Basic
Stairbuilding - DVD
with Scott Schuttner
Published
by Taunton Press, USA
Originally published in VHS format in 1990
R.R.P.$34.90
Extract from back cover of DVD:
Many woodworkers would feel comfortable tackling the wall frames and perhaps the floor and ceiling structures of a timber home but they are unlikely to try building a staircase.
There seems to be an aura of mystery associated with stairbuilding. Yet, as Scott Schuttner shows in this presentation, provided the task is approached sensibly and the work done carefully and methodically, it should be well within the capabilities of the average home carpenter.
The greatest difficulty is generally finding out where to start - how to decide the number of steps, how high the risers should be and how wide the steps. If these calculations aren't made correctly, no matter how well the staircase is constructed, it will never be satisfactory and everyone who uses it will notice its deficiencies (and it may fail the specific requirements of the Building Code of Australia).
Schuttner divides his presentation into first, a single run (flight) staircase and second, an L-shaped staircase.
The discussion begins with a statement: 'I know that for a house with a 9 foot measurement from floor to floor, I'll have 14 risers.' Given that valuable bit of information, the only problem left is to calculate the size of the risers and decide the width of the steps (treads). Schuttner shows how to do this quickly and easily, referring to the many variables that might occur such as different floor covering materials on the ground and first floor.
Using a pre-constructed mock-up of two stud walls, Schuttner then proceeds to demonstrate the making of the staircase, step by step. The structure relies upon three cut carriage boards (stringers) - one on either side and one in the middle - which support both the treads and risers. The stairs are flanked on either side by skirt boards that separate the treads from the sidewalls.
There is some discussion of alternative methods in this first part of the DVD, but when Schuttner turns to work on the L-shaped staircase (assisted by a similar mock-up), the variety of alternatives and the frequency with which they are introduced increases significantly. It is as if the author feels that those who watch only the first part of the presentation may never need to do more that build a comparatively simple staircase, whereas those who watch it all, may wish to explore many other possibilities.
This is an eminently watchable presentation by a highly experienced tradesman. Provided you are able to cope with Imperial measurements and the occasional American term, it should be fairly easy to translate the information given in this DVD into practical instructions for making your own staircase.
The only adverse comment this reviewer can make is that in the early part of the DVD, the author makes several references to a book which he has written on the same subject (also available from The Mail Order Bookshop). Given the wealth of data provided, the DVD appears well able to stand alone.
Duration: 60min
DVD - English - NTSC