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Step 1
Check the building codes in your area before doing any work. If you are buying a kit, many companies will not send you the kit until they see a signature from a building inspector.
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Step 2
Begin the stairs from a loft or floor opening for an easier start. Having the stairs against a wall can make it harder to get the turn and headroom right.
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Step 3
Set the stairs so you have enough headroom. The headroom on the top stairs should be 6 feet 6 inches.
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Step 4
Measure the height and diameter of your staircase. The diameter should also include a clearance of at least 2 inches from walls and floor for the handrail.
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Step 5
Calculate your tread height. The width determined for this is the outside of the steps, not the inside.
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Step 6
Select the wood for the staircase.
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Step 7
Cut all the stair risers at once and cut them only 4 inches wide. Anything wider and they will curl and be useless. You will be using multiple pieces of wood to make a single riser. Alternate the wood grains when you assemble the pieces.
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Step 8
Glue the pieces together after sanding the cut marks.
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Step 9
Cut the inner part of the stairs with a band saw to get the circular center. Mount the stair before cutting to keep your radius correct.
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Step 10
Mark where the center pole goes and mount it with a plumb bob. This will keep it from moving side-to-side. The weight of the staircase will be on this pole so it needs to be able to withstand the pressure. The pole will be the same length as the floor-to-floor height measurement for the stairs.
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Step 11
Weld the top and bottom step to the center pole.
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Step 12
Install the rest of the stairs, attaching them to the center pole.
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Step 13
Install the railing. Since this is the hardest part of making the spiral stairs, buying one made specifically for a spiral staircase is the best idea.
