There are several methods of creating stairs in SketchUp. A quick and easy method is shown below, but we discuss several techniques in our SketchUp training courses.
To create the stairs illustrated here first create a Rectangle 300 x 1500mm, for example. Next use the Push/Pull tool to extrude the rectangle upwards by 190mm. Note that this is the maximum stair height in Australia.
Now choose the Select tool and triple-click on the stair to select all edges and faces. Next right-click on it to Make Component, and name it Riser. Now create a small rectangle from bottom right corner measuring 260 by 150 on the front face. Push/Pull this backwards to the far wall. This gives us a basic step.
We next copy it by selecting the Move tool, pressing down on the Control key, and moving the step from its bottom right to top left corners. This creates one copy – we then type x14 into the Measurements field and hit Enter/Return. This will result in 14 copies placed at the same distance apart.
To make modifications (eg. balustrades) to the stairs double-click to enter the step component and add a baluster, etc. Use the Arc tool (A) with a Bulge of 20mm, then the Push/Pull tool (P) to create a bull-nose on the tread. And hit the Escape key to exit the component.
Now select all 15 steps, pressing Shift to add to a selection, and right-click to choose Make Group. Create a banister by using the Follow-Me tool to extrude a profile along a path. To add a stringer double-click twice to enter the riser component and create a triangle with the Line tool (L). Push/Pull this shape backwards to the wall. You can select any unwanted join lines to right-click and Hide. Hit Escape to exit the component and group. To edit just one step enter the Group and select the step. Then right-click on it to choose Make Unique, and make your adjustments.
Many useful tips and techniques can be found at the SketchUp website. And see many examples of our own clients’ work on our Facebook page.
Other related SketchUp Blog Posts:

• SketchUp background
• SketchUp introduction
• SketchUp modeling
• SketchUp contours
• SketchUp workspace