Rise and Run

The builder had provided a rough 2x10 step down into the garage. It was really not very good for people with canes and that 'first step' leaving the foyer was a challenge for everyone. So I ripped it out and built a new one.

There is always a simple way and a hard way. If you go onto the Internet they sell CAD programs on how to build the stringers. DIY also explains how to calculate the 'rise and run', but these are really the hard way for a simple staircase. The easy way is to use a carpenters square. Divide the total height by the number of stairs (rise) and the width of two deck boards (run) and mark those measurements on the square. Hold the marked square on the edge of a 2x12 and draw the staircase. Then its is just a simple matter to cut out the saw toothed shape. I made three stringers for strength, used cedar boards for the treads and glued up some 2x4s for the posts.

Using the garage for a wood shop does cause some problems. A lot of sawdust comes into the house so it is necessary to do a lot of cleanup after each project. I've put most of my tools on casters so that they can be easily moved to make clean up a bit easier, but it is still an effort. The remaining problem is wood storage. I've decided to make a rack, much like I had in Georgia, to store unused sheet goods and wood planks.

I also put up two sets of shelves. Most power tools come in nice hard plastic storage cases and I needed a place to put them. So, with the aid of my new Kreg Pocket Hole system I built some sturdy shelves to hold the miscellaneous shop supplies.

In an unrelated note, the grass/weeds were cut for the first time yesterday.