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| Stair Ledge Setup |
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| Step 1 Start out cutting two stair templates. You can choose how many stairs and how much runway you want, just do what you like. I decided to make this 5 stair out of 1" X 10" oak. To keep the two pieces stable while you are working on it, attach a few braces with screws. |
| Step 2 Use a material you like to lay on top. I chose to screw on 1/4" MDF throughout the whole project. It is like masonite: smooth, semi-flexible, yet strong. |
| Step 3 Cut out the stairs. I chose to have a 1/2" overhang on the edges of the stairs, just to give it a different look. Cut out one, then use that piece as a template for the rest to make things easier. |
| Step 4 Screw the stairs on. I predrilled the holes and I used 1" drywall screws for the entire project. I used two screws on each stair (one on each side), but if you want it to be extremely secure, use 4 (2 on each side). |
| Step 5 Attach a handrail if you like. I used 3/4" EMT electrical conduit from home depot. It is very easy to cut, just as easy to bend, and cost me $1.50 for 12 feet. |
| Step 6 This is a picture of how I attached the rail to the ramp setup. First I made a hole for the rail with a 3/4" wood boring bit, then I predrilled through the side of the stairs, next into the rail, and then secured them together with a 1" drywall screw. It holds it quite steady. |
| Step 7 Make the ledge. First I traced the angle of the stairs onto the wood, then raised it a few inches, then I used two identical pieces of 1/4" MDF and bound them together with scrap pieces of 1" X 1" wood. |
| Step 8 Attach the ledge. Depending on how stable you want it, you can decide how many bolts you would like to use. |
| Step 9 Here is a picture of the attached ledge. I used a total of 4 bolts and screws to secure it. |
| Step 10 Cap the ledge with more 1/4" MDF. As you can see, I predrilled through the MDF into the scrap pieces of 1"X1" wood and used the drywall screws to attach it. Make sure you have a smooth transition from the top piece of the ledge to the sloped piece. I used a coarse file to smooth it, but sandpaper will work fine. |
| Step 11 If you'd like, add a ramp leading up to the setup for more functionality (I think it also makes it look better). The total length of the Stair Ramp Setup is 3 1/2' ; the height of the top of the ledge is 1'. |