House owners quite often face the need to install an internal staircase. Two-story houses, as well as apartments have long ceased to be a rarity, and in this case one cannot do without a staircase. Wooden stairs are especially popular and can become a real decoration of the interior - especially if you know how to secure the steps on a wooden staircase. Unreliable fastening in best case scenario will lead to constant creaking of the steps, and in the worst case, the ladder may break.
Let's first consider two typical way attaching steps to stairs:
- Fastening on bowstrings. In this case, each step is attached to special bars (they are called bowstrings) located on the sides of the stairs.
Looking at this picture, it is not difficult to understand the principle of fastening the steps. You just need to add that sometimes the bowstring has to be attached to the adjacent wall.
- Fastening on stringers. A stringer is a special structural element that represents the support of a staircase. The steps are attached to stringers from above. One of the options for such fastening can be seen in the figure:
There is a third method of fastening stair steps- with support directly on the railing. Since bolts are used in this case - special fasteners - this method is also called the bolt flooring method. Unfortunately, although using “bolt flooring” you can get a very beautiful staircase, it is not recommended to use it, since this requires serious professional skills, which not everyone has.
How to attach steps to stringers?
Let us first consider the situation when it is necessary to attach steps to a wooden staircase on stringers. The most obvious way to do this is to use self-tapping screws. Of course, you will need to select sufficiently long self-tapping screws of rather large diameter. In addition, at the attachment points you will have to drill through the steps with a drill.
The main advantage of this approach is its simplicity and accessibility. But after attaching the step you will have to take care of appearance, mask the hole formed in the step. For this purpose special decorative plugs. Most often these plugs are made of plastic. If you choose the right plugs in color and size, they can even decorate the stairs.
Sometimes you can also use a corner to attach stair steps. To do this, such a corner must first be secured to the stringer. This method is most often used when creating wooden stairs with outer skin, completely hiding the kosour.
The least reliable fastening is considered to be landing the steps on wooden pins inserted at the other ends into the stringers. Despite the use of glue, such a connection can become loose and its use is limited.
How to attach steps to strings?
The most “correct” way of attaching steps when constructing a staircase on strings is traditionally considered to be inserting each step into grooves specially cut for them in each of the strings.
This is the mounting method shown in the picture. The most attractive aspect of groove mounting is reliability, but equally important is that in this case no additional elements fasteners Such a staircase does not need to be covered with cladding, and it will not lose any of its visual appeal.
Other methods of attaching steps to a staircase with bowstrings are based on a kind of “replacement” of the stringer with various additional structural elements, attached to the bowstrings. These can be, in particular, linings, special support bars, and in the simplest case - durable metal brackets. Such brackets are attached to the bowstrings with self-tapping screws. All these solutions, although they reduce the aesthetic appeal of a “stripped” staircase without cladding, are used very often because it is much simpler than cutting grooves.
"Single-sided" fastening
Very often the staircase is adjacent directly to the wall. In this case, you can fasten the steps on one side to the string, and on the other to the wall. In the simplest case, if the wall is wooden, this will not cause significant difficulties - after all, such a wall can simply be considered as a bowstring. But if the wall is concrete, you will have to think about the method of fastening.
The most radical approach involves literally “implanting” the steps into the concrete. Of course, in this case the complexity of the work increases sharply. In addition, if you make a mistake, the wall will subsequently crumble when walking up the stairs. Therefore, it is much easier to use conventional fasteners, for example, corners and brackets, which can be fixed in specially drilled holes.
A few words about the steps themselves
Most often, steps for stairs are purchased already finished form, what prevents you from seeing their important design feature- in the overwhelming majority of cases, we are not at all whole piece wood, but a “gluing” of two, and sometimes more, separate fragments. The fact is that steps made from a whole piece are often subject to cracking, and this shortens their service life.
That's why, if you want to make the entire staircase yourself, you must first learn how to glue the steps for the stairs. Professionals perform this gluing in wires, special devices providing optimal conditions for the glue to harden. There are three main gluing methods:
- Gluing "on the rail". In this option, a groove is cut out in each of the glued bars. A special rail is inserted into these grooves, which serves as an additional connecting link. Unfortunately, it is also a vulnerable point - if a step then breaks, then it is along the rail.
- Butt gluing. The simplest way is to glue the ends of the beams directly together. Unfortunately, this method does not allow you to obtain the strongest connection.
- Tongue and groove bonding. It’s reminiscent of the “on a batten” method, but there is no batten—instead, a protruding ridge is made on one of the boards, which is then inserted into a “reciprocal” groove on the other board. This method is considered the most accurate, but also the most difficult.
Wood trim for concrete stairs
Although wooden stairs are rightfully considered the most beautiful and “ecologically friendly”, they still cannot be called either the strongest or the most durable. In addition, each such staircase is quite expensive. It is not surprising that in life you can see concrete stairs much more often. Such stairs are cheap, practical, very durable, but they have one significant drawback - concrete cannot be called pleasant to look at.
This can be corrected using an external wood finishing. By using wood treads for concrete stairs, it is not at all difficult to achieve a noticeable improvement appearance. Of course, in this case you will need a special method for attaching the steps. As you know, one of the most reliable ways to attach something to a concrete surface is to use dowel nails.
Of course, using dowel-nails directly on the surface of wooden steps would mean pointlessly damaging the material. Therefore, the first stage of facing a concrete staircase should be attaching an impressive layer of plywood to its surface - at least one centimeter thick. Plywood should be taken from those varieties that are resistant to moisture.
Dowel nails will securely secure the plywood layer to the concrete surface. At this stage, you can also straighten the steps a little - it’s no secret that concrete stairs often differ in height. After this, you can begin attaching the wooden steps. The easiest way, as always, is to use powerful screws. Special glue will give additional stability and rigidity to the entire structure.
When working with concrete, we must not forget about one feature of this material - its composition initially contains a lot of moisture. Therefore, you should not attach wooden steps to a freshly cast and hardened concrete staircase - you need to wait two to three months and only then start working. In this case, neither the plywood nor the wooden steps will be in danger of cracking.
IN country house You can’t do without a flight of stairs; this element of the interior allows you to correctly zone the room and facilitate access from one room to another. There are two main types of staircase structures: on bowstrings and stringers. The choice of one option or another depends on many factors (room area, financial capabilities of residents, personal preferences, design specifics).
The first type is classic model and that is why it has a number of undeniable advantages. In this article we will look at why it is better to choose a ladder with bowstrings, how to make it yourself and avoid mistakes during marking and installation.
What is a ladder string?
Today there are several in various ways assemblies of staircase structures. Some require professional knowledge and skills, while others are easy and quick to install. Staircases on bowstrings fall into the category of easy-to-assemble transitions. However, before starting to study the principles construction work, it’s worth understanding what a string for stairs is.
The bowstring for a staircase is usually understood to mean the supporting load-bearing structure flight of stairs in the form of a beam with special grooves or sockets located on inside. The main advantage of this type of fastening of steps is the “closing” of the ends, which in turn makes the finished product even more attractive.
A bowstring for wooden stairs is the most universal fastening option. Even a novice craftsman can make it, and special impregnations will increase the service life of the coating. Wooden stairs are most often found in private buildings, and for public institutions choose more interesting models from materials such as plastic, stone, metal. Different types of wood can also be alternated.
Bowstring as the base of a staircase structure
It is quite simple to understand what a stair string is; just look at the end of the product. This element is a support beam with grooves certain sizes, into which the steps will then be mounted. According to the majority experienced builders, it is the bowstring that is responsible for the strength and durability of the marches.
The bowstring serves as a kind of foundation for the staircase structure. The photo below shows the external differences between two popular options for attaching steps (on a bowstring and on a stringer).
Staircase on bowstrings and stringers As you can see, the stringer is a curved beam that secures the steps from below. To increase the strength of such fixation, special cuts are made. This option is best for small rooms, since it differs big bearing capacity and saves free space. Flights of stairs on bowstrings are more massive, but thanks to the design features, they are easy to manufacture and absolutely safe to use.
Please note that there is different types strings for stairs: straight, curved, spiral. When choosing, you should take into account the operational characteristics of the future march.
Material and dimensions
The first stage involves selecting lumber in accordance with the established dimensions of the future structure. To do this, a construction work plan is drawn up in advance and a project is created. You should end up with a solid beam without splicing. To make the base of a staircase structure, various types of wood, metal and reinforced concrete can be used.
The preferred material for making your own stairs is wood; a variety of species are used:
- Softwoods such as pine, cedar or spruce. These are budget and reliable options. But the main disadvantage of such materials is the gradual release of resin, which can interfere with uniform painting and subsequent varnishing of the span.
- Hardwoods such as cherry, beech and oak. This is the best option. Oak products are considered the most reliable; they also do not require special care. With careful use, such stairs will serve your family for several decades.
If you are just planning the production of a staircase structure, then you can determine the length of the string based on the flight of stairs. The width of the bowstring should be about 30 cm, thickness - 4-5 cm.
String markings
Marking can be done in two ways:
- using construction corner or rulers (high probability of error);
- using a special template.
At the beginning of work, it is especially important to determine the preferred arrangement of steps in relation to the base of the structure.
You can stop at classical way markings - without a reference line (then the groove remains open), or make the nests closed (that is, reproduce the reference line at a distance of 4-5 cm from the edge of the workpiece). Both methods are great for self-assembly stairs, so the choice of one option or another depends only on your personal preferences.
Option for making grooves in bowstrings On the video: marking the bowstring with your own hands.
It is worth noting that during production wooden stairs With your own hands, you need to know how to avoid the divergence of bowstrings. For this purpose, certain fasteners are used.
Bowstring fasteners include:
- Metal bands with wedges. They are reliable, durable, and not suitable for compact structures.
- Wooden cords with wedges. Such elements wear out quickly, but are easy to manufacture.
- Screw bands with fixation on nuts. Are considered the best option for fastening bowstrings.
Assembling the stairs (options for fastening strings) Calculation
When making calculations for the design of a future product, the following features of the staircase design should be taken into account:
- The angle of inclination of the march should be within 30-40 degrees;
- the depth of the steps should not be less than 30 cm;
- The average foot height is 20 cm.
The parameters of the individual components of the staircase are calculated using a formula based on the step length. The average length of a human step is 63 cm, when applying the formula we get the following results: 63 ± 3 cm (2 step heights + step depth).
Attaching and installing the bowstring
After everything was done necessary measurements and calculations of the finished structure have been carried out, the process of manufacturing the flight of stairs begins. Before this, you need to purchase all the materials and tools that may be needed during the work process.
To attach and install the bowstring you will need the following equipment:
- hammer with rubber tip;
- electric jigsaw and drill;
- manual milling machine;
- tape measure, ruler;
- building level and square.
If you are going to attach the bowstring to the wall, which is the best option possible, it is necessary to measure the wall beam in advance and cut off the lower part. This will allow the string to lie flat on the floor. As a result of the actions taken, she will rely on cross beam opening, which will increase the strength of the entire structure.
To better understand how to fit a bowstring to a wall, watch the video, which clearly shows the whole process.
In the video: installing the bowstring against the wall.
When making a staircase with your own hands, the most difficult question remains - how to attach the steps and make them fit to the string of the staircase. To avoid mistakes at this stage of work, we recommend that you use the following instructions:
1. The march is assembled, after which it is placed so that the bowstring is at the bottom. Next you need to carry out straight line along the inside of the top step and riser.
2. Another line is made from the back of the frieze tread to the level of the plinth (most often its length is 7.5-8 cm).
3. The next step involves removing the top riser (and remember that the installation of the steps is carried out only after all adjustments are completed).
4. If you are attaching the string along the floor line, then at this stage mark a line parallel to the bottom tread; the bottom of the beam will be sawed along it.
5. Immediately before installing the stairs, experts recommend making a notch on the support post (this will allow the base to fit tightly onto the top floor).
Please note that the installation process for a staircase structure with bent strings is somewhat different. Before starting construction work, we recommend that you study the features of fastening the steps and watch the video below.
On video: installation features spiral staircase on the bowstrings.
Do-it-yourself wooden staircase on bowstrings
After preparatory stage the work is completed, you can proceed to the most important moment - fastening the steps and railings. Next, we will take a closer look at the entire process in order to avoid mistakes. Do not forget that the safety of you and your loved ones depends on the quality of the work done. Therefore, if you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust this matter to professionals. To save, choose the maximum simple model stairs and inexpensive materials.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like any design, this model stairs have advantages and disadvantages of operation. Experts include the following important aspects as advantages:
- can be replaced using a prefabricated structure separate areas stairs;
- simple and quick installation of all parts (the main requirement is the accuracy of calculations);
- wooden models at proper care will serve you and your family for decades;
- a wide choice of shapes and sizes (florid, rotating or L-shaped);
- diversity design solutions(an example is the production of steps without risers).
The only drawback of this type of design is the excessive requirements for the accuracy of calculations and the quality of fasteners. Incorrect design or poor fastenings can significantly reduce the reliability of the ladder, which can lead to accidents. The beams may come apart, the steps may fall out of their grooves, and all your work will go down the drain. Therefore, if money allows, and safety is most important to you, it is better to turn to professionals.
Types of docking
For the manufacture of of this type stairs can be used different ways joining steps and bowstrings. It is not so easy to secure the parts correctly, but first it is worth determining what a tread and riser are:
- A riser is a vertical element of a step, necessary to give additional rigidity and reliability to the entire structure.
- A tread is a horizontal element of a step on which a person rests when ascending or descending the stairs.
Flights of stairs may have no risers, but it is impossible to imagine a staircase without treads. That is why more and more new options for fastening steps and bowstrings are constantly being created. This can be a solid step or a free version without a riser. Note that the second method is becoming increasingly popular.
Fastening the steps
The process of attaching the steps to the string is quite simple. Processed and cut to size steps and risers are inserted into grooves or screwed to the bars, metal corners. To prevent the structure from becoming loose, these parts must be made with extreme precision and care.
Photos of finished stairs
A wide selection of materials allows us to produce a wide variety of staircase designs. Wooden models are especially popular due to their low cost and environmental friendliness. Don't forget about long term wood services, as well as the possibility of partial or complete renovation products. Experienced craftsmen make luxurious staircases from wood that will suit any, even the most extravagant, interior design.
What is better: a staircase with bowstrings or stringers?
When choosing a model interfloor stairs certain problems may arise. Especially often owners country houses They can’t decide which is better - a bowstring or a stringer. First of all, they take into account external features details and its application. The stringer is made in the form of a comb, repeating in its outline the steps of a flight of stairs. Thus, each tread is attached to the top edge, and the riser is attached to the side.
Unlike the kosour, the bowstring has smooth side contours. This product looks more neat, and the steps are practically invisible, since they are inserted into special grooves or installed on fixed bars. Visually, a staircase on stringers looks more compact, but the design on a bowstring is more reliable and safe to use.
When choosing one option or another, pay attention to the layout of the room and the availability of free space. If the issue of saving space is especially acute for you, then it is better to prefer a staircase with stringers.
Making a staircase on a bowstring with your own hands is not at all difficult; you just need to strictly adhere to the given dimensions. All parts must be treated with antiseptics in advance, their dimensions must be recorded and calculations must be carried out correctly.
The easiest way to assemble a ladder (1 video)
Every house has stairs. You can build them yourself. You just need to know well how to attach the steps of a wooden staircase to the stringer and to the bowstring. There are several assembly methods. Some of them require the actions of a master, others are done with your own hands.
Figure 1. Bowstring and riser markings.
Ladder on bowstrings
Most of the stairs in houses are assembled on bowstrings. This supporting structure flight of stairs. It is a beam with cutouts made on its inner side. Steps are inserted into these cutouts. This method is considered to be classic. Bowstrings can be made from different materials. Most often, wood, metal, and reinforced concrete are used to make them. From tree species use coniferous and deciduous:
- pine;
- cedar;
- fir;
- larch;
- cherry;
- maple;
Conifers are very good, but they produce resin. It prevents the paint from adhering properly. It is preferable to use hardwoods wood
The dimensions of the finished bowstring always depend on how long it is planned to be made flight of stairs. For a staircase 90 cm wide, it is recommended to make a string from a board 40-50 mm thick and 30 cm wide. The cutouts for the nests are made approximately 20 mm deep. A minimum string width of 275 mm is allowed. The blank for the bowstring needs to be marked (Fig. No. 1). There are 2 main methods for marking:
- using a ruler and square (Fig. No. 2);
- using a special template.
When marking, consider the following:
- the slope of the march should be 30-40°;
- depth of steps - at least 30 cm;
- the height of each step is 15-20 cm.
To make bowstrings and steps you need to prepare the following:
- roulette;
- square;
- ruler;
- level;
- electric jigsaw;
- drill;
- milling machine (manual);
- hammer;
- bit;
- screwdriver;
- wooden slats or metal corners.
After marking the steps of the stairs using milling machine grooves are cut. Next, the structure is attached to the location of the stairs. This can be done in the following ways:
- install the racks in the holes made in the floor;
- attach the posts with anchor bolts.
Next comes the process of attaching the steps to the string. Treads and risers cut to size and machined are inserted into grooves or screwed to wooden blocks, to the metal corners (Fig. No. 3). These parts must be made with great precision, otherwise finished design It will wobble and squeak. The strings themselves are fastened to each other with ties in 4-5 steps.
Fastening the steps
You can attach wooden steps to a metal or wooden stringer. This is a sawtooth-shaped support beam. The wooden parts are attached to its protrusions. Stringers are installed 1 or more. The steps are attached to them using screws, the caps of which are closed on top with small wooden plugs. It is better to cut the steps from oak or pine. There are usually no risers, which gives the structure a lighter appearance. To assemble a ladder, you need to have skills in working with a welding machine.
Final finishing of the stairs
The fencing makes the stairs reliable. It consists of balusters and railings. The gap between them should not exceed 15-20 cm. They can be secured with outside bowstrings using screws. Dowels, tenons, and pins can be used to fasten balusters. For studs, a hole with a diameter of 12 mm is drilled at the end of the product to a depth of 80 mm. The studs are placed on glue, leaving about 7 cm outside. You need to drill holes in the bowstring to a depth of approximately 100 mm. First, install the outer columns. The twine is pulled between them and the remaining balusters are placed. All that remains is to attach the railing, made from a block 8-10 cm wide.
The entire structure is covered protective layer varnish or paint. Anti-slip materials can be laid on the steps. They may be the following:
- carpet;
- linoleum;
- animal skins;
- plywood;
- cork mats;
- polyurethane;
- rubber;
- rubber;
- other materials.
Conclusion on the topic
It is simply impossible to live without stairs in a private house.
Wooden structures have become especially popular.
This video shows one of the methods for installing steps.
Wood is environmentally friendly clean materials. Its service life is measured in several decades. Ready product easy to repair. You can also make it yourself. You just need to strictly adhere to all sizes. All parts must be well dried and soaked in antiseptics. The finished product is coated with varnish or paint. To prevent your feet from slipping on the steps, you can cover them with anti-slip materials.
Installing stairs to the second floor is a long and expensive process. To make it as easy as possible, you need to be properly prepared. For more convenience, preparatory work can be divided into 3 stages:
- design (drawing creation);
- selection of necessary materials;
- preparation of tools.
Installation of a spiral staircase: a brief description
Since the shape of the screw structure differs from the marching varieties, the installation principle here is different. It is recommended to install such a staircase to the next floor in the following order:
- a drawing is drawn up;
- Based on the calculations, structural elements are manufactured;
- in the selected location, the lower support unit is installed and secured to the floor;
- a vertical stand is inserted into the unit;
- the steps in the tripod are pinched (or placed on it);
- a platform is installed at the floor level of the second floor and a support rod is secured;
- Balusters are inserted into the holes on the steps, onto which the railings are placed.
Installation of a finished spiral staircase
Installation of a wooden staircase requires a careful approach and attentiveness from the master. Incorrect calculation or poor quality fixation of elements can negatively affect the strength and durability of the structure. For this reason, the assembly of the staircase structure must be carried out with special care.
The fastening of stair steps depends on the design of the staircase and the materials used, the covering of the steps and load-bearing elements, the planned exterior finishing. Let's consider possible options fastenings wooden steps in wooden stairs.
There are two main designs of wooden stairs: on stringers and with bowstrings. For quick understanding: stringers- these are the load-bearing elements on which steps are attached on top, A bowstrings mounted on the sides of the stairs and steps are attached between them or between the bowstring and the wall.
Attaching the steps of a wooden staircase to a stringer
In stringer stairs, the stringer perceives everything load bearing, therefore, fastening the feet solves two problems - fixing the step from displacement and vibration, as well as hiding the fact of fastening in open, visible structures.
The most simple option installation involves drilling the steps and fastening them through with powerful self-tapping screws to the stringer. Self-tapping screws are used with decorative heads, screwed in, or the surface of the step is drilled to a shallow depth with a large drill and a decorative polymer plug is installed. This type of fastening is often used in DIY stairs. It is worth paying attention to the fact that steps should only be drilled feather drills at high drill speeds, which will prevent chipping at the mouth of the hole.
In open staircases without casing, the steps can be installed in a hidden way using cotter pins. In this case, the tread and stringer are drilled exactly to fit the diameter of the cotter pins and installed with glue. This option is not suitable for dynamically moving stairs with a stringer of small cross-section or steps that are too wide, which will sag under load and destroy the adhesive joint.
In staircases under the cladding, the step can be secured through a block or corner made of metal, fixed in in the right places the inner part of the stringer. The photo shows a fastening option using a tie rod with a threaded tread and a sheet (for example, plywood) hemmed underneath.
Attaching the steps of a wooden staircase to a bowstring
The main methods of attaching steps to strings:
- a support block for the step, secured to a string;
- a metal bracket for the step, screwed through with self-tapping screws or bolts to the string;
- an overlay or bump on the inside of the bowstring, according to the principle of a zigzag stringer;
- selection of grooves for steps in the string (exactly in size or for the option of wedging the tread and riser during assembly).
The first two options for attaching steps to a ladder on bowstrings can be considered the most cost-effective and often used in self-production stairs However, for greater security, the third and fourth options are preferable.
Bars, brackets or overlays can only be used in the construction of staircases for sheathing. In transparent, unlined stairs, you need to hide the fact of the fasteners and the grooves do an excellent job of this task, in addition, transferring the entire load from the steps directly to the string.
Attaching the steps of a wooden staircase to the wall
In some cases, it may be more practical to secure one side of the tread to a stringer or bowstring, and fasten the other side directly to the wall. This is the most popular fastening method for staircases on rails, which have become fashionable today, when the steps on one side are pulled together with metal pins, bushings (bolts) and a handrail with posts into a single whole, and the other side is mounted on the wall.
Attaching wooden steps to the wall can be done by embedding them into the wall (this is labor-intensive and depends on the thickness of the supporting wall + if the depth of embedding is shallow, the niche will gradually break when walking up the stairs) or by laying it on a supporting element (block, corner, decorative turned element) , directly fixed to the wall. Typically, anchors, embedded studs or powerful self-tapping screws are used for fastening if the wall is wooden.
In bolted staircases, an option is used when a corner of the shelf at the bottom with the dimensions of the end of the step is attached to the wall with anchors. In the steps, the bottom plane is milled to the depth and width of the corner flange + holes are drilled from the end using a feather drill to hide the anchor nuts.
Still, the most beautiful stairs are obtained from specialists in their field who have gained experience on real objects and who understand how many little things arise during installation and operation of them during life. Excellent examples of wooden staircases can be viewed on the website http://lestnichnik.com.ua/, and if someone wishes, they can order such a staircase for their home. These are high-quality works of art, combining graceful chiseled balusters, carved decorative ornaments support pillars and finishing of handrails, high-quality monolithic tinting with a soft coating of varnish, conveying all the delights of the natural structure of wood.