![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1UQApRromT-nUJm0QOOraeFCQJ5U28i71h0AQ6KSAv0TllG0nyr-G-Afp1ggyAwX5zkcvYWgQssKN8g0kww6GkNtCMfaQyREiZIf4g71t2YvKVQcpmsUKwj0OKHW11zFEFHvW25D8Yr8o/s320/080707+Cottage+012.jpg)
... Plus using a step ladder like this isn't exactly the safest way to use a step ladder - they even print warnings all over the step ladder to this effect.
And the stairs kept disappearing when someone needed to use the step ladder...
So I broken down this weekend and built a set of temporary stairs. It was quite easy really! I cheated a bit by first buying a set of pre-cut stringers - three in fact. Stringers are the supports for the boards that are used for the steps themselves.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEloczAH3c28mie-ls9TmfpLUqHzIeyonXVEK_4KrKYZlIB0XKAjOhonA7-wRFmtWPiZoZGeHs1G_OSjmJlEJmeGWpkQiImwp36NGN5gtbWgs3EgcQXh-w6VdMJz9CQhX5hn6aknHpoa2U/s320/080707+Cottage+073.jpg)
With another piece of scrap lumber secured to the posts at about 36 inches, I have a completed stairway. And it only took about an hour to do it.
Just in the nick of time as well... and I have to confess I had a second reason for the stairs. My Mom and Dad came up for a visit on Saturday. My Dad has been very curious on how the work was progressing, and I guess he just couldn't wait any longer...
That is the second reason. My Dad is 8 months short of being 80 years old, and while still quite active, I thought having the stairs would make his tour of the cottage so much more enjoyable.