Custom Stair Project Tool List

You too can build your own Custom Stairs 

Here is the tool list with web-links to manufactures and retail stores that I've been using for the green renovation project in Downtown StLouis. 

Contract Labor Project

Custom Modern Stairs is part of a Green Build Renovation Project located in Downtown StLouis Missouri

 

 

Here is the tool list for those custom Dark Stained Oak Wood Stair Contract Labor Project I've been building for the upscale apartments in Downtown StLouis location the past few weeks.

Per a social media request is the needed tools that I've been using to build those cool custom stairs I've been blogging about the past few weeks.

Ridgid Portable Table Saw and Stand 

Ridgid:

• 18v: Drill, Driver, Radio Combo Kit with Extra 4 amp Battery (I won a while back)
• Portable Table Saw and Stand

Craftsman:

• Table Saw
• Bandsaw

Dewalt:

• Compound Sliding Miter Saw
• Clamps
• Drill Bits

Irwin:

• Clamps
• Caulk Box

Bosch:

• Daredevil Spade Bit Set
• 3 Point Self Leveling Alignment Laser

Harbor Freight:

• Oscillating Power Tool and Wood Cutting Blades
• Metal Drill Bits
• Plastic Speed Squares and Post Leveler
• Dividers
• Level
• String Line
• Heavy Canvas Tool Bag

Hilti:

• Concrete Drill and Bits
• Epoxy Gun

Advanti

• Wood Cutting 60T Saw Blade in Chop Saw

Porter Cable

• Skil Saw

unknown tool manufacturer

• carpenter square
• caulk guns

Milwakee

• Portable Band Saw

Miscellaneous

• No 2 Pencil
• Wax Pencils
• Scraper
• Drill Bit Extension
• Plumb 16oz trim Hammer (I use the rubber handle to tap things into position when required)

Android Cell Phone with  Google Play Apps- Calculator, Stair Builder,

The most important tool I picked up was actually for my work truck to keep all the tools safe!

I picked up this utility bed for the work truck. Gotta keep the tools safe! ps: There went my good gas mileage :( pic.twitter.com/zqHUQMXeom

— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) October 25, 2015

Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources via: Scotty- St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog
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Green Build Renovation Project

A good layer of spray insulation was installed before the sheetrock

was hung, will provide the future tenants with energy savings.

                Green Build Renovation Project

                  Downtown StLouis Missouri

After the metal studs were installed a layer of spray foam was installed and will ensure  these Upscale Apartments are  economical to heat and cool.
Spray Foam Insulation was even installed between the windows!
Spray foam  insulation expanding into the jam area where the dual pane window units will be installed.

I'll have pictures of the metal balcony installation in an upcoming blog post.

Before we get to install the stairs.  A hole is cut out of the existing concrete floor. OSHA regulations- handrail for openings where someone could fall or get hurt.

Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources via: Scotty- St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog
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Modern and Upscale Architectural Staircase Build

Contract Labor Project

 Building Custom Modern Staircases is a small part of a Green Build Renovation Project located in Downtown StLouis Missouri

I consider the design Modern because of the decorative metal spindles and the twist do-dads add flair and upscale feel.  The Dark Stained Oak Wood used in the Treads, Risers, Handrails, and Landings provides this Modern and Upscale architectural design.

Modern and Upscale Architectural Staircase Design

See Alignment Tip- Time and Labor saving tips by Scotty 

used in Building these Custom Modern Stairs.  I snapped a

 few photos to help you build your own custom stairs and for 

an example of how the construction tip was used in the

 example. 

CUSTOM STAIR BUILD TIP METAL BALUSTERS #89764 BY SCOTTY

Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources via: Scotty- St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog
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Aesthetically Pleasing Wrought Iron Baluster Preparation

Aligning the Do-Dads on the spindles takes a few steps to get the wrought iron that is irregularly shaped with no real measure point and uneven bar stock lengths to all line up correctly.

Here are the steps I use to get  the aesthetically pleasing look

of the Balusters on the Landings on the Custom Stair Project.

Time and Labor saving tips by Scotty used in 
Building these Custom Modern Stairs.  I snapped
 a few photos to help you build your own custom
 stairs and for an example of how the construction 
tip was used in the example. 

Contract Labor Project

Custom Modern Stairs is part of a Green Build Renovation Project located in Downtown StLouis Missouri

Step 1	Stock 35 inch Wrought Iron Baluster with twists fits perfectly in this handrail that is 37 inches off the floor.
Step   2		Using 37 1/2 inch Wrought Iron Baluster with Do-Dads   Align the Balusters Parallel to each other in groups of 4 or 5 (length of the speed square). Center the Do-Dads  in the flat portion of the middle of the Stock 35 inch Wrought Iron Baluster step 1
Step  3		I strongly suggest to make a prototype (and Don't Forget to Tag It (I used  Duck Tape).   Be sure to test fit this first baluster in various spots. All the Balusters with the Do-Dads will use this baluster as the guide.  Make sure this 1st baluster is 100% right.
Step  4		This is a critical step that must be done correctly.  Remember all those Do-Dads may not be all the same size.  And their irregular shape does not provide a spot for centering (easily) use the wire wrap as the guide to align the Do-Dads.(see close up picture in step 3) The wraps next to the Do-Dads are what the eye sees when out of alignment.
Step  5		With the Do-Dads all aligned. You can now mark the overall height or the bottom of the balusters with speed square.  From the Prototype in Step 3. See the thin red lines (guide cuts)  and also notice that all the  baluster bar lengths are different. TIP: If you tried to install these without making all the balusters the same length or not aligning the Do-Dads  with its neighbors difficult and increase the difficulty factor in the overall installation.
Step  6		We are now working on the opposite end of the balusters and marking the top of the balusters.   Be sure to make an extra mark so that you can tell the top from the bottom of the balusters. Balusters were delivered in groups of 10 wrapped in plastic.
Step  7		Now that the Balusters are marked to proper height and Do-Dads are centered in the Stock Bars you are now ready to cut them to proper length. I set the Balusters in a Jig Set Up to hold the balusters in place when cutting them with a Portable Metal Band Saw with metal blade (Milwaukee). (Remember we are doing hundreds and thousands of balusters in this project.   It is cost effective to use a bandsaw over the black abrasive cutoff blades that wear out fast)
		Prior to getting the wrought iron Balusters ready; I installed a Handrail using a Laser for the guide.

Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources via: Scotty- St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog

Construction Tip Protecting TubSurrounds

Construction Tip #87673 Protecting Jacuzzi Tub and Granite Surround during construction with plywood wrapped with carpeting to make a tight fit that will stop the construction debris, dust, boot prints, or misc mishaps from marring the finish.

Tip: Protect Tub finish with plywood wrapped with carpeting

Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources via: Scotty- St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog
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Custom Modern Stairs Dark Stain Oak

Custom Stair Build Tip Metal Balusters #89764 by Scotty

Time and Labor saving tips by Scotty used in Building these Custom Modern Stairs.  I snapped a few photos to help you build your own custom stairs and for an example of how the construction tip was used in the example.

Contract Labor Project

Custom Modern Stairs is part of a Green Build Renovation Project located in Downtown StLouis Missouri

The Modern Decorative Metal Stair Spindles have that twisted metal do-dad for appearances and aesthetics and should maintain the same slope of the stairway- per client.  

This is accomplished by:

1. setting up a string line at the proper height at the
2. upper most decorative spindle and the 
3. lowest decorative spindle.
4. Pull the string line taunt
5. Tape the String Line to the Post
6. you have the same height at both ends of the stairway.
7. The Taunt String Line is your guideline for setting the remaining Decorative Spindles at the Same Height and slope of the Stair Case.

Modern Decorative Metal Stair Spindles have that twisted metal do-dad for appearances and aesthetics should maintain the same slope of the stairway- as this client requested. 

 Taunt String Line is your guideline for setting the remaining Decorative Stair Balusters "Do-Dads" at the Same Height and slope of the Stair Case.

#ConstructionTip Setting Decorative Stair Spindle Accents Evenly https://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com/2015/10/custom-modern-stairs-dark-stain-oak.html pic.twitter.com/PJtWyK3DfI

— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) October 4, 2015

Modern Dark Stained Oak Staircase Project pic.twitter.com/UwVjRUCIIQ

— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) October 3, 2015

Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources via: Scotty- St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog