Layer covering / following topgraphy

[ofirgana1]

Hi All,
I'm new to SketchUp and new here at this forum. I'm facing a problem I couldn't find an answer to. I'm trying to add a layer above all the structure I built, and I want it to follow the topography. Lets say for example, I have stairs and I want to cover them with some layer (e.g. deck or rubber). I would like to know if it's possible to do it without selecting each face seperately. Also, i would be happy to know how to do it: 1. only on the top faces. 2. on the top and on the side faces.
I hope I made myself clear enough.
Thanks.

[mitcorb]

Hi. One thing you can do is replicate one of the faces, then copy move from a point to a destination, and type x10(for example to make 10 copies at the same relative position for each stair tread or riser as desired).
A good work flow suggests that something complex and repetitive like a set of stairs has been grouped or component-ized. You may already know this.

Another thing you can do is download thomthom's selection tool found here:
http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?t=14975. This tool can be tricky at first, depending on your expectations.
Some other folks may have different approaches.

[ofirgana1]

Thanks, mitcorb
what if my shape isn't periodic like stairs? what if it has an arbitrary shapes with different hights?
Thanks.

[mitcorb]

Possible approach to that would be: copy the portion of the model to the side a specified distance clear of other work. Erase what you do not want, make the remainder a group or component. Then, set this back in place and raise it a small increment, and shift it so that it is "parallel" to all. However, if this work curves in on itself, you would have to maybe scale it down a small amount so that it is concentric at all points, sort of like the way Offset automatically resizes to fit.

You gave a stair example. If it is stairs, it is important that the treads and risers be consistent in dimensions all along the flight.