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Step 1
Cut pieces of 4-inch lumber into sections that are 5 or 6 inches long. Apply a strip of glue across the bottom of the first piece of wood. Attach it to the top of another piece so that it looks like a rise and a stair. Add pieces in a stairstep arrangement until you have as many steps as you want.
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Step 2
Cut pieces of molding to the length of each stair. Apply glue to the back of each piece of molding and attach the molding to the outside face of the risers. Stain or paint the wood if desired. Attach a sawtooth hanger to the back of each step with a hammer and small nails.
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Step 3
Attach decorative cornered pieces of wood between each riser and stair. Alternatively, attach 12-inch spindles, two for the top step and one for each remaining step.
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Step 4
Afix two spindles to the top stair, about 1 inch from each end of the stair. Cut a piece of wood 1 inch in diameter to the length of the top step to make a "railing." Glue each spindle on the underside of the railing.
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Step 5
Measure the remaining length of the stairs. Cut a 1-inch piece of wood to the measurement. Trim the end of a 1-inch diameter on an angle so that it fits with the top railing.
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Step 6
Trim off the top of each spindle at a 45-degree angle. Cut a piece of the 1-inch wood the length of the remaining stairs. Drill holes for each spindle in the underside of the railing.
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Step 7
Glue a spindle to each stair, about 1-inch from the end, with the angled edge facing out. Apply a drop of glue to the top of each spindle and the angled end of the railing. Glue the railing to the spindles and top railing. Clamp in place and allow to dry overnight.
