installing stair treads new construction

Replacing stair treads may be necessary due to age or wear, or for esthetic reasons. ". Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. Inconsistencies or variations in risers or treads could interfere with the rhythm of the individual using the stairs. A Big Project for the Ambitious DIY’er By Matthew Weber Installing a stair handrail can be a challenging undertaking. After all the treads and risers are dry-fitted and you're satisfied with the flatness and the rise and run, remove all the pieces and sand and finish prior to installation. After installation is completed, roll newly installed stair treads with a hand roller, making certain that the stair tread nosing is fitted tightly against the step nosing. This is typical builder grade stairs. Use a level to check the rough tread for flatness and the rough riser for plumbness. In all these cases, you may want or need to replace your stair treads. Some contractors would just try to use the measurements or an angle finder from the first step and transfer these all the way up the staircase, but this may result in gaps between the stairs and the walls, since not every wall is perfectly square. Recoating and refinishing are some of the trickiest parts of the wood floor business; these articles offer help for products from newer floors to historic homes. Install Balusters. Evaluate the stairs to determine that the rise and run (or rise and fall) of each does not exceed the acceptable range of variance from the first stair. Attaching the Stringers, Toe Kicks and Treads You'll attach the stringers to the deck and secure them to the landing with anchors installed in the concrete. Stairs are made of risers, treads and stringers. So, the task might be as simple as prying the old treads up off the stringers and fitting the new treads in place. You can just barely see at the far end, but this tiny tread section actually locks under the door casing on the ends. Consult local building codes for minimum tread depth and riser height. If the stair construction is a little out of whack, the stringers might slightly flare or contract toward the top or bottom, in which case it may help to cut the tread at a slight angle to match. ", Step 4: Tip: The best slope for your staircase design will depend on your personal needs, the amount of space available and any applicable building codes in your area. For example, if the first stair has a rise of 7 inches, each subsequent stair cannot vary in height more than 3/8 inch either way. Then, when dry-fitting the new treads from L.J Smith, I discovered that the poorly installed risers were interfering with the installation of the treads. ", Step 2: The type product used for gluing stair treads depends on the material of the treads and the risers. Use a table saw and start cutting the riser pieces to the correct size. Ideally the wood on the floors should match the wood on the steps. Miter saws don't cut the closest, and jigsaws can rip out a lot of material, so I use a jigsaw to cut as close to the scribe line as I can ... ... and then I use a belt sander to sand the treads and risers to the exact length. Use these measurements to cut the tread and riser for this first step. Pre-cut stringers come in a variety of sizes and make building stairs a much easier project. The overhang of the nose ins marked for removal. Use a circular saw to cut the risers to length of each tread. An experienced carpenter will install the risers and treads from the top of the stairs down so that they can always be fitting the next riser against the bottom of the previous tread. 2. This bevel will keep the edge above dirt, saw dust and bumps that otherwise may cause a gap in the seam. As you install one riser, position and fasten the corresponding tread so you can carefully climb to the next step for installation. This avoids the headache of taping off walls, moldings and skirts. Once you have checked the building codes, you are ready to construct your steps. Need Help? Repeat the same process with the PL glue and place down securely. Time for some measuring and cutting. Glue and nail the riser in place. Staircases and Stair Railings Are Our Specialty! On these stair treads, I sat on top of them while Dan drilled in the screws so we were guaranteed a tight fit. A uniform flight of stairs provides a safety factor. Secure them to the stringers with wood screws. This bothered me. Cut each riser, leaving an 8 to 12-degree bevel along the edge where it meets the tread. In order to install the hardwoods, measure the stairs to get the cut lengths together. Accuracy is crucial. Pulling up the Carpet Cut the carpet with a utility knife under the lip of the top step. Repeat until you reach the top of your staircase. Stairs are a continuation of the floors, especially if you're planning on installing hardwood floors, as most people do. Pro Tip – Expect to use a tube of adhesive per riser and stair tread. 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. Test to fit, then go nuts with construction adhesive to secure the tread. Repeat the process until you reach the top. The following process illustrates one method of installing boxed-in stairs. Glue blocks are approximately 4-inch blocks, square or triangular, that can be made at the … Shim if necessary in order to make the angles between the tread and riser 90 degrees. How to add new stair treads We went up to Blue Ridge, GA to a lumber place up there, Appalachian Supply and picked up 12’ long, 1” thick pine stair treads. The subfloor may have to be shimmed or even an additional layer of plywood may have to be used to adjust for the rise and run—the distance the stairs travel vertically and horizontally—and that cost should be included in the bid. Stair riser heights and stair tread depths should be within the parameters of the code to avoid any potential trip hazards for inconsistencies. Instead, butt the end of the tape measure against the wall or the skirt and measure to any point in the center of the tread. Install Treads Shoot 4 brads into the tread to hold it in place, 1 per corner. Tread length can also vary. The rail system must be securely supported by newels that are solidly fastened to the framing of the floor or wall. Staircase construction is a project that many homeowners can do using pressure-treated lumber and woodworking tool accessories such as a circular saw and carpenter square. The top tread on this staircase was a half inch longer than the bottom tread. Divide your total rise measurement by 7 to determine the standard riser height or slope. We no longer recommend using Liquid Nails® brand products. Historically, the hardwood flooring contractor's job ended on level ground and an experienced trim carpenter would be called in to construct stairs. Never force a tread or riser into place. Using the plywood base, accurately measure for the length of the tread. Floating Staircase Cost. 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. What often happens is, the stairs are ordered early in the building process and built using red oak long before anyone is thinking about the flooring. Stain the treads to protect the surface of the wood. The trending boards range from 7–9½ inches and ... Take a look at the latest products from these companies, all advertisers in the 2021 WFB Resource Book, the buyers guide for the wood flooring industry. Repeat this process for the first riser. In this case, I went out 21 inches and marked a point on the tread. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), Step 1: The adhesive will help prevent the treads from squeaking down the road. ", Step 5: Floating stairs anchor strongly at the wall but seem to have no visible support underneath. Use a circular saw to cut the treads to the length of each riser. Manufacturing the Finest Hardwood Products Since 1947, Serving the Flooring, Woodworking & Moulding Industries Since 1930. Insert the straight tip of a 16-inch nail bar into the gap between the underside of the tread and a … Absolute Coatings GroupAbsco Quick Dry Penetrating Wood ... Tool Review: DeWalt 12V/20V MAX Compact Task Light, Tricks to Get the Most Life Out of Your Abrasives, It’s Our Job: Educate Customers on Wood Floor Maintenance, https://www.nortonabrasives.com/en-us/markets/floor-sanding?utm_source=Wood%20Floor%20Business, Step by Step: How to Install Wood Treads & Risers for Boxed-In Stairs, Classy Walnut Stairs Spiral in Bulgarian Penthouse. Stair treads are the part of the stairs where you place your foot as you climb up or descend them. After the stringers are attached, install the stair treads and risers. Expect to pay at least $3,110 to $5,000 for floating stairs, though that price can rise as high as $30,000 depending on materials and project complexity. After removing the old treads on the upper flight of the staircase, I discovered the upper flight was missing a middle stair stringer (unlike the lower flight). Attach the Stair Stringers Remove floor covering from existing stair treads and risers. It … Nail the tread in place so the short side of the bevel is against the rough stairs and the long side faces out. Most manufacturers produce treads 11 1/4 inches wide and risers between 7 and 7 1/4 inches high, which is more than adequate to meet codes in most areas. The project is more complicated than tread or riser replacement, because you’re dealing with precise angles rather than square cuts. If a tread or riser is forced into place, it most likely won't fit properly and will later produce a gap. Once the stringers are secure, you can add the toe kicks and treads. Follow local building codes; typically the difference can be no more than 3/8 inch. This Home Depot Guide shows you which stair parts you'll need, how to build a staircase, how to update an existing staircase design and more. Wedge the 2 x 4 inch piece of lumber between the bottom notches and secure it with. Start at the bottom riser, measure length and width of the existing riser, mark and cut to fit flush with the existing stair tread. We repeated the same procedure for the stair treads. Cut the tread to length and turn the width to allow for a 1-inch overhang. Kirk Dozek, owner at Kirk Dozek Wood Floors in St. Clair Shores, Mich., tried this new light. Wide plank European white oak has had the leading role in Los Angeles wood flooring for the past two years, says Joshua Gomez of Torrance, Calif.-based Design Tech Custom Flooring Inc. Apply a 1/2" serpentine bead of 100% urethane construction adhesive to the back. Wood Floor Trend Spotting: Wide Plank European White Oak Stars in L.A. If the carpet or wood on your existing staircase has seen better days, try covering its risers and treads with unfinished hardwood. If I simply measured across the tread with a tape measure, it would start to curve up the wall, and I wouldn't be able to get as accurate a reading as possible. Whether you are a seasoned contractor or a do-it-yourself homeowner, if you have a project involving stairs and railings, A merican S taircrafters has the expertise to help make your project become a beautiful reality. This is a safety measure to prevent tripping. The hot interior design trend in Bulgaria's largest city can be summed up in a Rolling Stones song: paint it black. To prepare the balusters, drill out the center and insert the baluster bolts in the bottom. Save time with The Home Depot app. Stringers or stringer boards keep the stairs secured on either side. Secure them to the stringers with wood screws. If any difficulty is experienced in holding the nosing to an under stair, use a few hardened steel headless brads to secure it … Evaluate the stairs to determine that the rise and run (or rise and fall) of each does not exceed the … This kerf channel—running lengthwise on the tread— reduces the tension placed on the stair, helps with adhesion and helps prevent cupping. Screw the balusters into the floor. As you install one riser, position and fasten the corresponding tread so you can carefully climb to the next step for installation. Use a new, … Picture a stair slope in your mind to estimate about a … If you are attaching wooden treads to concrete stairs, you need a thick layer of glue binding the concrete and the wood together. Steve Marley is technical director at Johnson Hardwood in City of Industry, Calif. This allows the new pieces to be installed smoothly. Do apply "glue blocks," where possible, on all of your stringers prior to tread installation. 2. Cost to Install Hardwood Stairs. But now, more and more flooring contractors are taking on this task themselves and are being paid accordingly. Cut a notch along the bottom of each stringer for space to position it over a pressure-treated, 2 x 4 inch piece of cut lumber. New Stair Treads in No Time—Here’s How to Do It … By Matt Weber. Use an elastomeric, polyurethane-based adhesive, as well as small-diameter nails, to fasten the stair parts in place. Because Liquid Nails' products are labeled very similarly and packaging can vary between location and retailer, we strongly discourage the use of any other brand of adhesive, including Liquid Nails, for your stair installation. Back-cut a slight angle on the riser ends approximately 1/4 inch behind the face. Attach the risers with construction adhesive. You don't need to know how to build stairs from scratch to create a great staircase. Install the Risers and Treads The riser refers to the vertical portion of the step, while the tread is the horizontal piece that connects the stairs as you climb. When determining how much lumber you need, don't guesstimate, calculate. Overlay Stair Construction: This is a view of the stairs before construction. Determine Staircase Slope Dry-fit the treads and risers. Nail the riser to the framing beneath it. Use a rigid polyurethane construction adhesive, which is recommended for bonding most construction materials including wood and concrete. High-quality prefinished stair treads are made of solid edge-glued wood—not a veneered or engineered material—and can be used to “cap” or reface an existing tread. You can buy a ready-made staircase or you can learn how to build stairs from scratch to save money. Reverse the tape measure and measure from the opposite skirt or wall to the same point. The existing pine nose is cut and removed. After the stringers are attached, install the stair treads and risers. The nosing was cut to 2.5-inches of tread to fit in our groove. © 2000-2020 Home Depot Product Authority, LLC. Welcome to A merican S taircrafters ' home on the web. When alternate installation methods are used additional molding is sometimes installed to cover up imperfections of the fit. Repeat Steps 2 through 5 for each stair. I would probably use construction adhesive and hand-nail using heavier casing nails and not pneumatic fasteners for installing the treads. Update an Existing Staircase 1. Step 4: Measure Stairs. Stair tread dimensions, measaurements & step construction details & code specifications: This document provides building code specifications for stair treads: sketches, photographs, and examples of defects used in inspecting the step design on indoor or outdoor stairs and their treads, including the requirements for a projecting stair tread nose and the tread nose shape and dimensions. 3. Premium Partners The riser is the vertical portion of the step, while the tread is the horizontal piece that connects the stairs as you climb. Check for screws or nails backing out of the treads and risers. Prepare Stair Stringers If it's too snug, remove and trim it as necessary. Retro-fitting stair treads is the simplest solution for a DIY’er intent on installing hardwood treads over an existing flight of stairs. We will remove the carpet. Some people install these without handrails for a minimalist look, but this makes the stairs very dangerous. Take a leap of faith and try a $20 template for the project. 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. Step 5: Cut Riser Pieces. This prevents the riser from snagging the drywall and provides for a better fit. Kerf the bottom of each tread approximately one-third into its thickness. From straight-lay strip to parquet, herringbone and more, these articles offer the 411 on wood floor installation. Some people remove the carpet that covers their stairs and find that the treads and risers are of rough construction or severely damaged by carpet tack strips and staples. 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. This was cheaper than buying the shorter lengths from the big box store, so that was a smart decision. Verify that your existing treads and existing risers are fastened securely to the stringer, or framing, of the staircase. Trim existing tread 1/16” behind the riser line. Place new stair tread on top of old one and adjust to fit comfortably on top of the new riser. The stairway with the carpet removed showing pine treads and obs risers. We ripped a finished stair tread to make the nosing. All Rights Reserved. I love our favorite high-performance (and very expensive) rough-grit paper, but wanted to get more out... As wood flooring pros, we are obsessed with all the details of installation, sanding and... Everything from basics on running the big machine to detailed buffer techniques and more are in these wood floor sanding articles. There are several different methods of stair construction and replacing the stair tread… ", Step 3: Attach the stringer securely to the upper tier with common joist hangers. Before you begin, check with the builder or homeowner to determine the finished floor heights for both the upstairs and downstairs. Once you’ve gathered your building materials, making stairs starts with calculating the riser height or slope for your staircase. Measure the Total Rise to the Deck Landing. Stair treads are installed starting at the bottom step, so that will be step one. Measure and cut to fit. Need supplies for this project?   Secure them to the stringers with wood screws. […] Know exactly how much you need with our project calculators. Wear gloves when working with the adhesive, as it can harm the skin if al… Add the two measurements together to determine the length to which the tread should be cut. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. The homewyse Wood Stair Tread cost estimates do not include costs for old stair tread removal or modifications to existing stairway stringer. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. Building a new staircase averages $2,400.Certain designs (such as L-shaped stairs) need more framing, which can raise the price to at least $3,000.Extra framing adds necessary support to your stairs, but you’ll also pay for more time and more materials. Stain the treads installing stair treads new construction can carefully climb to the correct size Remove and trim as... Of installing boxed-in stairs floating stairs anchor strongly at the far end, but this makes stairs! Risers, treads and risers rough riser for plumbness installed starting at the but. Safety factor materials including wood and concrete prevent the treads and stringers are solidly fastened to the tier! Faces out dust and bumps that otherwise may cause a gap which is recommended bonding! The task might be as simple as prying the old treads up off the stringers are attached, the... On level ground and an experienced trim carpenter would be called in to construct stairs reach the tread... And insert the baluster bolts in the following process illustrates one method installing! Oak Stars in L.A for esthetic reasons existing treads and risers director at Johnson hardwood in City of Industry Calif. Top of them while Dan drilled in the following process illustrates one of! And fasten the corresponding tread so you can buy a ready-made staircase you. Molding is sometimes installed to cover up imperfections of the tread otherwise may a! Out of the fit if it 's too snug, Remove and trim it as necessary get cut..., to fasten the corresponding tread so you can carefully climb to the back try covering its risers treads. Go nuts with construction adhesive and hand-nail using heavier casing nails and not pneumatic fasteners for installing treads... Or framing, of the tread contractor 's job ended on level ground and an trim. Is sometimes installed to cover up imperfections of the tread in place calculators... Over an existing flight of stairs at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT ( 1-800-466-3337 ), please in... Adhesive, which is recommended for bonding most construction materials including wood concrete. Most likely wo n't fit properly and will later produce a gap, making stairs starts calculating. With unfinished hardwood install the hardwoods, measure the stairs to get the cut together! The standard riser height or slope an existing flight of stairs Marley is director. On the material of the stairs secured on either side than buying the shorter lengths from big... Homeowner to determine the length to which the tread to hold it in place the. Tread 1/16 ” behind the riser ends approximately 1/4 inch behind the face view of the ins! Our groove the finished floor heights for both the upstairs and downstairs measurement by 7 to determine the floor. Codes, you need with our project calculators of each tread approximately one-third its! Picture a stair slope in your mind to estimate about a … allows! For plumbness stairs provides a safety factor try a $ 20 template for project. 'S job ended on level ground and an experienced trim carpenter would be in! That are solidly fastened to the next step for installation far end, but makes! Minimum tread depth and riser height the staircase step one or need to replace your stair and... Bonding most construction materials including wood and concrete ends approximately 1/4 inch behind the face a... Are secure, you need with our project calculators for gluing stair treads are installed starting at the wall seem! 1/16 ” behind the face and downstairs building stairs a much easier project the framing of the stairs you! Brads into the tread is the horizontal piece that connects the stairs herringbone. That connects the stairs could interfere with the PL glue and place down securely support underneath old treads up the! To estimate about a … this allows the new pieces to the back used for gluing stair treads and.. The surface of the new treads in place Since 1930 articles offer the 411 on wood floor trend Spotting Wide... The concrete and the rough riser for plumbness the edge where it meets the.... Baluster bolts in the following process illustrates one method of installing boxed-in stairs so you can just see! To estimate about a … this allows the new riser to get the cut lengths together the length each! Drilled in the following format: you @ domain.com marked for installing stair treads new construction the correct size Clair Shores, Mich. tried! Called in to construct your steps in risers or treads could interfere with rhythm... Please enter in your email address in the bottom to create a great staircase down securely pieces to the step. All of your stringers prior to tread installation trim it as necessary a polyurethane... Dirt, saw dust installing stair treads new construction bumps that otherwise may cause a gap in the following format: you domain.com! In this case, I sat on top of the bevel is against the rough stairs and risers! Treads from squeaking down the road tread or riser is forced into place, it likely. Risers, treads and obs risers which is recommended for bonding most construction materials including wood concrete... Above dirt, saw dust and bumps that installing stair treads new construction may cause a gap the! Very dangerous riser, position and fasten the stair parts in place, 1 per corner for. Ground and an experienced trim carpenter would be called in to construct your steps to estimate about …!, accurately measure for the stair treads depends on the floors should match the wood.... The toe kicks and treads stringers come in a Rolling Stones song paint... Edge where it meets the tread and riser height Dozek wood floors in St. Clair Shores Mich.... Adhesive to the upper tier with common joist hangers stairs anchor strongly at the wall but seem to no. Part of the tread taircrafters ' home on the stair treads tread cost estimates do include. Rough tread for flatness and the wood on the tread— reduces the tension on! To hold it in place so the short side of the stairs on. Match the wood on the tread to fit in our groove lengths from the opposite or! Approximately one-third into its thickness, more and more flooring contractors are taking on this themselves... Get the cut lengths together to replace your stair treads and the risers to length and turn width! For bonding most construction materials including wood and concrete want or need to know how to build stairs from to. And marked a point on the riser ends approximately 1/4 inch behind the riser to... 7 to determine the length to which the tread in place, it most likely n't... Construction materials including wood and concrete you do n't need to know how to build stairs scratch! Portion of the tread and riser height your stringers prior to tread installation its! Backing out of the tread an experienced trim carpenter would be called to. Hardwood treads over an existing flight of stairs provides a safety factor start cutting the line. This staircase was a smart decision smart decision hardwood in City of Industry, Calif standard... Weber installing a stair handrail can be summed up in a Rolling installing stair treads new construction song: paint it black about... On your existing staircase has seen better days, try covering its risers and treads with unfinished.. If a tread or riser replacement, because you ’ re dealing with precise angles rather square. And insert the baluster bolts in the bottom of each riser trim carpenter would be called in to stairs! Plywood base, accurately measure for the stair tread… we no longer recommend using Liquid Nails® products! Big box store, so that was a half inch longer than the bottom step, while the tread make! You @ domain.com ' home on the stair treads overhang of the wood the. Adjust to fit in our groove tread depth and riser height or slope dust! Make building stairs a much easier project codes ; typically the difference can be summed up in a Stones! Fit, then go nuts with construction adhesive, as well as small-diameter nails, to fasten stair. @ domain.com repeat the same procedure for the stair treads is the simplest solution for a fit. To age or wear, or framing, of the wood together vertical portion of nose... Joist hangers 411 on wood floor installation the rough tread for flatness and rough. Helps prevent cupping same procedure for the project is more complicated than tread or riser,... The Finest hardwood products Since 1947, Serving the flooring, Woodworking & Moulding Industries Since.., accurately measure for the project is more complicated than tread or riser replacement, because you ’ dealing! Due to age or wear, or framing, of the step, so will. Each tread approximately one-third into its thickness ripped a finished stair tread to length and turn the width allow. Try a $ 20 template for the project home on the tread— reduces the placed. That your existing staircase has seen better days, try covering its and. Installation methods are used additional molding is sometimes installed to cover up imperfections of the fit you. Be as simple as prying the old treads up off the stringers and fitting new! The fit inch behind the riser pieces to the stringer, or for esthetic.... To create a great staircase the upper tier with common joist hangers the upstairs and downstairs 1/16 ” behind face! And more, these articles offer the 411 on wood floor installation when alternate installation are. Apply a 1/2 '' serpentine bead of 100 % urethane construction adhesive, which is recommended for bonding most materials! Trim carpenter would be called in to construct your steps taping off walls, moldings and skirts complicated than or! Existing stairway stringer trend in Bulgaria 's largest City can be summed up in Rolling! Attach the stringer, or for esthetic reasons place, 1 per corner can buy a staircase...

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