Recommendation! Finishing a staircase for a wooden porch can be done using stain or paint, but a finishing varnish (colorless) must be applied to secure the result.
In accordance with building codes and if the home owners wish, a porch is erected directly in front of the building door. A do-it-yourself staircase to a porch made of wood should consist of several steps - at least two. Of course, many will be interested in how to make a wooden porch on their own. At first glance, it may seem that the porch is a complex structure. However, everything is quite simple and even an inexperienced person in this matter can build a wooden staircase to the porch with their own hands.
- Wooden porch stairs
- DIY staircase to the porch
- Calculation of stairs
- Preparatory work
- Installation stages
It is better to choose a single-pitched canopy for a porch with steps perpendicular to the facade, and for steps installed parallel to the facade - a gable one.
The main types of porch designs
Along with its functional purpose, the porch also serves as an additional decoration of the house. As a result, there are quite a large number of types of designs, but basically the division is based on the type of placement of the porch relative to the house - it can be:
- built-in; when some part of the house in its middle or one of the corners is allocated for its placement, and the structure of the stairs and landing rests on the common foundation of the house;
- speaking; when it is located outside the perimeter of the external walls, representing a free-standing extension; such a structure rests on its own foundation; in some cases, it can rest on metal or reinforced concrete consoles, specially installed in the foundation during the construction of the house.
The calculation should be made so that their number is odd - the person must finish moving along the ladder from the same foot with which he started.
Open and closed form
The entrance part of the house can be closed or open. In the first case, construction will be less expensive and not complicated. In the second, the structure will become an integral part of the facade and can be used not only as a porch, but also as a place to relax.
Projects of a closed porch for a private house can be very different; let’s look at photos of the most successful options.
Veranda - porch
The veranda is an extension to the house, glazed on three sides, which does not have a heating system. It can not only be in front of the facade of the cottage, but also retreat from the side.
Terrace-porch
The terrace has no walls. This is an open form that can be not just in front of the house, but even located along the entire perimeter of the building. In this case, the steps can be located in any convenient place or at several points at once. Most often, the terrace is decorated with railings; they give the structure a finished look.
Gazebo-porch
A gazebo at the entrance is a compromise between a terrace and a veranda. It has a roof, posts and railings, but is not enclosed by walls or glass.
Tambour-porch
A simple design that does not imply any other functions other than heat conservation and protecting the entrance from wind and rain. The small vestibule is closed on three sides by walls and has a door. The vestibule is decorated with the same materials as the facade of the house outside and the corridor of the house inside.
All these design options do not provide for a rigid connection of the porch to the outer wall of the building. The reason for this decision is the different weight of the structures.
Over time, the house will shrink, but a lighter porch will not
By attaching a porch to the facade, you risk getting a skewed entrance over time. To prevent this from happening, there should be a gap of one or two centimeters between the porch and the front door.
The photo shows examples of the entrance to a house with a closed porch:
The use of double-glazed windows with folding sashes will allow you to create an almost open option in the summer
Conventional glass office partitions are used here and a roof is added. Large windows let in a lot of natural light.
We select a constructive option
Before designing, you need to determine what appearance the structure should have and what material it will be made of. Main options:
The main material is metal or wood, but can be precast concrete.
What to consider when choosing a project
You can choose any project depending on the architecture of the house. As for the size of the porch steps and other geometric parameters, you need to take into account the following factors:
- Dimensions of the building, proportions of the facade to which the porch adjoins.
- Foundation type, wall material.
- Travel safety.
- Correspondence of the staircase parameters to the physical characteristics of the inhabitants of the house. It may be necessary to provide steps and a ramp.
What is net size
The finishing of the porch is done after assembly, and if it is concrete, then after it has gained strength.
All that remains is to cover it, but if the thickness of the material is not taken into account, problems will arise.
The concrete base always has to be leveled. The thickness of the fill seems to be small, only 3-5 mm, but it changes the overall proportions of the porch.
There should be a gap of at least 4 cm between the bottom edge and the finishing surface, which will prevent water from flowing in during rain or snow drift.
Nuances of calculating cladding
The street staircase has to withstand increased loads, and therefore high-quality material is used for cladding:
- solid clinker steps;
- porcelain tiles for steps and landings;
- hardwood.
You need to know in advance about the thickness and format parameters. The width of the march can be made a multiple of the side of the tile, which will allow it to be laid without trimming.
If the tile is not square, but rectangular (say, 30*60 cm), it is laid with the smaller side along the width of the step, and the larger side along the length.
Tread depth 300 mm. Small-format tiles, for example, 25*33 cm, can be laid on either side, it all depends on the width of the step - 25 cm, or 33 cm.
Many manufacturers, especially porcelain stoneware, make tiles with large and small formats in one series. Sometimes the best option is obtained by combining, only one of the sides should have the same size.
Same thing with risers. Rectangular tiles are also made for cladding. The dimensions of the sides correspond to the standard riser height.
Each manufacturer has its own formats; if a Russian-made tile has a side of 300*300 mm, an imported one may be at least close, but not exactly the same. In the example above, the format is 294*294 mm. There are no standards here.
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After the steps are all fastened together, they must be sanded so as not to bring sawdust and shavings home. Wooden structures are subject to interseasonal transformations and rot; for this, their surface must be covered with protective paints and varnishes.
Assembly
Assembling the load-bearing part of the frame
Assembling the porch should begin with the side structures; racks made of bars are placed along the edges of the cascades of boards and secured with screws.
If the parts are cut correctly, then the lower cascades for the steps should be 250 mm wide.
Before you start attaching the steps, you need to arrange all three load-bearing parts of the frame as shown in the figure.
The length of the steps is 1300 mm, on both sides it is necessary to retreat 40 mm, 1300 – 80 = 1220 mm, this is the distance at which the outermost supporting frames should stand. The middle frame is set exactly in the middle.
Step fastening
Installation of steps should begin from two opposite extreme sides of the porch, the upper rear step and the lower front riser are attached first, and there should be 40 mm indentations on both sides of the frame.
To ensure that the screws do not rest against each other when tightening, the upper steps are attached to the horizontal edges of the frame boards, and the risers are attached to the vertical bars.
When installing, a sequence is needed, you should start from the bottom up, the riser is attached first, but since this was already done in the previous stage, the step is attached next.
The width of the cascade for the step is 250 mm, add to it the thickness of the riser of 40 mm and we get 290 mm, and since the width of the step is 300 mm, it should protrude from the frame exactly 10 mm.
Finished porch without railings:
Why do you need a staircase for a porch?
There are main types of stairs for a porch, these are standard, screw and bolt.
During the manufacturing process, it is recommended to carry out basic calculations.
The riser measurement is the distance between two adjacent surfaces of the lower and upper steps. If you measure the distance between the edges of the adjacent upper and lower steps, this is called a tread.
The staircase should be made taking into account all requirements, since it must be comfortable and practical for movement
It is recommended to make the stairs in the following dimensions:
- To accommodate a person’s foot, the tread width is in the range of 200-350 mm;
- Step height from 150 mm to 250 mm;
- The distance from the step to the threshold of the front door must be at least 1000 mm;
- The width of the stairs should be from 110 cm.
For safety when climbing stairs, the size of the stairs should be 600 mm. This value can be calculated by multiplying the size of the risers by 2, then sum the resulting number with the size of the tread.
Porch steps require material. Basically, oak, maple and beech are suitable for them. When purchasing, special attention should be paid to the evenness of the working surface. Making a structure with your own hands from raw boards must be preceded by special processing: drying, planing, sawing out the necessary depressions and varnishing. Tools used in the process:
Step-by-step cutting of parts
To make a porch, you need to cut the parts to size. The edges of the finished parts must strictly correspond to an angle of 90 degrees, this will make the work easier during subsequent assembly and fitting of the parts together.
Boards for the sides of the supporting frame
- 1050x150x40 mm = 3 pcs.
- 800x150x40 mm = 3 pcs.
- 550x150x40 mm = 3 pcs.
In the boards of the sidewalls of the supporting frame, holes with a diameter of 5 mm are drilled according to the markings; this is done for ease of assembly and to ensure that the ends of the boards do not split when screwing self-tapping screws into them.
On the outer edges of the long sides of the parts, to give the product a more beautiful look, you need to chamfer, this can be done either with a plane or with coarse sandpaper.
Vertical racks made of bars
The racks connect the load-bearing frames; they are made of bars with a cross-section of 40x40 mm, so that the load-bearing capacity of the entire structure is reliable. It is necessary to ensure that the material used for their manufacture contains as few large knots as possible.
- 450x40x40 mm = 6 pcs.
- 300x40x40 mm = 3 pcs.
- 150x40x40 mm = 3 pcs.
steps
- 1300x300x40 mm = 4 pcs.
- 1300x110x40 mm = 2 pcs.
- 1300x150x40 mm = 1 pc.
A chamfer is removed along the perimeter of all sides of the outer parts of the parts, and holes with a diameter of 5 mm are drilled according to the markings.
How to calculate dimensions
Wooden staircase of the porch of a brick house
Also, when determining the dimensions of a future staircase, the following simple formulas, used by almost every builder, are mainly used:
A=Y:R; where A is the number of steps, Y is the height of the platform, R is the height of the riser.
You can also determine the length of the march (S):
S=AxG, where A still represents the number of steps, and G their width.
A do-it-yourself outdoor wooden staircase to the porch, made according to such calculations, will reliably serve for many years.
Advantages of wooden stairs
The best solution is considered to be a wooden product on a concrete pad. This way the structure is isolated from the ground and will not deteriorate from dampness. High-quality species are represented on the construction market mainly by oak and ash. Among the rest, they are distinguished by durability and high strength indicators. Also, wooden structures are considered the simplest in terms of their assembly and the breadth of choice of materials.
Wood, as opposed to metal or concrete:
- looks more aesthetically pleasing, as can be seen in the photo;
- reliable and durable to use, easy to maintain;
- durable - with good treatment it lasts for decades;
- Easily applicable to create original designs.
What is necessary
Porch steps require material. Basically, oak, maple and beech are suitable for them. When purchasing, special attention should be paid to the evenness of the working surface. Making a structure with your own hands from raw boards must be preceded by special processing: drying, planing, sawing out the necessary depressions and varnishing. Tools used in the process:
- electric plane;
- Sander;
- circular saw required for sawing;
- router used for edge processing.
Some difficulties may arise when creating rotary steps, as in the photo, which require non-standard geometric solutions.
Installation of steps
You can see in the photo how the entrance wooden staircase to the porch is installed in some detail. Fastening wooden steps is carried out in several ways:
- to the bowstring - using self-tapping screws;
- to the stringer - the simplest option, used without special tools and does not require certain skills;
- bolts: the most complex method used in high-tech style.
The final stage of the installation of steps requires their treatment with protective coatings for wood. They are applied in three layers. Most often in such cases, parquet varnish that is resistant to many environmental influences is used.
Decor options
The metal base combines strength and sophistication. This decorative option is quite inexpensive and can ensure long-term use of the structure.
Wooden entrance steps to the porch are not only easy to install yourself, but also combine beautiful appearance and fairly high quality parameters.
It is worth buying a ready-made porch, if only because it is strong and durable. The brand strength of M1200 products is comparable to granite, and this is based on the use of fiber-reinforced concrete - a modern material based on high-quality cement and granite-quartz composite. By the way, this material is also used to make stringers.
Cladding of stairs and how it affects the durability of structures
Each of the presented materials has positive and negative aspects, but often there is no need to talk about the durability and practicality of structures due to the absence or insufficient quality of the cladding. Metal steps, for example, without cladding make a lot of noise, causing a lot of unpleasant moments, and concrete, even the highest quality, without finishing, quickly collapses under the influence of precipitation and temperature changes.
Parts should be treated to protect against negative factors. First of all, the wood is treated with antifungal (aniseptic) impregnation, after which it is allowed to dry. When the wood dries, it is treated with a primer (aquastop) and dried again. At the final stage, the wood is coated with varnish or special paint. Varnish looks more beautiful, but paint requires less attention and maintenance during operation.
Choosing a wood species
For any outdoor structures, pine or larch are usually used.
Pine is exactly the type of wood that has a number of disadvantages described above. It often needs to be treated with protection against rotting, and it also has a lower density than larch. But there are also a number of advantages. Pine is easier to process, cheaper and can be purchased almost anywhere on the planet.
As for larch , the significant density of the wood and high resistance to rotting make it a favorite among materials for porches and stairs. Disadvantages: higher cost and unavailability. In many regions you cannot buy it, and if you bring it from afar, the already expensive price of the structure will be much higher.
Of course, what type of wood to choose to make a porch is up to you, pine is suitable for a small budget, but if finances allow, it is better to choose larch, products made from it will last a very long time.
Preparatory work
Calculation of the slope of the march.
If you wish, you can make a cozy veranda or terrace instead of a porch where you can relax. This will become a kind of transitional room between the house and the street.
When drawing up drawings, it should be remembered that the dimensions of an object are determined based on capabilities (both financial and physical), and not standards (which do not exist). The shape and type of structure depend on taste and landscaping rather than any other factors.
It is worth noting that some dimensions for the design still need to be maintained. For example, centuries of experience have proven that the height of the step should not exceed 18-20 cm, and the width of the step (step) should be within 30 cm. If the height of the steps is greater than the given one and the width is less, then inconvenience may arise during operation .
Installation of stands for the site.
Next, when the drawings are created, the material should be purchased. Boards, timber and other wooden materials must be purchased with a minimum 10% reserve, since some of the material will be lost during “cutting”; the dimensions of the boards and timber are determined by the drawings. When all the necessary materials have been purchased, they are cut into parts (supports, bowstring/stringers, steps, etc.).
Parts should be treated to protect against negative factors. First of all, the wood is treated with antifungal (aniseptic) impregnation, after which it is allowed to dry. When the wood dries, it is treated with a primer (aquastop) and dried again. At the final stage, the wood is coated with varnish or special paint. Varnish looks more beautiful, but paint requires less attention and maintenance during operation.
If the building has been erected, but you are not satisfied with the existing option of wooden steps, carefully consider all the details before starting work. It's easy to destroy what you have. It's more difficult to create. Pay attention to the fastenings and the presence of a foundation. You may find it necessary to open up the yard cover and remove built-in supports.
What to consider when building stairs to the porch
When constructing a porch, the following factors must be taken into account:
When choosing the material, shape of steps and flight of stairs, consider:
The entrance staircase and porch steps are made of wood, concrete, and metal. It is also possible to combine materials in compliance with construction technology and without violating aesthetic perception. Do not put off designing a flight of stairs or a porch until the house is already built. This will help avoid imbalance in design and unnecessary costs of re-arrangement of the foundation.
If the building has been erected, but you are not satisfied with the existing option of wooden steps, carefully consider all the details before starting work. It's easy to destroy what you have. It's more difficult to create. Pay attention to the fastenings and the presence of a foundation. You may find it necessary to open up the yard cover and remove built-in supports.
- are able to add additional comfort and charm to your home; the natural beauty of wooden structures can rarely leave anyone indifferent;
- they do not require long and painstaking manufacturing processes;
- the simplicity of their installation sometimes does not require more than one day;
- do not require additional reinforcement of the foundation, the structure is quite light;
Video description
About some nuances of cable selection, the opinion of experts in the video:
- Decor . Traditionally, this includes railing elements - balusters. If you are not satisfied with classic solutions, then you can make a custom design solution from cast iron or wood. In addition, glass trim (especially durable), mosaic, metal inserts, and, if the design allows, then built-in stands (for vases, sculptures and similar decorations) will look beautiful.
Beautiful stone staircase with an attached flower bed Source ko.decorexpro.com
- Dye . Many unusual design solutions play on the “steps”, making the picture come together only from a certain angle. Or it could be a simple but unique painting. Since most stairs still require additional processing, you can consider this method of decoration.
The easiest way to make a wooden staircase attractive is to open it with varnish Source roomester.ru
Materials from which stairs to the porch are made
Mainly, such structures can be made of concrete and wood. Structures made of wood and concrete have their disadvantages and advantages. And before choosing the material from which you will construct the staircase structure, it will be useful for you to know the following features of each material.
- are able to add additional comfort and charm to your home; the natural beauty of wooden structures can rarely leave anyone indifferent;
- they do not require long and painstaking manufacturing processes;
- the simplicity of their installation sometimes does not require more than one day;
- do not require additional reinforcement of the foundation, the structure is quite light;
A wide variety of types of wood are used for the construction of stairs, each of which has its own characteristics, preferences for use, as well as individual disadvantages. Hardwoods - beech, maple, ash, oak - are most often used to make steps. Soft species - larch, cedar, spruce, pine can be used for the base.
Concrete porch stairs:
Calculation of the stairs to the porch
The main standards that guide the calculations are contained in SNiP - building codes and regulations. They define in detail the main parameters of all kinds of staircase structures.
Basic requirements for stairs:
- The width of the flight of stairs should not be less than 70 centimeters.
- Load on steps – no more than 230 kg.
- Handrail load up to 100 kg.
- All steps must be equal in height and tread width. An exception is allowed for the last stage.
- Windows adjacent to landings must have protective grilles.
- The steps should not be sloping; sloping steps are dangerous.
Important! If there are small children in the house, then fences with locks are placed on the porch at the beginning and end of the stairwell. It is advisable to make a small handrail that the baby can hold on to and safely walk up the steps.
We hope our tips will help you create the porch of your dreams with your own hands! The video is dedicated to the tricks of assembling a staircase.
How to make a staircase for a porch: stringers are cut out of logs
Procedure for installing steps
To assemble the stairs, you should prepare all the necessary parts, namely:
- rectangular blanks used for the manufacture of steps;
- pieces of bars for railings and balusters;
- ready-made stringers, cut according to plywood patterns.
Before starting work, all wooden blanks must be treated with wood protective compounds. Installation of the structure begins with fixing the stringers on the upper section of the entrance platform (more precisely, on a piece of timber reinforced with metal corners). One side of the timber blank will be adjacent to the surface of the porch, and the other - directly to the stringer.
To fix steps and risers, it is not allowed to use ordinary nails, which can lead to loosening of the stairs. For these purposes, it is advisable to use self-tapping screws, and it will be even more reliable to engage the elements according to the tongue-and-groove pattern.
For a simple wooden porch design, all the operations described above are quite sufficient to consider the main work completed. All that remains is to mount the canopy and railings. Let's add to this that to strengthen the entire structure, it is best to fix the support posts at the points where they adjoin the stringers.
