On the newest snapshot 14w25a when ever you place stairs they face West. Sorry about lack of detail if you need any more just ask. Also there texture in the creative menu is messed up.
Environment
Windows 7 Ultimate
Processor: AMD Phenom(tm) II X4 965 Processor 3.40GHz
Ram: 6.00GB
System type: 64-bit Operating system
Java: Version 7 Update 51
I've noticed a similar issue with the orientation of dispensers. It defaults to south for me unless the dispenser is placed adjacent to another dispenser