How do I construct a round step with 2x4s and plywood?
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You don't say what size you're shooting for but I will assume a 4x8 sheet. The round part can be found by taking a string and swinging an arc to give you the best use of the plywood sheet (or sheets) (lay them out on floor if more than one sheet).
The key to stability here is mount the 2X4's so they are within six inches from the outside perimeter and 16 inches on center everywhere else.
Use 1 1/2 sheetrock screws to screw the short pieces of 2X4 6inches back from edge of platform (mark the top of plywood to help locate 2X4 Locations). Then use varying lengths of 2X4( parallel and spaced )16 inches apart(just like studs in a wall)
Should hold lots of people safely.
Are you talking about one step? Tap a nail in the middle of the plywood, tie a string on the nail then take it out as far as you want the step to be wide and wrap the string onto a pencil then keep it tightly pulled and draw a circle. Cut it out, nail some 2x4 strips on the bottom and there you go. Why would you want to make that anyways?
Not an easy question and not sure the thickness, flexibilty of the wood and if you are wanting a perfect circle, but I'll try.
you would have to build an x shape frame from the 2x4's and bend the plywood around to meet at each point and secure it. An x shape may not be enough to hold this so you might want to use something with more contact points. Then cut out the top section and secure it to the frame.
for the tread you simply cut the radius & secure it to the joist/stringer...
for the riser ( the vertical part ) but 1/4" plywood, but bending strips the height & lenght of the riser. glue & nail 3 laminates/layers ...
same as a round counter top edge band!
If not big. radius not bigger than 16" then you really only need plywood. Haven't tried it myself, so there take that with a grain of salt, but I'd cut two circle (or half circles if that is the case) the radius of the step minus 3/4" Then rip 1/4" down to the height of the riser. Bend first layer of 1/4" around the plywood, with a bead of glue on the edge of the plywood circles. Then glue and brad nail the other two layers. There are clamping straps that will probably help, you might want to get. Then the top can be just 3/4" plywood. If you want to dress it up you can bed a thin piece of hardware around the edge to hide the cut edge of plywood. Little and sanding and should look nice.
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