Building Stairs (For Pros By Pros) [Paperback]

Andy Engel (Author)

Book Description

Series: For Pros By Pros | Publication Date: November 27, 2007

Stair building combines precision carpentry with tricky math, so even experienced builders can find it challenging. But as this extensively illustrated book demonstrates, any builder who can measure the distance between two floors can plan and build a stunning set of stairs. By clearly laying out the geometry, planning, and construction involved, author Andy Engel takes the reader from a simple structure of framing lumber to a set of stairs fit for a king. From building and installing railings to using off-the-shelf stair parts, Building Stairs lays out the process clearly and completely. All the reader needs to is a router, saw, drill, and level. This elevating book fills in all the rest -- step by step by step.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Andy Engel grew up near Belvidere, NJ, in a house that his father nearly always had under construction. Woodworking and carpentry were just what you did. When other teenagers were dancing to The Bee Gees and Donna Summer, Andy was in the shop building a dulcimer inspired by a chapter in The Foxfire Book. For a few years after high school, he alternated between college, dead-end jobs, and travel. In 1982, he found his feet and hired on as a woodworker in a pre-hung door shop. From 1985 through 1996, he was self-employed as a carpenter and home builder. In 1996, Taunton's Fine Homebuilding magazine offered him an assistant editor’s position. Andy left Taunton in 2005 to chase a living as writer, carpenter, and building consultant. He now lives in Connecticut, with his wife and two sons, in a house that’s nearly always under construction.

Product Details

• Paperback: 234 pages
• Publisher: Taunton Press; 1st edition (November 27, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 156158892X
• ISBN-13: 978-1561588923
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 9.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #64,449 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #43 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > How-to & Home Improvements > Carpentry

More About the Author

Although I now work as a magazine editor, I'm a carpenter at heart - that's what I did for fifteen years before hanging up my tools in favor of a keyboard. I also run Engel Decks and Outdoor Structures, LLC (www.engeldecks.com), and a website dedicated to how regular, rural New Englanders live (www.TheSwampYankee.com).

Nearly as much fun as carpentry is helping others master the craft. That was what brought me into publishing, first as an assistant editor at Fine Homebuilding magazine. I rose through the ranks there to be the executive editor, which title I resigned in 2004.

I've bounced around since then, working as a carpenter, a freelance writer, and an editor at Fine Woodworking. I'm currently the editor of Hanley Wood's Professional Deck Builder magazine (deckmagazine.com), and I give clinics on siding and moisture management trade shows such as Hanley Wood's JLC Live.

Personally, I'm a husband and a dad. I've been a Scoutmaster and I'm a member of my local Board of Ed. And I'm always happy to correspond with readers.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just What I Needed, March 23, 2008

By 

Michael Davis (Sunnyvale, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Building Stairs (For Pros By Pros) (Paperback)

I am a serious DIYer, and when I decided to tackle a stair construction project in a two-story addition, I looked through my collection of books, downloaded stair building codes, and found whatever else I could on the internet. I also had back issues of Fine Homebuilding Magazine, where I found various articles, including the March 1998 issue which has an article by Mr. Engel, "Bulding Finish Stairs." Despite having these resources, I still lacked the confidence to tackle the project, and I wanted a better book. I bought this book based on the excellent reviews, and I haven't been disappointed. If you need to build some stairs, indoor or outdoor, this book has everything you need to start the job, provided you already own a shop full of tools and know how to use them. The book fully explains the trade-offs between various types of construction and details how to accomplish the job with illustrated clearly-written text. As an example, I located a local source for engineered stringer lumber after going to a URL listed in the book. I had some initial confusion as to whether I should buy this book since there is another book by almost the same name, "Building Stairs (For Pros by Pros) by Fine Homebuilding Editors", that received horrible reviews. That book appears to be a loose collection of former Fine Homebuilding articles, including the previously mentioned March 1998 article. I have a collection of similar books from Fine Homebuilding, and they are of somewhat limited value.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Manual, January 18, 2008

By 

Greg B - See all my reviews

This review is from: Building Stairs (For Pros By Pros) (Paperback)

This book covers every aspect of stair building very thoroughly. Some of the topics covered are both open & housed stair construction, winders, handrailing, & exterior stairs. Much attention is paid to detail. There are literally hundreds of excellent photos & clear, concise drawings. The text is easy to follow & along the way the author shares plenty of tips & techniques for building beautiful, durable stairs. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned carpenter, you'll find plenty of good information here. A great addition to my library!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A terrific resource, February 5, 2008

By 

Ewan Smith (Ottawa, ON) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Building Stairs (For Pros By Pros) (Paperback)

A nicely organized and well laid-out manual that covers everything from stairbuilding basics up to complex railing and finishing details. Written in an easy-to-read casual tone with clear photos and drawings, helpful sidebars and useful appendices. Definitely recommended.