Optional Prep

• If you want to spray paint the metal flanges or copper pipe, do this first.

  Smooth any rough wood edges with sandpaper.

  Pre-drill all screw holes with a 3/32-inch drill bit before attaching pieces together.
  

Prepare Step Boards

• The staircase is made from two 4-step stringers and eight 3-foot boards.

  Four 3-foot boards will be used for the back step pieces.

  Set aside the remaining four 3-foot boards for the next step.

  Each board is attached to the step stringer with four screws (two at each end).

  The screws should be attached 3/4-inch from the board ends and 1-inch in from the sides. The screws should land right in the middle of the stringer wood. Use a pilot hole to be sure you're hitting the right spot on the stringers.

Attach Back Step Boards to the Stringers

• Attach the back step boards to the stringers.

  Place the stair stringers securely against a wall; you may want someone to hold them in place while you work.

  To place the stringers in the correct position, be sure the 8 1/2-inch sections are horizontal and the shorter 7-inch sections are vertical.

  Starting with the top step, line up the edge of the first board with the outer edge of the stair stringers and secure in place with a 2 1/2-inch deck screws.

  Repeat on the other end.

  Attach the three remaining boards.

  The entire unit should be 3 feet wide when assembled.

Attach Front Step Boards to the Stringers

• Attach the front step boards to the stringers.

  The front step boards extend slightly beyond the stringers.

  Leave a slight gap between the front and back step boards to allow for water drainage.

  Drill pilot holes and then attach the front boards to the stringers.

  Be sure to place these screws so they attach to the stringers wood, not in the overhanging section.

Assemble Support Frame With Copper Pipe

• The support frame is made from two 6-foot pieces of lumber, two 3-foot pieces, and a copper pipe secured with flanges for hanging plants.

  Assemble the support frame with copper pipe and flanges.

  Use 1-inch screws to attach each floor flange to each 6-foot pieces of lumber above the copper pipe.

  The top edge of each flange should be three inches from the top of the lumber.

  Secure the copper pipe in the flanges.

  Assemble the support frame with copper pipe.

  Drill pilot holes and then attach a 3-foot pieces of lumber between the tops of the 6-foot pieces of lumber above the copper pipe.

Attach Support Frame to Staircase Steps

• Attach the support frame to the staircase steps.

  Place the staircase steps in a level position and line up the back edge of the support frame with the back edge of the stringers.

  With the staircase level, secure the support frame to the sides of the stringers with four 2 1/2-inch deck screws.

  Attach the remaining 3-foot piece of lumber between the support frame, behind the staircase steps, approximately 16 inches from ground. This gives the whole unit extra stability.

Stain or Paint (Optional)