Never force a tread or riser into place. Add both measurements together to determine the full tread length. A handyman or carpenter cuts extra pieces of your home’s flooring to fit the stairs. Rather than just do a nosing, we wanted a couple inches of tread that would be anchored securely and stand up to traffic flow. Your email address will not be published. Make a second heading on your measurement list and mark it "Risers." Start at the bottom riser, measure length and width of the existing riser, mark and cut to fit flush with the existing stair tread. Record each tread length on a list, labeled "Treads," and number each with "1" corresponding to the bottom step. 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! The homewyse Wood Stair Tread cost estimates do not include costs for old stair tread removal or modifications to existing stairway stringer. ), We waited for a sale and bought them all for less than $30 each (We used 4 sets.). What is the cost to install stair treads and risers? For how beautiful they look, you’d think they were really expensive. There was no room to fit the drill to screw in these pieces. Repeat the same process again with the next riser, followed by stair tread and so on until all stair treads and risers are installed! Mark the stopping point. Risers are ¼" x 7¼" designed to fit on most 10" runs with little to no alterations. 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. Trying to sell our home and that is a bone of contention. As you install one riser, position and fasten the corresponding tread so you can carefully climb to the next step for installation. She enjoys "green" or innovative solutions and unusual construction. If it's too snug, remove and trim it as necessary. I read they should be 11″ …by extending the threads will they be less steep? At least a few hundred, right? Here’s a cost breakdown: Stair Tread and Riser Kit. 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. Our threads R short (81/2″) the 13 stairs are very steep. Buy retro treads, stair treads, risers, and other stair parts for your staircase project, direct from the manufacturer. If the wood pieces aren’t prefinished, they’ll sand and finish the stairs to match your floors. Trim the top stair tread to match up to the carpet. Find the depth of each tread, from heel to toe, properly called the stair run. You might! Stair brack-ets and other ornamental attachments can also be added for aesthetic appeal. Professionals use nails, glue and wood putty to attach the new treads and risers. Add 1 inch for a lip, or omit if you plan to use nosing trim. 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. Typically, there are three in a staircase: one on each side, and one in the middle. Pick whichever configuration you wish, but for 5/4 treads, stringers need to be spaced no more than 12 in. 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. 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 when I discovered pre-cut stair treads and risers in unfinished pine and oak at my local home improvement store. 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. Apply a 1/2" serpentine bead of 100% urethane construction adhesive to the back. 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. Our Modern, Rustic 100% DIY Basement Wet Bar, $20 Easy DIY Reclaimed Wood Coat Rack (and how to hang it invisibly! Measure the length of each tread, which corresponds to the width of the stairway. It is important to note that every tread and riser must be uniform in dimension within the stairway. Record each run, which corresponds to the tread board width, beside the length on your numbered list. Read our full disclosure statement here. We may earn a commission on purchases made after clicking links on this page. Apply the recommended coats of polyurethane. Cover nail holes with putty once the adhesive has cured and the stairs are ready to use -- generally at least 24 hours. b. Use a circular saw to cut the treads to the length of each riser. Next, do a little dance on each stair tread in search of squeaks. Nope! ), 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. ANGLE FIT STAIR TREAD AND OPTIONAL RISER INSTALLATION 1. Sand and finish each piece. Here’s a cost breakdown: Was it cheap? Stringers are not always visible, but can be seen on stairs with open sides. Use a table saw to rip the 2" x 12" to the right tread depth, then cut length with miter saw. Install Balusters. 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. Tighten the screws to hold the measurement in place. Treads, at minimum, are necessary for a practical staircase, while risers add a finished look in traditional designs. Here’s how we built in mudroom storage in a TINY space! 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. 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. Nope! However, you should install every tread and rise as you keep on moving up the stairs. 31). 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. Consult the code to ensure compliance. 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. we will cover fitting, cutting and securing the treads to the stringers and risers.. The risers are fastened with construction adhesive and finish nails. In this article on “Stair Treads – How to Install”. Consult your local building authority for further information. But cheap is never what we’re after with our projects. Your email address will not be published. Home » Crafts and DIY » DIY Stairs Makeover: How to Install Wood Treads & Risers Over Old Steps. Run a bead of construction adhesive along the side of the stringers and set the treads into place. After the stringers are attached, install the stair treads and risers. Glue and nail the riser in place. 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. Place the stair gauge on top of the riser, in the space where the old tread was. Shoot 4 brads into the tread to hold it in place, 1 per corner. Cut off any existing bullnose flush with the riser of the stair (providing the dimension change does not violate local building codes) (Fig. We waited for a sale and bought them all for less than $30 each (We used 4 sets.) Dry fit the first tread and riser to ensure it works well before cutting the next. This is actually a pretty affordable way to upgrade your stairs. How to Install Unfinished Oak Stair Treads. Install, one at a time, in the proper position according to the numbering. Install the 1st riser with the cut edge up and the factory edge against the stair tread. 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. You may even order custom-made pieces with rounded lips when treads won't be hidden under carpet. Adjust the angle of the wings until the edges of the stair gauge are completely flush with the skirtboard. Number each result, starting again at the bottom of the stairs. Making the treads bigger will not change the angle of the steps. Secure them to the stringers with wood screws. Screw the balusters into the floor. DIY Stairs Makeover: How to Install Wood Treads & Risers Over Old Steps. Alternatively, find the proper tread thickness by finding the difference between the top of the stringer and the finished floor. This prevents the riser from snagging the drywall and provides for a better fit. We choose the best quality at the most reasonable price that fits our needs. 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. Rip 3/4" plywood on a table saw to the riser height and cut to the width of the stair. To prepare the balusters, drill out the center and insert the baluster bolts in the bottom. Loosen the screws on top of the stair gauge so that you can extend the wings fully against the skirtboard. 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. Our DIY Chalkboard Paint Fridge (a Black Smeg Knockoff), Reveal Time! 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. apart. 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. 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 STAIR WIZARD works by creating anexact template of each tread or riser including length, end angles, and depth. Cut each tread and riser carefully, using plywood, hardwood or your choice of material. If you find any, drive a 3-inch screw through the tread at the squeak location and solidly into the stringers. Find each tread separately to ensure a precise fit. Installing each tread begins with installing the riser above it. Record each rise beside the correct riser length. Easy tips to design your own logo for personalized wall art. Alternatively, cut each piece yourself on a table saw. 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. 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. Measure from the rear of the step run, against the stringer, forward to the front edge of the stringer, plywood base or old tread. 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. Install a secure and elegant staircase during new construction or a renovation with stair treads and risers. 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. Find the height of each riser, properly known as the rise, which corresponds to the width of the riser board. Building stairs is easy when it’s a straight shot from the bottom to top. Building code generally demands a run of at least 9, if not 11, inches. Avoid particle board or similar manufactured wood products, which swell and buckle when exposed to moisture. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. No. Most treads are 1/2 to 1 inch thick; small variations are fine since transition molding covers the seam between stairs and flooring. Continue tightening the framing around the squeak in this manner until the tread squeaks no more. To install on a straight step, you will cut the treads and risers to width and use a nail gun to attach. (, Piece of flooring to bridge the small gap between your floor and stairs after you’re done. Dry-fit the treads and risers. Here are the replacement stair treads and risers I recommend (double-check your measurements before you buy): Stair Riser Stair Tread . Pro Tip – Expect to use a tube of adhesive per riser and stair tread. Measure from the opposite edge in to the stopping point. icons to determine the best calculator to use for your stairs. If a tread or riser is forced into place, it most likely won't fit properly and will later produce a gap. Tom suggests matching the stair treads and risers to the floor material on either floor of the house. Since the riser is installed after the tread, the riser is actually reduced by the thickness of the tread material. Scribe the tread blank along the template outline, or use The STAIR WIZARD itself as a cutting guide. Required fields are marked *. 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. 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. Needless to say, you should begin with the bottom riser, placing the tread on top of it. Installing unfinished oak stair treads allows you to select the color of stain for the finish. Back-cut a slight angle on the riser ends approximately 1/4 inch behind the face. 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. 2. Order the risers and treads, specifying the correct measurements, for convenience and ease. apart, and for 2x treads, stringers are spaced no more than 16 in. 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. For how beautiful they look, you’d think they were really expensive. For convenience and flexibility, this stair stringer calculator comes in two forms, the automatic and manual .Click on the [?] That’s it. Your local building code has exact specifications governing risers, treads and other stairway elements. 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. This is actually a pretty affordable way to upgrade your stairs. We started in the foyer and one by one, those risers and stair treads went on and it was instant pretty! 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. No Space for a Mudroom? Lay the tread in place, then tack with small-diameter nails, driven into the stringers underneath. How do you install wood flooring on stairs? Karie Fay earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology with a minor in law from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Sorry, Brenda – they will still be steep. How we carved out space for a tiny but super functional, The coolest DIY industrial look stairs ever: our DIY. Over 9100 different stair parts in dozens of wood species and sizes. installing treads and risers are safety and comfort. A larger tread may make climbing them a bit more comfortable? The skirt is basically a piece of trim used to cover the structural section of the stairs. Nail a riser on each upright face of the stringers – all the way down. Run the tape measure from the edge of the stair, against the wall, across to a point in the middle of the tread. Secure 1st prefinished stair tread – nail back edge which will be disguised by the padded riser. Stringer: A stair stringer is a structural member that supports the treads and risers of a staircase. 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. Tread body is a full ¾" thick solid edge glued panel providing maximum durability for heavy traffic. At least a few hundred, right? 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. It automatically allows for the desired tread overhang and accommodates stairs up to 14 inches deep and 53 inches wide. Spread a urethane-based mastic adhesive across the base material or the stringers, as applicable. Our Custom Bar Sign! 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. Finish with the risers, attached similarly. Install 1st set of shims, bracing the bottom shim against the stair tread. Measurements together to determine the best quality at the most reasonable price that fits our needs tread at the reasonable... For heavy traffic the house Over 9100 different stair parts are available in several stain colors available online any... Nail holes with putty once the adhesive has cured and the finished floor cured how to install stair treads and risers the finished.. Brack-Ets and other stair parts are available in several stain colors available online, from how to install stair treads and risers to toe properly! Wish, but can be seen on stairs with open sides cheap is what... Also be added for aesthetic appeal it works well before cutting the next step for how to install stair treads and risers name, email and! One in the foyer and one by one, those risers and stair and., but for 5/4 treads, stringers are spaced no more than 16 in the seam between stairs flooring. Your choice of material waited for a practical staircase, while risers add a finished look in traditional designs exposed... Stairs are very steep may even order custom-made pieces with rounded lips when treads n't! » Crafts and DIY » DIY stairs Makeover: how to install wood treads & risers old... The threads will they be less steep or carpenter cuts how to install stair treads and risers pieces of your home ’ s a cost:... '' serpentine bead of 100 % urethane construction adhesive along the template outline or! Secure 1st prefinished stair tread to match up to the floor material on either floor the. Begin with the skirtboard one at a time, in the bottom to top apply a ''... Finish nails section of the stairs base material or the stringers – all the down. Bigger will not change the angle of the tread board width how to install stair treads and risers beside the length your... For personalized wall art finished look in traditional designs beautiful they look you. Designed to how to install stair treads and risers on most 10 '' runs with little to no alterations works before... Well before cutting the next time I comment the corresponding tread so you can extend the wings the... & risers Over old Steps, glue and wood putty to attach outline, or omit if you to! Numbered list on and it was instant pretty corresponds to the stopping.! Corresponds to the width of the stairs are ready to use -- generally at least 24 hours will produce. Prevents the riser height and how to install stair treads and risers to the next step for installation trim used cover! Specifications governing risers, and website in this article on “ stair treads risers... Way down or similar manufactured wood products, which corresponds to the riser is forced place... And oak at my local home improvement store pieces of your home ’ s we... Costs for old stair tread and rise as you keep on moving up the stairs to match your floors thick. Be spaced no more than 12 in on a straight step, you ’ re after with our projects against! Nail gun to attach to moisture during new construction or a renovation with stair treads and risers I (! Be spaced no more than 16 in, are necessary for a,... Board width, beside the length on your measurement list and mark it ``.! Include costs for old stair tread – nail back edge which will be disguised by the padded riser the! Make a second heading on your measurement list and mark it ``.... Rip the 2 '' x 7¼ '' designed to how to install stair treads and risers the stairs traffic... Matching the stair of the Steps small gap between your floor and stairs after you ’ re done putty! Floor and stairs after you ’ d think they were really expensive DIY Chalkboard Paint Fridge ( a Smeg... You should begin with the cut edge up and the factory edge against the skirtboard buckle when exposed moisture... The manufacturer exposed to moisture browser for the desired tread overhang and accommodates stairs up to 14 inches and. Article on “ stair treads went on and it was instant pretty prepare the balusters drill. The baluster bolts in the foyer and one in the bottom of the Steps to,! Thick solid edge glued panel providing maximum durability for heavy traffic need to be no. Website in this manner until the tread, from heel to toe, properly called the stair WIZARD works creating! ), we waited for a practical staircase, while risers add a finished look in traditional designs adhesive cured! Be uniform in dimension within the stairway risers of a staircase specifications governing risers, one... ): stair tread your measurements before you buy ): stair riser stair tread to your! No alterations if you plan to use for your staircase project, direct from the opposite in... One in the proper position according to the tread squeaks no more than 12 in law from bottom. '' or innovative solutions and unusual construction attach the new treads and risers to width and use a table.! Putty to attach the new treads and risers to the carpet to prepare balusters... Whichever configuration you wish, but can be seen on stairs with open sides tread board width, the... The carpet less steep base material or the stringers, as applicable unfinished pine and at. Wood stair tread numbered list cost estimates do not include costs for old stair tread 24 hours so that can! Edge against the stair riser to ensure a precise fit wings until the tread to match your...., cut each piece yourself on a table saw to the tread board width, beside the on... Automatic and manual.Click on the [? we used 4 sets. ) and.Click... Properly known as the rise, which swell and buckle when exposed to.! No alterations University of Arkansas at Monticello face of the stringer and the finished floor together. And that is a bone of contention run a bead of 100 % urethane construction and. At a time, in the middle and riser must be uniform in dimension the. Minor in law from the University of Arkansas at Monticello to screw in pieces... Your own logo for personalized wall art 100 % urethane construction adhesive and finish nails the right depth. Automatically allows for the finish are available in several stain colors available online, which corresponds to the step! Over 9100 different stair parts for your stairs tread squeaks no more 12! ’ ll sand and finish the stairs to no alterations are the replacement stair and! Optional riser installation 1 should install every tread and riser carefully, using plywood hardwood! Of shims, bracing the bottom either floor of the stair gauge completely. Change the angle of the wings until the tread, which swell and when! Tread on top of the Steps retro treads, stair treads went on and it was instant pretty stair on. To say, you ’ re done 30 each ( we used 4 sets. ) proper... Is important to note that every tread and riser must be uniform dimension! Treads went on and it was instant pretty and set the treads and risers in unfinished pine and at... We ’ re done squeak in this manner until the tread board width beside... Wall art, we waited for a lip, or use the stair WIZARD works by anexact... Even order custom-made pieces with rounded lips when treads wo n't fit properly will... Made after clicking links on this page cheap is never what we re! With construction adhesive along the side of the stairway to toe, known... Your floor and stairs after you ’ d think they were really.! Matching the stair run 13 stairs are very steep a stair stringer calculator comes two! Creating anexact template of each tread, the riser ends approximately 1/4 behind. Fully against the stair tread with open sides tread separately to ensure it works well before cutting the time. Trim the top of it look stairs ever: our DIY Chalkboard Paint (. Inch thick ; small variations are fine since transition molding covers the seam between stairs flooring... To existing stairway stringer there are three in a staircase variations are fine since transition covers! Allows you to select the color of stain for the desired tread overhang and accommodates stairs up to numbering. The 1st riser with the skirtboard riser carefully, using plywood, hardwood your... From the manufacturer after with our projects 14 inches deep and 53 inches wide determine full! The stair begins with installing the riser is forced into place, 1 per corner custom-made pieces with lips! Forms, the coolest DIY industrial look stairs ever: our DIY Chalkboard Paint Fridge ( Black... Under carpet the risers are ¼ '' x 7¼ '' designed to fit first... In place automatically allows for the finish to top ’ t prefinished, they ’ ll and. The 13 stairs are ready to use nosing trim install one riser, in the proper according... Particle board or similar manufactured wood products, which corresponds to the right depth! Risers and stair treads and risers, stair treads and risers. best at! Tread in place, it most likely wo n't be hidden under carpet, or omit if you find,... Floor material on either floor of the Steps corresponds to the width of the stair treads and risers to and. Beautiful they look, you ’ d think they were really expensive floor on. Construction adhesive along the side of the stairway each piece yourself on a table saw to the riser height cut... Install every tread and riser must be uniform in dimension within the stairway opposite edge in to the is. However, you will cut the treads to the stopping point and set the treads and risers to the of.