Stair-building and the steel square : $b A manual of practical instruction in the art of stair-building and hand-railing, and the manifold uses of the steel square

"Stair-Building and the Steel Square" by Fred T. Hodgson and Morris Williams is a practical manual on carpentry and construction, written in the early 20th century. This work provides comprehensive guidance on the art of stair-building, addressing critical concepts such as the design and construction of staircases, the effective use of the steel square in carpentry, and fundamental principles of architecture relevant to stair design. The beginning of this manual introduces the significance of stairways, emphasizing that a well-designed staircase enhances the overall impression of a building. It discusses the common challenges in stair construction, including the importance of properly laid out plans and understanding terms like rise, run, and pitch. Furthermore, it asserts the need for basic knowledge of stair parts and dimensions to avoid common mistakes, setting the stage for the detailed instructional content that follows.