First, stairs are often considered the exclusive domain of the "stair specialist". Many people consider such a project to be well out of their range of expertise, and they reluctantly call in the "specialist". Needless to say they are usually horrified at the high price, and often feel that they have no alternative but to either accept the bid or put the project on hold.

Secondly, stairs are usually more difficult than most construction projects because there are some very specific guidelines which are required by code, and if you get the initial planning wrong, you could be faced with tearing out and building the stairs again.

The standard or traditional methods of stair building have usually consisted of the marking out and freehand cutting of multiple stair stringers. Next, the stringers are attached and aligned and then the risers and treads are attached. This is a very cumbersome process which takes a great degree of skill and often, even the "specialist” gets it wrong.

The good news is, you can use an engineered stair building system, otherwise known as adjustable brackets. The benefits are that they're much easier to install and only a very minimal skill level is necessary- compared to traditional framing. This system consists of adjustable stair brackets, that automatically adjust to the exact rise and run you require. The brackets are approved as joist hangers which allow the stair risers to be used structurally, carrying the load across the stair like floor joists. This kind of system is very strong and it has been tested for stairs up to nine feet wide, using only the two outside stringers. This completely eliminates the need for any interior stringers. The outside stringers then require only 3 to 4 cuts each, and the risers and treads are simply attached to the brackets. If you make a mistake, simply readjust the brackets.

Engineered adjustable stair brackets will build finished interior stairs, basement stairs, deck and porch Stairs.

How will you save?

1. Little or no wasted wood because additional center stringers are eliminated and only three to four end cuts are required for each of the outside stringer.

2. Since you only need two stringers, time is saved by eliminating the need to cut and align additional center stringers. No center stringers, means no squeaks.

3. The Brackets do the work by equally adjusting to give you the exact rise and run, eliminating costly mistakes and simplifying the whole process.

4. The system is so accurate that finished interior stairs can be built by installing finished risers and treads directly onto the brackets, eliminating traditional rough framing and up to 80% of the finished trim work normally required with traditional stair building methods.

5. Once the two stringers are built, the rest of the stair goes together like an erector set. A once very complicated job has been simplified to the point where a person with only basic skills can easily build a stronger, accurate stair and get it right the first time.

How much can you save?

For interior finished stairs, the "stair specialist" can easily save up to $500.00 per flight because most of the traditional "custom trim work" is automatically eliminated. For the DIY, the savings are greater.

An approved "Engineered Stair System" eliminates the need to cut stringers and is tested to be much stronger and faster than conventional construction. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a do-it-yourselfer, you will build fast, strong and accurate stairs, on a budget.