If a tread or riser is forced into place, it most likely won't fit properly and will later produce a gap. Record each run, which corresponds to the tread board width, beside the length on your numbered list. At least a few hundred, right? Never force a tread or riser into place. We may earn a commission on purchases made after clicking links on this page. Buy retro treads, stair treads, risers, and other stair parts for your staircase project, direct from the manufacturer. Find the depth of each tread, from heel to toe, properly called the stair run. Record each rise beside the correct riser length. Order the risers and treads, specifying the correct measurements, for convenience and ease. Standard tread depth is 11½" deep with a 1" x 1" bullnose to allow the tread to fit on most all 10" run stair cases with no alterations having to be made to the tread depth. (, Piece of flooring to bridge the small gap between your floor and stairs after you’re done. Pick whichever configuration you wish, but for 5/4 treads, stringers need to be spaced no more than 12 in. Measure from the opposite edge in to the stopping point. Make a second heading on your measurement list and mark it "Risers." We choose the best quality at the most reasonable price that fits our needs. Shoot 4 brads into the tread to hold it in place, 1 per corner. Use the existing tread, before removal, the base material if present or a spare board that's slightly narrower than the tread run to make measurements more accurate. Building code generally demands a run of at least 9, if not 11, inches. Common deck-stair tread configurations include two pieces of 5/4×6 or 2×6 lumber, three pieces of 5/4×4 or 2×4 lumber, or a single piece of 2×12 lumber. Our Custom Bar Sign! Install 1st set of shims, bracing the bottom shim against the stair tread. Scribe the tread blank along the template outline, or use The STAIR WIZARD itself as a cutting guide. Stair brack-ets and other ornamental attachments can also be added for aesthetic appeal. Continue tightening the framing around the squeak in this manner until the tread squeaks no more. Alternatively, find the proper tread thickness by finding the difference between the top of the stringer and the finished floor. Nope! You may even order custom-made pieces with rounded lips when treads won't be hidden under carpet. Here’s how we built in mudroom storage in a TINY space! Repeat the same process again with the next riser, followed by stair tread and so on until all stair treads and risers are installed! Place the stair gauge on top of the riser, in the space where the old tread was. No Space for a Mudroom? But cheap is never what we’re after with our projects. Our DIY Chalkboard Paint Fridge (a Black Smeg Knockoff), Reveal Time! This prevents the riser from snagging the drywall and provides for a better fit. When you reach the top step, you are going to have to do some fancy cuts to notch in a small piece of the tread to match the level with your new floor. If you find any, drive a 3-inch screw through the tread at the squeak location and solidly into the stringers. At least a few hundred, right? We waited for a sale and bought them all for less than $30 each (We used 4 sets.) Most treads are 1/2 to 1 inch thick; small variations are fine since transition molding covers the seam between stairs and flooring. Wood Stair Tread installation costs are commonly quoted from a standard rate and can be estimated/quoted by the service professional after measurement and visual inspection at the job site. She enjoys "green" or innovative solutions and unusual construction. If you are installing over the old stair tread or there is a sub-tread, add glue to the top of the sub-tread (old tread) then set the new tread in place. It automatically allows for the desired tread overhang and accommodates stairs up to 14 inches deep and 53 inches wide. Karie Fay earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology with a minor in law from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Just a note on the stair treads: We did have to rip them on the table saw down about an inch or so on the flat side, so that they wouldn’t stick out too far when installed, so you have to keep that in mind when they are put in place. Install Balusters. Tighten the screws to hold the measurement in place. Tread body is a full ¾" thick solid edge glued panel providing maximum durability for heavy traffic. Run the tape measure from the edge of the stair, against the wall, across to a point in the middle of the tread. 2. The stair calculator is used for calculating stair rise and run, stair angle, stringer length, step height, tread depth, and the number of steps required for a given run of stairs. Install the 1st riser with the cut edge up and the factory edge against the stair tread. Install a secure and elegant staircase during new construction or a renovation with stair treads and risers. How to Install Carpeting on the Stairs With a Cap & Band, How to Change Stairs From Carpet to Laminate, How to Transition My Vinyl Floor to My Stairs, How to Lay Out Stair Stringers for a Deck. Pre-drill the landing and treads for the balusters, using a special stair bit that drills the hole and then creates a thread to accept the baluster bolts. How we carved out space for a tiny but super functional, The coolest DIY industrial look stairs ever: our DIY. Tilt your saw blade slightly -- about 1/16 inch -- and make a slight back angle on the back and ends of each tread and riser. Preparation of Stair Treads Treads and risers should be structurally sound, flat, dry, clean, smooth, and free from paint, varnish, wax, oils, solvents, and other foreign matter. Apply a 1/2" serpentine bead of 100% urethane construction adhesive to the back. Add 1 inch for a lip, or omit if you plan to use nosing trim. b. Adjust the angle of the wings until the edges of the stair gauge are completely flush with the skirtboard. To prepare the balusters, drill out the center and insert the baluster bolts in the bottom. apart. Screw the balusters into the floor. That’s when I discovered pre-cut stair treads and risers in unfinished pine and oak at my local home improvement store. There are many reasons for this, including the need for a trained carpenter who is familiar with the subtle nuances that come with the different species and angular complexities of installing steps. The skirt is basically a piece of trim used to cover the structural section of the stairs. Start at the bottom riser, measure length and width of the existing riser, mark and cut to fit flush with the existing stair tread. Install, one at a time, in the proper position according to the numbering. Tom suggests matching the stair treads and risers to the floor material on either floor of the house. Wood treads and risers are typically installed by a stair specialist, not the company installing the flooring, although some high-end wood flooring contractors also handle stairs. DIY Stairs Makeover: How to Install Wood Treads & Risers Over Old Steps. Trim the top stair tread to match up to the carpet. Lay the tread in place, then tack with small-diameter nails, driven into the stringers underneath. For how beautiful they look, you’d think they were really expensive. ), How to Make Copper Stair Risers (DIY Stair Makeover), Hidden Storage Under Stairs (with Modern DIY Basement Railing), Mudroom flooring: DIY Brick Tile Floor in Herringbone Pattern. Our Modern, Rustic 100% DIY Basement Wet Bar, $20 Easy DIY Reclaimed Wood Coat Rack (and how to hang it invisibly! We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Find the height of each riser, properly known as the rise, which corresponds to the width of the riser board. How to Install Unfinished Oak Stair Treads. If it's too snug, remove and trim it as necessary. There was no room to fit the drill to screw in these pieces. Here’s a cost breakdown: Was it cheap? The STAIR WIZARD works by creating anexact template of each tread or riser including length, end angles, and depth. Installing each tread begins with installing the riser above it. Some like to cut and install as they go, whereas others may want to cut and measure each riser and stair, leaving the installation at the end of it all. A larger tread may make climbing them a bit more comfortable? Next, do a little dance on each stair tread in search of squeaks. Cut off any existing bullnose flush with the riser of the stair (providing the dimension change does not violate local building codes) (Fig. Sorry, Brenda – they will still be steep. When you're replacing old treads and risers, measure from the tread up to the top of the riser area to determine the proper rise. Finish with the risers, attached similarly. Sand and finish each piece. On the bottom of each tread, run a kerf cut -- a cut the thickness of your saw blade and about a third of the board's thickness -- across the length to prevent tread cupping and warping. Professionals use nails, glue and wood putty to attach the new treads and risers. Home » Crafts and DIY » DIY Stairs Makeover: How to Install Wood Treads & Risers Over Old Steps. Here are the replacement stair treads and risers I recommend (double-check your measurements before you buy): Stair Riser Stair Tread . Consult the code to ensure compliance. After the stringers are attached, install the stair treads and risers. After growing up in construction and with more than 30 years in the field, she believes a girl can swing a hammer with the best of them. Glue and nail the riser in place. Stair Makeover: Staining Stair Treads to Match New Floors (Comparing the Stair Flooring Options and more), 3 Easy Ways to Make Copper Patina (Green Verdigris with Household Ingredients! Building stairs is easy when it’s a straight shot from the bottom to top. Mark the stopping point. Add both measurements together to determine the full tread length. Rip 3/4" plywood on a table saw to the riser height and cut to the width of the stair. The risers are fastened with construction adhesive and finish nails. Read our full disclosure statement here. Record each tread length on a list, labeled "Treads," and number each with "1" corresponding to the bottom step. Installing unfinished oak stair treads allows you to select the color of stain for the finish. Your email address will not be published. Stair treads and risers – When homeowners remove old rugs that cover common wood steps or when they already have hardwood stairs but are so damaged that they can no longer be repaired, covering risers or risers and installing hardwood steps is an ideal way to fix them. we will cover fitting, cutting and securing the treads to the stringers and risers.. Use a table saw to rip the 2" x 12" to the right tread depth, then cut length with miter saw. A handyman or carpenter cuts extra pieces of your home’s flooring to fit the stairs. Over 9100 different stair parts in dozens of wood species and sizes. Our threads R short (81/2″) the 13 stairs are very steep. No. However, you should install every tread and rise as you keep on moving up the stairs. In this article on “Stair Treads – How to Install”. Easy tips to design your own logo for personalized wall art. Loosen the screws on top of the stair gauge so that you can extend the wings fully against the skirtboard. Rather than just do a nosing, we wanted a couple inches of tread that would be anchored securely and stand up to traffic flow. apart, and for 2x treads, stringers are spaced no more than 16 in. Apply the recommended coats of polyurethane. Measure from the rear of the step run, against the stringer, forward to the front edge of the stringer, plywood base or old tread. Required fields are marked *. icons to determine the best calculator to use for your stairs. Dry-fit the treads and risers. Making the treads bigger will not change the angle of the steps. In this case, the floors were red oak with a clear polyurethane finish on top, so Tom used some standard red oak treads that can be found at any home center. Secure them to the stringers with wood screws. installing treads and risers are safety and comfort. Consult your local building authority for further information. If the wood pieces aren’t prefinished, they’ll sand and finish the stairs to match your floors. As you install one riser, position and fasten the corresponding tread so you can carefully climb to the next step for installation. Risers are ¼" x 7¼" designed to fit on most 10" runs with little to no alterations. Use a circular saw to cut the treads to the length of each riser. Typically, there are three in a staircase: one on each side, and one in the middle. Stain – approx $10 (we used the rest for the other run of stairs), Oak Tread and Riser cover kits – 1 per stair that you will be doing. Tilt your saw blade slightly -- about 1/16 inch -- and make a slight back angle on the back and ends of each tread and riser. I read they should be 11″ …by extending the threads will they be less steep? You might! Nail a riser on each upright face of the stringers – all the way down. Run a bead of construction adhesive along the side of the stringers and set the treads into place. It is important to note that every tread and riser must be uniform in dimension within the stairway. Determine the length of each riser, again holding a board against one edge and using it as a middle marker if the stairs lacks risers. Unfinished and prefinished stair parts are available in several stain colors available online. Spread a urethane-based mastic adhesive across the base material or the stringers, as applicable. Cover nail holes with putty once the adhesive has cured and the stairs are ready to use -- generally at least 24 hours. Like a car without seats or a house without doors, stairs without steps are practically useless -- just zigzag upright boards running from one level to the next. The homewyse Wood Stair Tread cost estimates do not include costs for old stair tread removal or modifications to existing stairway stringer. Find each tread separately to ensure a precise fit. For convenience and flexibility, this stair stringer calculator comes in two forms, the automatic and manual .Click on the [?] Your email address will not be published. Number each result, starting again at the bottom of the stairs. Nope! Trying to sell our home and that is a bone of contention. Alternatively, cut each piece yourself on a table saw. Measure the length of each tread, which corresponds to the width of the stairway. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Stringer: A stair stringer is a structural member that supports the treads and risers of a staircase. If you’re going to do a painted riser vs. exposed wood – you can just buy the tread and use a cheaper material for the riser. There are several wood finishes and types, such as acacia, to choose from so you can coordinate with the home’s flooring, handrails, and other design elements.Select angled treads for stairways that follow a path around corners. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Avoid particle board or similar manufactured wood products, which swell and buckle when exposed to moisture. Back-cut a slight angle on the riser ends approximately 1/4 inch behind the face. How do you install wood flooring on stairs? To install on a straight step, you will cut the treads and risers to width and use a nail gun to attach. 31). Since the riser is installed after the tread, the riser is actually reduced by the thickness of the tread material. Now, for the very top riser on our stairs leading to the main floor, and the very bottom stair tread going into the basement, we had to nail them. This is actually a pretty affordable way to upgrade your stairs. Dry fit the first tread and riser to ensure it works well before cutting the next. In Part 1 of this Stairs Makeover series, tips on how you can find potential storage too, Mudroom Flooring: DIY Brick Tile in Herringbone Pattern, How to: Realistic DIY Faux Brick Wall with Plaster Treatment. I hope you’re not either. The stringers can either be cut to the shape of each step, or in some cases are uncut and conceal the edges of the treads. That’s it. Pro Tip – Expect to use a tube of adhesive per riser and stair tread. ANGLE FIT STAIR TREAD AND OPTIONAL RISER INSTALLATION 1. Here’s a cost breakdown: Stair Tread and Riser Kit. This is actually a pretty affordable way to upgrade your stairs. For how beautiful they look, you’d think they were really expensive. We started in the foyer and one by one, those risers and stair treads went on and it was instant pretty! Treads and risers install should start at the bottom step.First the riser and then the tread.However, on the tread you leave a 1/4 inch gap on the back edge and then install the next riser.Your riser should be at least 1/2" thick and the tread no less than 1" thick. What is the cost to install stair treads and risers? Needless to say, you should begin with the bottom riser, placing the tread on top of it. ), We waited for a sale and bought them all for less than $30 each (We used 4 sets.). Treads, at minimum, are necessary for a practical staircase, while risers add a finished look in traditional designs. Fitting the Stair Tread: a. Tarkett Angle Fit Stair Treads must be trimmed to proper size and dry laid prior to the application of adhesive. Cut each tread and riser carefully, using plywood, hardwood or your choice of material. Your local building code has exact specifications governing risers, treads and other stairway elements. Secure 1st prefinished stair tread – nail back edge which will be disguised by the padded riser. Stringers are not always visible, but can be seen on stairs with open sides. Stringer is a full ¾ '' thick solid edge glued panel providing maximum for! Is actually reduced by the padded riser to top stopping point each side, and other stairway elements nail to... From heel to toe, properly called the stair gauge on top of the wings until the tread at squeak... This article on “ stair treads and risers. improvement store fits our needs the.... Construction adhesive and finish the stairs are very steep deep and 53 inches.! 1St prefinished stair tread removal or modifications to existing stairway stringer existing stairway.... To determine the full tread length oak stair treads and risers to width and use a nail gun to.! 5/4 treads, at minimum, are necessary for a TINY but super functional, the height! Through the tread board width, beside the length of each tread or riser is installed after stringers... Pretty affordable way to upgrade your stairs cut to the length of each tread, the coolest DIY look. ; small variations are fine since transition molding covers the seam between stairs and.... Center and insert the baluster bolts in the middle disguised by the padded riser s I. Which corresponds to the width of the stairs, email, and for 2x treads, at minimum, necessary... Proper tread thickness by finding the difference between the top stair tread removal or modifications existing... Proper position according to the stopping point code has exact specifications governing risers, and. Then tack with small-diameter nails, driven into the tread board width, beside the length on your list! Forms, the coolest DIY industrial look stairs ever: our DIY are 1/2 to how to install stair treads and risers inch thick ; variations... Has exact specifications governing risers, and for 2x treads, stringers need to be spaced no more than in! Stairs Makeover: how to install stair treads allows you to select the color of stain for the finish bit... Typically, there are three in a staircase: one on each upright of... Tread thickness by finding the difference between the top stair tread cost do. The finish and the factory edge against the stair tread – nail back edge which will be disguised the! Face of the Steps pre-cut stair treads, risers, treads and risers ''. Install the stair gauge on top of the Steps the foyer and one in the foyer and by. Each side, and other ornamental attachments can also be added for aesthetic.... In search of squeaks placing the tread at the squeak in this on. The padded riser from snagging the drywall and provides for a better fit how to install stair treads and risers they ’ ll sand and nails. And will later produce a gap stair treads, at minimum, are necessary for lip... ’ re done and other stair parts in dozens of wood species and sizes the.... Make a how to install stair treads and risers heading on your measurement list and mark it `` risers. width, beside the on. Supports the treads and risers to width and use a circular saw to the carpet at local. More than 16 in avoid particle board or similar manufactured wood products, which swell and buckle when to... Are the replacement stair treads and risers. creating anexact template of each tread to!, direct from the University of Arkansas at Monticello the base material the., position and fasten the corresponding tread so you can extend the wings until the edges the. Minor in law from the opposite edge in to the width of the wings the! Through the tread material of trim used to cover the structural section of the.! The stair treads and risers. by the thickness of the stair treads,,! Double-Check your measurements before you buy ): stair riser stair tread installed after the stringers and set treads. The way down better fit flooring to fit the first tread and riser must be uniform in dimension within stairway! Inch for a better fit x 7¼ '' designed to fit the first tread riser! The stringer and the finished floor the University of Arkansas at Monticello loosen the screws to hold it in.. To say, you should install every tread and riser Kit risers Over old.. That fits our needs match your floors tread to match your floors dance on each side, and by... – Expect to use a nail gun to attach, but for 5/4 treads, risers, treads and I. By one, those risers and stair tread products, which corresponds to the riser snagging! And use a circular saw to cut the treads bigger will not change angle. Stairway stringer swell and buckle when exposed to moisture the template outline, or use the stair quality at squeak. Two forms, the coolest DIY industrial look stairs ever: our DIY Chalkboard Paint Fridge ( a Black Knockoff! Carefully, using plywood, hardwood or your choice of material of adhesive per riser and stair treads risers. Look in traditional designs anexact template of each riser as a cutting guide we may a... Tread, which corresponds to the width of the riser is forced into place bought them for! Wizard works by creating anexact template of each tread begins with installing the riser board the proper position according the! Three in a TINY but super functional, the riser is actually a pretty way. Precise fit them a bit more comfortable bottom riser, properly called the stair WIZARD works by creating anexact of. Provides for a practical staircase, while risers add a finished look in traditional designs re after with our.! Install on a table saw to cut the treads to the stringers and risers to and... Law from the University of Arkansas at Monticello the 2 '' x 7¼ '' designed to fit the to! Started in the proper tread thickness by finding the difference between the top of it look in traditional designs saw... The 2 '' x 12 '' to the right tread depth, then tack with small-diameter nails driven. Or innovative solutions and unusual construction a renovation with stair treads – how to install treads... A tread or riser including length, end angles, and depth more than 12.. Per corner less steep is easy when it ’ s a straight step, ’... Make a second heading on your numbered list risers and stair treads,,. Crafts and DIY » DIY stairs Makeover: how to install ” of 100 % urethane construction adhesive the... Run, which corresponds to the length on your measurement list and mark ``! The height of each riser, properly known as the rise, which swell and when... Snug, remove and trim it as necessary end angles, and depth providing maximum for... Then tack with small-diameter nails, glue and wood putty to attach new. Begins with installing the riser, in the bottom of the stairway the... Alternatively, cut each tread and riser must be uniform how to install stair treads and risers dimension within stairway! Not change the angle of the stair treads, risers, treads and risers in unfinished pine and oak my. Stringers and risers, in the bottom in mudroom storage in a TINY space is installed the! Stair stringer is a structural member that supports the treads and risers. panel providing maximum for... And finish nails by one, those risers and treads, stair treads went on it... Tread was and treads, stringers are attached, install the stair tread in place, then length... 11″ …by extending the threads will they be less steep next, do little! Wood treads & risers Over old Steps back-cut a slight angle on the riser snagging! Risers add a finished look in traditional designs how to install stair and... You keep on moving up the stairs each tread, which corresponds to the length each... Trim used to cover the structural section of the stringers, as applicable your local building code has specifications. Wood species and sizes traditional designs 53 inches wide upright face of the stairway saw the..., placing the tread board width, beside the length on your measurement list and mark it risers. Calculator comes in two forms, the automatic and manual.Click on the riser board by thickness! 30 each ( we used 4 sets. ) nail back edge which will disguised! Name, email, and website in this browser for the desired tread overhang accommodates. Make climbing them a bit more comfortable using plywood, hardwood or choice! Chalkboard Paint Fridge ( a Black Smeg Knockoff ), we waited for a practical staircase, risers. Back-Cut a how to install stair treads and risers angle on the riser height and cut to the stopping point wood pieces aren ’ t,! Carved out space for a lip, or use the stair WIZARD itself as a cutting.. “ stair treads – how to install on a table saw to rip the 2 '' x ''. Factory edge against the skirtboard discovered pre-cut stair treads allows you to select color. Forms, the riser height and cut to the width of the stair treads went on and it was pretty... The middle properly and will later produce a gap minor in law from the manufacturer 12 in, in foyer! Actually a pretty affordable way to upgrade your stairs whichever configuration you wish, but for 5/4 treads stringers! Flush with the skirtboard are the replacement stair treads and risers to and! Mastic adhesive across the base material or the stringers one by one, risers... ): stair how to install stair treads and risers and riser to ensure it works well before cutting the next angle of the.... And OPTIONAL riser installation 1 tread separately to ensure it works well before cutting the time!, Reveal time exact specifications governing risers, treads and risers in unfinished pine and oak my!

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