How to Make Metal Steps
A metal staircase can be durable, stable and last years without a lot of maintenance. Metal is a great material to choose if the stairs are located outside or in a high-traffic area. Without having to attach them to a building, they are also easy to set up. Boltless metal stairs can be purchased in some areas, however you can build your own metal stairs. Many types of metal are available today. The most common kind of metal used for stairs is steel. Steel is very strong, but can be difficult for the average person to obtain and cut. Aluminum is another good metal to use. This material doesn't rust and can be very durable. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- 21 strips of aluminum
- Drill and metal screws
- Bolts
- Screw cutter (also called a bolt cutter or snips)
- Metal bender
- Metal snips
Instructions
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Make a Three-step Metal Staircase
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1
Lay six strips of aluminum down, and trace the shape of the side of your staircase. The shape should be a 45-degree angle on one side, and a zig-zag pattern on the other side to form the steps.
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2
Cut out the traced staircase frame from the aluminum. Three strips will be used for each side of the frame of the staircase.
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3
Cut 12 strips of aluminum to the width and length of your stairs. Add 1 inch on either end of the strips, to be folded and screwed into the sides of the steps. Four strips of aluminum will be used for each step.
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4
Cut three strips of aluminum the length of the stairs and 3 inches wide. Add 1 inch on either end of the strips, to be folded and screwed into the sides of the steps. These pieces will be used for the risers of the stairs.
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5
Use a metal bender to bend each end of the stair steps and risers. Bend 1 inch of the strips on either side.
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6
Secure the stair steps to the side frame pieces, using metal screws.
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7
Flip the structure over and attach bolts to the other side of the screws. This stops the screws from slowly loosening over time.
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8
Cut the sharp ends off the screws with bolt cutters, so they do not hurt anyone.
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9
Screw wood strips into the underside of the stair steps, to make them more secure.
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10
Flip the structure over, lean it on a secure wall, and carefully test the steps. Apply a little pressure at a time and add more screws and strips of aluminum as needed.
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11
Add the stair risers to the structure, the same way the steps are attached.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you cut the sides in the same shape as the video listed in the Resources section, you can avoid having to screw the sides of the steps. If this is done, the steps should slide into each other.
Use caution when creating your own steps. Manufactured steps are built to support a lot of weight; this is hard to replicate at home.
Cut metal can be very sharp. Wear gloves when handling.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
