What is the formula for figuring how to build steps?

Answer 1

Three parts of a step: Rise, Run and Width

Width determined by use.

Step 1 - Determine number of steps

Best Rise for steps is 6-8 1/4 inches. Divide total rise (height of climb) by 7. This is comfortable average step height. Round off number to integer (can't have fractional steps)

Step 2 - Determine actual Rise

Divide total rise by number of steps from Step 1. This is your actual rise.

Step 3 - Determine Run

Two Formulas

1) Rise plus the Run should equal ap­proximately 17.5 inches.

2) Two times the Rise plus the Run should equal between 24 and 25 inches

With 7 inch rise:

Formula 1 - 17.5 minus 7 gives Run of 10.5 inches

Formula 2 - 24.5 minus 14 gives Run of 10.5 inches

**********************

Answer Measure how high the step need to be, say 4 ft. high. decide how high you want each step to be. Say 6 inches to make it easy. Devide the number of inches in each step into the total height. to raise 4 ft. you would need 8 steps. 6 inches into 48 inches goes 8 times. Height of step can be anything, an odd amount, 6 and 3/4, 7 and 1/4 whatever it takes to make them come out even. Use a framing square to lay out the stair on a 2x12 long enough. Again, using a 6 inch rise and a 10 inch wide step for example. On the top edge of the 2x12 take the framing , hold it in front of you with you being on the inside of the angle. The 2x12 is in front of you. The edge of the board closest to you is the top. On the outside edge of the square, put the right hand side at 10 inches and the left hand side at 6 inches and mark the outside of the square. Move the square up the board and put the 10 inch mark at the top of the 6 inch mark you just made and mark it again. Continue this till enough steps are marked. Square the top and bottom to fit the ground and the porch you are attaching to. I hope this is clear enough, it's easier to show than it is to explain.