
What are the steps to follow when installing stair treads?
- 1. Sand and stain/polyurethane the treads and the risers Truth be told, this is one of the most time-consuming phases of the whole process. ...
- 2. Remove the carpet and the underlay It’s time for some rough and tough job. ...
- 3. Say “goodbye” to the treads ...
- 4. Time for some measuring and cutting ...
- 5. Start installing the treads and risers ...
- 6. Finish with caulk and paint ...
How do you attach stair treads to a riser?
Then the stair tread fits snug against the riser – not the subfloor or stringer. Therefore, you can go behind your stairs and screw through the subfloor and riser and into the stair tread. Now you have fastened the riser and tread together into the subfloor. This will result in a much stronger connection.
Should you install stair risers or stair strings first?
The primary reason is that when you install risers first, you can cut them to fit the entire face of the stair riser, from top to bottom. Then the stair tread fits snug against the riser – not the subfloor or stringer.
How do you install stairs step by step?
When installing stairs, install the riser first, and then the tread. Start at the bottom of the stairs and work your way up, alternating risers and treads. The back of each tread will sit flush against the riser. Treads and risers fasten with construction adhesive to the subfloor.
How much should stair treads rise over existing stairs?
That means that if you have stairs with a 7.5” rise and you opt to put new treads with a thickness of ¾” over the existing stairs, then your final step up to the top will now only have a rise of 6 ¾” – way too shallow for a step. And at the bottom, your first step from the ground will be bigger – 8 ¼”.
How many times should I measure for a tread riser?
Why Install Stair Risers First?
How long does it take to install stair treads?
How wide should stair treads be?
What happens after you install a stair riser?
Why do you need to install a riser first?
What is needed to install a stair?
See 4 more

How do you attach stair treads to stringers?
3:064:21Slick Way of Blind Fastening Stair Treads - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn snap it into place make sure you're using a rubber mallet lock lock that in nice tight fit andMoreIn snap it into place make sure you're using a rubber mallet lock lock that in nice tight fit and then you simply take this little screw. Make sure you've got a right angle drill.
Which goes first riser or tread?
Do work at least one riser ahead before installing treads. Installing two risers is one way to ensure proper strength and performance. The important thing is to remember to install riser, tread, riser, tread or install the risers first.
How do you attach a stringer to a riser?
0:243:11Stair Riser Connector Installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDown one in front of the other. Then place the stair riser connector over the joint. And adjust itMoreDown one in front of the other. Then place the stair riser connector over the joint. And adjust it until it is fully seated. Use three clamps to secure the connector to the risers at each joint.
How do you fasten stair treads and risers?
2:346:07How To Install Prefinished RetroFit Stair Treads from Stair-Treads.comYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt apply a bead of glue to the back of the new retro riser the only recommended adhesive is plMoreIt apply a bead of glue to the back of the new retro riser the only recommended adhesive is pl premium from loctite lift the riser into place and secure with several finished.
Can you just glue stair treads down?
A polyurethane glue, such as Loctite PL Premium, is a highly recommended adhesive. Since the stair treads, or the surface of your stairs, receives a lot of foot traffic, you'll want to make sure it's properly installed.
How far should a tread overhang the riser?
The acceptable tread overhang requirements according to the IRC protrude 3/4″ to 1-1/4” past the face of the riser or riser line to ensure the going is 10-inches. The overhang increases the foot placement space on the tread, but doesn't change the depth of the going, or tread depth under the IRC definition.
How do you secure stair risers?
1:0015:09Professional Stair Tread & Riser Installation - Complete Install ProcessYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut all you do is simply loosen your little wing nuts on here push it tight to the side. And then reMoreBut all you do is simply loosen your little wing nuts on here push it tight to the side. And then re-tighten. Them you're going to do this on both sides. Until you're satisfied.
How do you install treads and risers on deck stairs?
0:031:01Installing Deck Stair Treads - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor five quarter treads stringers are spaced no more than twelve inches apart. For two by treadsMoreFor five quarter treads stringers are spaced no more than twelve inches apart. For two by treads stringers are spaced no more than sixteen inches apart to minimize cracking at the ends.
How do you attach risers?
0:491:25How To Install Decorative Risers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipApply a quality urethane based construction adhesive to the back of the riser. And smooth it out beMoreApply a quality urethane based construction adhesive to the back of the riser. And smooth it out be sure to cover 80 percent of the surface with the adhesive align the riser to the top of the tread.
What is the best way to install stair treads?
6:228:24Installing Prefinished Stair Treads - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse a table saw to rip the tread. Measure out width. And then cut the thread to link with ourMoreUse a table saw to rip the tread. Measure out width. And then cut the thread to link with our sliding miter. Saw. We'll apply another tube of adhesive to the sub threatenin zig-zag pattern.
What is the best adhesive for stair treads?
Polyurethane Glue Polyurethane is one of the most effective adhesives used for stair treads. It can withstand heavy foot traffic while maintaining strong adhesion.
How much should a stair tread overhang?
Nosing Requirements The nosing on treads, believe it or not, has a code minimum and maximum of how far the nosing projects over the next stair. Nosings are required to overhang a minimum of ¾-in. to a maximum of 1-¼-in. Also the maximum nosing radius cannot exceed 9/16 of an inch.
Where should stair treads be placed?
1:442:56How to Install Carpet Treads on Your Stairs | Koeckritz Rugs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse a measuring tape that helps enter the tread measure between 1/2 and 1 inch away from the frontMoreUse a measuring tape that helps enter the tread measure between 1/2 and 1 inch away from the front edge of the step. Read measure to make sure tread is centered before securing clip the tread. Over.
How do you install treads and risers on deck stairs?
0:031:01Installing Deck Stair Treads - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor five quarter treads stringers are spaced no more than twelve inches apart. For two by treadsMoreFor five quarter treads stringers are spaced no more than twelve inches apart. For two by treads stringers are spaced no more than sixteen inches apart to minimize cracking at the ends.
What are risers on steps?
Riser – A stair riser is the vertical space between one step and another. It may be closed or open, depending on the style of the stairs. Tread – A stair tread is the horizontal part of the step that a person will stand on, and along with the riser, is an integral part of a staircase.
Are stair treads supposed to be level?
Stair treads themselves must also be close to level, as you'll see in the following standards: 1995 CABO 314.2 allows a maximum 2% slope on stair treads themselves - this is the slope of the tread surface, not the slope of the stairway.
Stair Treads Dos & Don’ts | Wood Floor Business
When you find yourself installing wood treads and risers, remember these dos and don'ts to help ensure a proper install. Dos. Do ensure that you measure properly. For older homes that may have settled, or newer homes where workmanship is less than perfect, there are specialized tools available that can create an exact template of the tread or riser including length, end angles and depth.
Question about Treads Meeting Risers - Fine Homebuilding
Thanks for the reply. But couldn't the tread be just as likely to shrink/swell with seasonal movement as the riser? Just curious.Seems like slipping the tread under the riser would allow the tread to move a bit without showing a gap?I read an article a while back in JLC where Jed Dixon was putting the risers on top of the treads.
How to make a stringer for stairs?from wikihow.com
Though you can do without them, screwing these planks vertically between each step will make the stairs look nicer, and last longer. Cut 1 in × 6 in (2.5 cm × 15.2 cm) boards to the width of your stairs. Secure each stringer with 2.5 in (6.4 cm) screws.
How many inches should a stringer rise?from wikihow.com
On your stringer, each step will rise 7.3125 inches (18.574 cm). 4. Establish the run of each step. The run (tread width) of each step should be no less than 9 inches (23 cm) and realistically at least 10 inches (25 cm). This allows enough space for the average foot to step comfortably and safely.
How to make a stringer flush with the ground?from wikihow.com
Square off the bottom of the stringer so that it will sit flush with the ground. Draw a line parallel to the top of the last step notch, and perpendicular to the side of it (where the bottom riser will eventually go). Cut this away to make the bottom of the stringer flush with the ground. 7.
How wide should a tread be?from wikihow.com
As a rule of thumb, the width of the treads and risers added together should equal between 16–18 inches (41–46 cm). So, if your riser is 7 inches (18 cm) tall, your tread should be anywhere from 9–11 inches (23–28 cm) long. 5.
How to test a stringer?from wikihow.com
Test the stringer by setting it in place. Cut the top and bottom of the stringer to fit, then test-fit it before cutting it out. Make sure the height is accurate. The stringer should sit flush with the ground or floor and also with the point at the top where it will attach to the existing structure. 8.
How to make extra strong steps?from wikihow.com
To make extra-strong steps place 2 in × 4 in (5.1 cm × 10.2 cm) boards on both sides of the center stringer under the treads.
How to measure and mark each step along the piece of lumber?from wikihow.com
Measure and mark each step along the piece of lumber. Using the horizontal top of the stringer as a reference point, measure and draw a line down a distance equal to the height of one step. Then measure and draw a line across a distance equal to the depth of the step. Repeat this, moving downward until you’ve drawn the necessary number of steps.
What is a closed stair stringer?
A closed stair stringer is a string of stairs that has a solid riser and is not open at the back.
Can I put new stair treads over existing?
It is possible to put new stair treads over existing ones, as long as they are properly installed and secured. The old treads will need to be sanded down so that the new ones can be securely attached, and the risers may also need to be replaced depending on their condition.
How much does it cost to install stair treads and risers?
Cost to install stair treads and risers varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.
How do you fill the gap between stair tread and riser?
You can fill the gap between the stair tread and riser with caulk, putty, or a flexible sealant.
What kind of sander Do I need to sand stairs?
The most common type of sander used for sanding stairs is a belt sander.
How many times should I measure for a tread riser?
Otherwise, go ahead and install your first two risers and then alternate between treads and risers. Go slow, measure three times before you cut, and make sure your treads are level before moving on to the next one.
Why Install Stair Risers First?
It means that you first install the bottom two risers. Then you install the first tread, which fits above the bottom riser and against the riser behind the tread.
How long does it take to install stair treads?
The actual installation of stair treads and risers shouldn’t take you much more than a day unless you are including a railing, which would make it a two or three-day job depending on the complexity of your stair plan.
How wide should stair treads be?
If you are installing pre-fabricated stair treads, they are most likely going to be 11 ½” wide. In some instances, you might not even have to cut them lengthwise if your stringers or stair subfloor uses the standard 7” x 11” rise over run found in most modern homes.
What happens after you install a stair riser?
After installing a stair riser, the tread will sit on top of that riser. This allows for a snug fit between the tread and riser without any gaps.
Why do you need to install a riser first?
Stair stringers are not always level, so if you install the tread first, you will have to shim it accordingly if your stair stringers are out of level. By installing the riser first, you can use your level to bring your riser to a height to ensure your stair tread is level.
What is needed to install a stair?
Understand that your installation will require nails, screws, and construction adhesive. The adhesive is the most important part of your install – and don’t be shy when using it. Remember, stairs withstand major abuse, so you want them to be rock solid.
What is a riser jig?
The riser jig is a pattern for transferring the stringer profile to the front face of the skirt, while atthe same time, making allowances for riser’s thickness so the skirt can be mitering properly. Theriser jig is also useful for correcting minor rise and run flaws that may have occurred up to thispoint in the process. The following steps describe this process:
What is rounded tread?
The tread used with the bullnose is rounded (pre-made) in order to fit a pre-bent riser. (They aretypically purchased as a set from your local stair parts distributor.)
What is a bullnose tread?
The bullnose tread is a starting tread with riser that may have one or both ends rounded to a semi-circle. The bullnose end(s) will protrude beyond the face of the stair stringer. Also called a roundend tread, the bullnose tread is larger and more decorative than a standard tread.
What to use to prevent rotting on stairs?
Cracking and rotting are major threats to your wooden stairs. Prior to installing the treads, apply copper naphthenate to the exposed cuts on the stringers to prevent rot, and to minimize cracking at the ends of the treads, overhang the stringers by at least one inch.
What is curved deck stairs?
Curved Deck Stairs – A temporary form and laminated plywood stringers make building these stairs easier than you might think.
Do treads split when dry?
Predrill the treads at the ends or they will split as they dry out. .
What do you need to know about installing wood stair treads?
If you’re planning to install some good old solid wood stair treads, you should know a thing or two (better try “a lot”) about wood grain, cutting wood, construction and getting around with the power tools. Patience and meticulosity are also necessary, but it’s all worth it when you get to think of the beautiful look of your stairs at the end of it all.
How much does a 42" oak riser cost?
42″ oak stair risers. You can also go with pine risers as they’re less than $10 apiece, with the oak risers coming for more than $10 ($12 or so).
How to keep wood boards in place?
You should keep the boards into place with a nail gun and 2″ nails. Make sure you use a 45degree angle as you don’t want the nails to become loose after some time. The 45-degree corner seems to be ideal for keeping the nail in place. If you don’t want any squeaking noises in time (who does?), you should use a lot of nails. Get some wood filler for filling the holes afterward.
What to use to mark boards?
Use the pencil for marking the boards (you can also use the utility knife for scoring as it’s not going to leave any marks).
Do stairs squeak?
Stairs are going to squeak for sure. But caulking and wearing them in, and walking on them is going to help after a while.
Do you cut and measure stairs?
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. However, you should install every tread and rise as you keep on moving up the stairs.
Can you tape off stairs?
It’s almost never a wise idea. Since the treads are cut so tightly, the chances are that they will scrape up the trim when you fit the treads and risers as needed. However, you may tape off the stairs, painting the trim instead. Use two coats of paint, generously.
How many times should I measure for a tread riser?
Otherwise, go ahead and install your first two risers and then alternate between treads and risers. Go slow, measure three times before you cut, and make sure your treads are level before moving on to the next one.
Why Install Stair Risers First?
It means that you first install the bottom two risers. Then you install the first tread, which fits above the bottom riser and against the riser behind the tread.
How long does it take to install stair treads?
The actual installation of stair treads and risers shouldn’t take you much more than a day unless you are including a railing, which would make it a two or three-day job depending on the complexity of your stair plan.
How wide should stair treads be?
If you are installing pre-fabricated stair treads, they are most likely going to be 11 ½” wide. In some instances, you might not even have to cut them lengthwise if your stringers or stair subfloor uses the standard 7” x 11” rise over run found in most modern homes.
What happens after you install a stair riser?
After installing a stair riser, the tread will sit on top of that riser. This allows for a snug fit between the tread and riser without any gaps.
Why do you need to install a riser first?
Stair stringers are not always level, so if you install the tread first, you will have to shim it accordingly if your stair stringers are out of level. By installing the riser first, you can use your level to bring your riser to a height to ensure your stair tread is level.
What is needed to install a stair?
Understand that your installation will require nails, screws, and construction adhesive. The adhesive is the most important part of your install – and don’t be shy when using it. Remember, stairs withstand major abuse, so you want them to be rock solid.
