At long last, a master carpenter shows you how to assemble stairs that are solid and attractive. Whether you need to build three steps up to a deck or a full flight to your second floor, this one-on-one tutorial with Scott Schuttner takes the guesswork out of going up and down.

You are right there as Schuttner shows how to build two common staircases: a straight-run stair with plywood treads and risers (to be covered with carpeting) and an L-shaped stair with housed oak treads and risers.

You'll discover how a pro troubleshoots and corrects problems, as well as how to:

• calculate and mark the rise and run for any length stair
• position carriages to accommodate drywall and skirtboards
• fasten sturdy treads and risers so they never squeak
• anchor shopmade newel posts, balusters and handrail