How to Build Basement Stairs on a Budget

Basement stairs come in all shapes and sizes from the very simple utility/access stairs to the more elaborate decorative stairs in which the basement is expanded to be a major part of the living area. One of the major issues facing the stair builder is the unpredictable overall stair height that often occurs with basement stairs. Whether new or existing construction the basement slab height nearly always seems to vary up or down making pre-built stairs problematic. For this reason basement stairs are usually built to customized heights.

The normal procedure in the industry is to call out a stair specialist to custom build the stair using 2 x12 cut stringers as framing for constructing the stair. This can be a difficult and costly process requiring a high degree of skill. However, there is an easier solution available that will save you time as well as money. The system consists of self-adjusting, stair building brackets, used to form an "engineered stair". Adjustable stair building brackets provide a custom, tailored approach to stair building that is much faster, easier and stronger than conventional construction. They're an easy, low cost and simple solution for any custom basement stair building.

This bracket system can quickly form a basic utility stair or an elaborate, fully finished hardwood stair. The adjustable stair building brackets basically do the work for you, making the stair building process simple and streamlined. The brackets are approved as adjustable joist hangers which automatically adjust to form any rise or run required while at the same time, allowing the risers to be structurally attached between the stringers, carrying the load across the stair like stepping floor joists.

Only two outside stringers are required because they are full depth, without notching (unlike conventional cut stringers) and they're engineered to carry much greater loads than conventional cut stringers. Additionally, only three to four end cuts are required per stringer which eliminate approximately seventy saw cuts when compared to conventional cut stringers for basement stairs.

The adjustable stair building brackets may be used with many different materials including pine, MDF treads, hardwoods etc. The adjustable stair building brackets allow for customized rise and tread configurations which can be adjusted to meet all building codes for both interior and exterior applications.

The first thing you need to do is to determine the material you are going to use, the exact number of steps and the stair width. A fully interactive stair calculator is available online which further simplifies the process.

For materials, you will need (2) 2 x6's per stringer member for both sides. The stringers should be straight without any twist. The 2x6's should be at least 12" longer than the total length of your stair.

Adjustable brackets will allow stairs to be built up to nine feet in width, using only the two outside stringers. Use 2x8's for risers with heights up to 7-1/4" and 2 x10's for risers over 7-1/4". Treads may be 2x12's, 5/4 pine, 5/4 hardwood, sturdy floor ripped to size or MDF etc. Pre-cut risers and treads exactly to length once you figure out how many steps you need and their width- this will save time.

You start by setting the brackets on two 2x6 stringer members using the reusable spacers and pivot screws. Once set, remove spacers and rotate the brackets to adjust stair rise and run. Fix the brackets in position and attach the risers and treads. 3D demos will explain the process clearly- see link below.

Tools and other materials needed will be: Power drill, saw (preferably power saw),# 8 1-1/4" Phillips head, star or square drive screws for the stair building brackets, #8 2-1/2" screws for every 9 " of tread and riser connections and spacers to customize the rise and tread configurations.

ICC-ES approved, this" Engineered Stair Building System" eliminates the need to cut stringers and has been tested to be faster and much stronger than conventionally constructed stairs. Savings of $500 per flight of stairs and more are not uncommon with adjustable stair building brackets. Using this system, both professionals and do-it-yourselfers will build cost efficient basement stairs, without sacrificing quality, accuracy, strength or appearance.

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10 Reasons For Decorative Concrete Basement Floors

I got really interested in interior decorative concrete applications about 6 years ago. In 2002 I was rehabbing old steel buildings with new facades, landscaping, signage, lighting, basically turning lemons into lemonade.

Flooring was a big issue. The floors were always concrete. The big issue was height at steps and doorways. Any new flooring that added height required doors to be removed, openings raised, new doors purchased and installed. A big expense. At stairways, any increase of floor height at stairs created a zoning violation and hence denial of the Certificate of Occupancy. Tile and hardwood never worked, they always added an inch.

The only solution that worked was either a concrete acid stain with concrete sealers or a concrete overlay. Most older floors needed a concrete overlay which added less than 1/8th inch in height.

There are many concrete floors where the only decorative solution is a stain or overlay. One of the largest is basement floors. Almost everyone who owns a home or retail store with a basement has the same flooring issue. Everyone who has a concrete overlay in their basement is happy, those that don't wish they did.

So here are the 10 reasons why I like concrete overlays on a basement floor.

1. Do It Yourself - yes you can. Many have purchased decorative concrete kits and installed themselves with excellent results for under $2.00 per square foot.

2. Green - Concrete, water based dyes and sealers are non - hazardous. Reducing dust and mold, they are the healthiest floors.

3. Thin - concrete overlays at less then 1/8th inch thick solve the height issue created by other floors. Saves time, money and hassle.

4. Durable - Bonds to concrete with strength of Iron. Cures to a rock hard finish. Many retail stores, restaurants and grocery stores have them because they are durable.

5. Custom - Create simple gray or brown floors. Easily design with patterns using tape or stencils. Acid stains and concrete dyes can be applied. The beauty of overlays is ability to control color.

6. Moisture - Decorative concrete floors can survive flooding. They are porous and breathable allowing moisture vapor from concrete slab to pass through.

7. Versatile - They can be applied right up concrete stairs and walls.

8 Quick application - applications are 2-3 days.

9. Price - In most cases decorative concrete kits can be purchased with all tools and materials for under $2.00 per square foot.

10. Satisfying - The satisfaction of creating your own concrete floor is very high.

That's why I like decorative concrete overlays on basement floors. They work!

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Make Basement Stairways Safer With Vinyl Stair Treads

While not as common as bathroom slip and falls, there are few household accidents that are more frightening than slipping on basement stairs. An easy method of enhancing household safety is to install stair treads. If your basement is primarily used for utilities and storage, then vinyl is the material likely best suited for your installation. While there are more stylish types of stair treads that may more be appropriate for basement stairs leading to a family room or other public areas, vinyl offers the best value if indoor safety is you primary concern. If appearance is important, a "finished" look can be created by adding cove risers to the face of the steps.

Vinyl stair treads enhance safety by increasing the coefficient of friction between shoe and stair. The horizontal raised ribbed pattern increases friction and reduces the likelihood of slips. They also reduce the general wear and tear on steps.

Basement stair treads may be particularly appropriate for homes with residents at opposite ends of the age spectrum. Both young children and senior citizens have balance issues that put them at greater risk for slips on basement stairways.

Installation is simple. They are typically glued onto the stair, but can also be nailed or tacked. A water based adhesive is suitable for most installations. An epoxy flooring adhesive is recommended if significant moisture is present. Prior to ordering, measure the depth and width of the stairs. Be aware that not all stairs are necessarily uniform in size so, so measure carefully.

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Important Steps For Basement Laminate Flooring

When remodeling a basement you have a few choices for basement flooring. You could install carpet, but carpet wears out eventually and can hold in that nasty basement oder! You could leave the floor concrete but that is just plain ugly!Tile is nice but is costly and difficult to install. Or you could install basement laminate flooring. Basement laminate flooring comes in many different colors and is very long lasting, easy to clean and will not trap moisture.

However when you install basement laminate flooring keep in mind that there is certain steps you need to take to ensure your floor is installed properly. The very first step you should take is to make sure the concrete is level, unleveled concrete will give your flooring low spots and an unattractive appearance. By filling any low spots you will have a smooth beautiful level laminate floor! After the floor is level you will need to lay down a vapor barrier for your basement laminate flooring. This is quite easy and the best material to use for the job is a 6-mil plastic sheeting. Tape this sheeting to the basement floor and overlap it six inches and tape the overlaps together. Cut the sheeting big enough to go up the wall about 2 inches behind the base trim. The vapor barrier is the most critical step when you install your basement laminate flooring and skipping it could mean a damaged floor in a short period of time.

The next step is actually installing your basement laminate flooring and completing the project. Before you install your new flooring make sure the the boxes of flooring are allowed to lay flat on the basement for at least 72 hours. This process allows the wood to adjust to the basements temperature and humidity. If you skip this step your floor may not lay right a few days after installing. If you decide that basement laminate flooring is what you want then take the time to prep the floor correctly. This will save time, frustration and money in the long run.

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