Closing an open staircase with custom-sawn plywood panels, by Jan

Jan demonstrates in this DIY project how he used the online sawing service to close his open staircase. After measuring the dimensions, he ordered cut-to-size plywood panels. This allowed him to start his project right away.

Description by Jan

Using the beautifully cut-to-size Plywood Poplar primed planks, I closed off my staircase to the second floor. After extensive research, I eventually opted for pocket holes for attaching to the bottom of the top step. Worked great.

How I Made This Project

First, measured everything with a laser meter. Concluded that the height was almost the same for 14 out of 15 steps. I measured the height only one centimeter from the bottom of the step. You'll never get the height exactly right anyway, unless you're going to shorten it further. Ordered planks. Drilled pocket holes (concealed wooden screw connection). Pre-drilled holes and used a countersink bit so the screws fit nicely into the wood. Used a miter saw to cut the planks to size on the spot, including angled corners. Designed a nice ladder structure and got to work. The result is impressive. Took about 4 hours with two friends. Soon, we'll fill the gaps with wood filler, sand, and then the lady of the house can roll paint over it.