Hi I am looking to build a set of self supporting stairs outside approx 1800 high and 1200 wide. not sure what a how to build out of? Some palans and ideas and materials to be made out fo would be greatly appreciated
Cheers
Hi @WK71,
If you are not experienced with this kind of construction, I would suggest you consider speaking with a licensed builder or carpenter before undertaking this project as it is not exactly simple, especially considering the height. Stairs are subject to strict construction and safety requirements. A professional can help ensure the design and installation meet the necessary requirements and are safe to use.
When you say self-supporting, what exactly do you mean? Are they going from the ground to a deck? Or are they separate from any structure?
I'm fairly confident you mean a staircase as opposed to something like garden steps that are built into the earth, in which case the simplest solution is to purchase some prebuilt stringers, which are designed to meet the requirements as well as treads to attach to those stringers.
For a rise of 1800mm, you would need either 8 or 9 treads depending on whether the top step is a landing or not. These Galintel 9 Tread Galvanised Steel Dual Stair Stringers are a good option. They are designed to bolt to a concrete landing at the bottom and then some structural framing, usually a bearer, at the top.
Once they are in place, you can purchase some 1200mm wide stair treads such as these 240 x 45mm 1.2m Stair Tread H3 Treated Pine, or these 240 x 42mm 1.2m Merbau Domestic Use Stair Treads and attach them to your stringers.
As the height is above 1m, under the National Construction Code (Part 3.9.2 Barriers And Handrails | NCC) it would require a hand railing, which means bolting some posts to the treads and then running a hand rail between them. This can be done in a number of ways, with tensioned wire and timber hand rails structures being two common types.
Again, I would strongly suggest you consider speaking with a professional for their assistance to ensure everything is done to a high standard, meets the requirements of your area and it is safe for you, your family and anyone who uses it.
Allow me to tag @Nailbag to see if he has any thoughts.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Jacob
Hi
The previous arrangement was bodgily done by previous owners, they dropped in a heap of dirt and basically boxed up the steps attaching the top step to my retaining wall and lower steps to starr pickets. Over time weather has washed away the dirt and the wood has rotted pulling boxed steps out. Hence whay I want to build stairs that are will stand alone and I can butt them up flush aginst my retaining wall as that how I can access my pool filter,
I'm struggling to understand a little bit.
Can I trouble you to upload some photos?
Let me know if you need a hand with this.
We can certainly assist further, but it will help to see the scenario you are dealing with.
Apologies mate what i'm thinking and seeing is not translating
I'll get some photos
Hi @WK71
Sorry but I'm with @JacobZ in not understanding what you have and what your after in a solution without any photos. Your original post indicated starting a new staircase, but sounds like you actually have one you want to demolish and start again. And now some form of design that allows pool filtration system access.
Typically a "self-supporting staircase" similar in construction to the image below. Open designs are typically either supported with a single structure (steel) under the treads or floating off a side wall. In either case these are very advanced builds and one needed professional design and construction. Possibly a permit as well being over 1m high.
Photos and sketches would help us support further conversation.
Nailbag
Its all good, I'll build my stairs out of scaffold
