DEAR TIM: I have to build a simple set of steps but I’m totally lost. I don’t understand how to calculate what the distance should be for the risers and the treads. Everything about building steps ...

Q: I have to build a simple set of steps, but I’m totally lost. I don’t understand how to calculate what the distance should be for the risers and the treads. Help me understand the thought process of ...

Well-designed steps create a great first impression, and when properly built, they will last for years. Popular Mechanics Senior Designer Michael Stillwell and his father Tony Stillwell recently ...

You probably give little thought to why the stairs in your home are built the way they are. I’m talking about how high you need to lift your foot to get up to the next step and how deep the flat tread ...

The vast majority of stairs in residential homes are made from wood. Wood is easy to work with, and it can create very strong stairs. I stood just 10 feet away from a marvelous circular staircase. It ...

This is key for how to build stair railing. In this article we'll walk you through this and other best practices for how to ...