIY metal staircase on one stringer

How to weld a broken stringer for a staircase

How to make an iron staircase on stringers to the second floor.

Welding a broken stringer for a staircase is not a problem. Why not everyone does this

DIY metal staircase

Staircase to the second floor in a frame house

How much do broken stringers for stairs cost