Stair Building Resource

A Simplified Guide to Custom Stairbuilding and Tangent Handrailing - An instructive guide dealing with building both straight and curved stairs, with primary focus on how to construct continuous climbing- turn handrail sections using the tangent principle. Although laminating is frequently used in stairbuilding, there are times when it is not practical; and in such...
From Book News, Inc.

Basic Stairbuilding

Treatise on Stair Building & Handrailing

Constructing Staircases, Balustrades & Landings - Book Description
A stairway is much more than a means of exiting a house--a new one can be a way of exciting your home, as you showcase dramatic spaces, grand entrances, and beautiful materials, increasing value far beyond the cost. From colorful photos of finished work to close-up illustrations of each step along...

Stair Builders Handbook - Mostly tables according to one reviewer

Quick Guide : Stairs & Railings - Light on text and heavy on illustrations with step-by-step instructions, each paperback in the Quick Guide series contains enough checklists, diagrams, safety instructions, and tips to make it a useful reference for even novice do-it-yourselfers.
Chicago Tribune

Modern Practical Stairbuilding and Handrailing : For the Use of Workmen, Builders, Architects, and Others
Book Description
George Ellis was one of the premier English writers on carpentry and joinery. This, the author's last book, was originally issued in two volumes; the present edition is a reprint of the 1932 one-volume edition. The trade of wooden stairbuilding has enjoyed a rebirth during the last ten years. ...

Circular Work in Carpentry and Joinery

Fine Woodworking on Bending Wood

Wood Bender's Handbook

Articles

Building Stairs - Not For The Novice
I sure hope you paid attention in math class and have some basic carpentry and sketching skills. You are going to need all of these to successfully complete the project. Stair construction can be very challenging and confusing. It is important that you follow all safety recommendations and building code requirements. If you pay attention to detail you will be able to complete the staircase in one day...

House Renovations - The Stairs - one person's experience with photos

How to Build Stairs
Building stairs is a job that experienced carpenters know requires accurate measurements and diligent work habits. I'll attempt to guide you through the steps, pun intended, of staircase construction in a 'dwelling unit'...

Building Stair Stringers
A stair stringer is one of the boards that hold each step in place. They run the length of a straight staircase (see Figure 1)...

Stairs Built Correctly
No matter where the stairs are to be installed, the rule of thumb to be followed when building stairs is 7/10, i.e., a 7" rise and a 10" tread. These are maximum finished measurements and include a 1" overhang on the tread. Generally, building codes use a rule where the measurements of two risers and one run (nose to nose of tread) added together should equal no more than 25". Stairs within a private residence are allowed a maximum 8" riser and a minimum 9" run (personally, I find 8" risers too high)...

Tools

Wheaton Tools PL200 Stair Wizard
From the Manufacturer
The Stair Wizard is the finest stair tread and riser gauge available anywhere that will allow you to install wall-to-wall type treads in 1/2 time of traditional methods. The Stair Wizard works by creating an exact template of each tread (or riser), including length, end angles and depth Simply...

Johnson Level Tool 405 Heavy Duty Prof Stair Gauge Clamps
Reviewer: Vincent E. Blumit from Phoenix, AZ USA
I've been a builder for 40 years and started using the clamps with my Dad, who was also a builder in New England. With the proliferation of speed squares it seems today's generation of carpenters has forgotten how to use a framing square. These clamps without a doubt are one of the handiest items around for laying out stair stringers and rafters (common, hip and valley). For common rafters one clamp goes on the run side of the framing square (12 inches)and the other clamp goes on the rise side, whatever the rise is 5, 8, 12 inches. Mark off the plumb line for the exterior wall and mark and move the square times the number of feet of run (1/2 the total span). The last plumb line is the center of the ridge. Back off 3/4 of an inch and you have the perfect pattern to cut the rest of your rafters. The three S's short, sweet and simple. They work great for stair layouts also. A great tool and buy for the price.

Calculated Industries 4045 Construction Master IV Calculator
From the Manufacturer
When estimating and bidding, to the last nail, this power tool will help you get every job done right the first time. It works directly in and converts between feet, inches, any fraction, yards, board feet, meters, centimeters, millimeters (including square and cubic dimensions). Construction Master...