Simply Stairs: The Definitive Handbook for Stair Builders

Simply Stairs is a practical, step-by-step guide for anyone who builds, repairs, or designs staircases. Written by Mark Milner, this digital handbook covers the full process from measuring and calculating to routing, assembly, and installation. As a PDF download, it offers immediate access after purchase and can be read on your preferred device.

This edition from Whittles Publishing is aimed at apprentices, students, lecturers, and tradespeople, as well as DIY enthusiasts who want to understand the craft. With clear instructions and detailed illustrations, it sets out the principles behind safe, well-built stairs.

Simply Stairs Book Overview

Simply Stairs is a complete reference for stair construction, authored by Mark Milner, a stair builder with twenty-five years of experience in the UK and North America. The book was published by Whittles Publishing in 2015 and reprinted with corrections in 2016. It is designed for use during vocational courses and throughout a working life in carpentry and joinery.

The handbook covers straight-flight stairs, L-shaped stairs with quarter landings, L-shaped stairs with kite and winders, dogleg stairs with half-turn landings, circular stairs, alternating tread stairs, special features, railings, and repairs. It also explains Building Regulations, staircase calculations, setting out, cutting lists, and assembly methods.

What You’ll Discover Inside

• Clear guidance on staircase calculations, including the Rise and Going calculator.
• Detailed chapters on straight-flight, L-shaped, dogleg, circular, and alternating tread stairs.
• Methods for marking out and routing strings, preparing newel posts, treads, and winders.
• Coverage of UK Building Regulations and staircase dimensions.
• Instructions for constructing special features such as round-end steps and bullnose steps.
• Practical advice on railings, balustrades, handrails, and balusters.
• A full chapter on repairing stairs, from creaks to replacing broken balusters.

Why This Book Matters

Stair building is a demanding craft that combines measurement, geometry, and joinery. This handbook addresses a gap in modern UK trade literature by offering an up-to-date, dedicated guide to stairs and balustrades. It supports students working toward NVQs and Construction Diplomas, while also giving experienced carpenters a reliable reference for advanced stair forms such as circular and alternating tread stairs.

Every image in the book comes from real staircases built and photographed by the author, making the instruction practical and trustworthy.

Book Details

Device Compatibility

This is a digital download, so there is no physical shipping. After purchase, you can access the PDF immediately and read it on compatible devices. The file works with Kindle apps, tablets, desktop computers, and mobile reading apps that support PDF files.

FAQ

How do I get access after purchase?
Your digital download is available immediately after checkout, and no physical item will be shipped.

Can I read this on a tablet or phone?
Yes, the PDF can be opened in a variety of reading apps on tablets, phones, and computers.

Is this a physical book?
No, this is a digital file only. The complete 291-page handbook is delivered in PDF format.

Simply Stairs is a dependable companion for building better staircases. Download the digital edition today and keep this detailed guide at hand for every project.

Verified Bibliographic Details