QA

Quick Answer: How To Replace Stair Treads And Risers

Can you put new stair treads over old treads?

With the overhang removed, your new risers can go right to the top of the old stair. Use a generous amount of construction adhesive under each tread and riser. Affix a riser, then cap it by also gluing and screwing the tread down.

Do you install stair treads or risers first?

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.

How much does it cost to replace treads and risers?

An average cost of prefinished 12 treads and 13 risers can range from $800-$1,000. If you are using the primed white risers the cost of the stair install will typically be closer to $800 whereas if you were to use matching red oak risers the cost will be closer to the $1,000 range.

Can you replace stair risers?

The riser is the part of the stair that sits vertically and supports the front portion of the tread. Loose or damaged risers can be repaired by reinforcing them with a strip of wood attached underneath the stairs.

How much should a stair tread overhang the riser?

Stairs must have an overhang between 3/4″ to 1-1/4” to increase the depth of the step, making it better for descent while maintaining a clear 10-inch going for the ascent. Treads that are 11-inches deep or greater do not require an overhang.

Do risers go behind or on top of threads?

4 Answers. The riser is installed first for the reason that you want a nice tight fit along the top of the riser to the tread above it. There is always the possibility that there is a small variation in the width of the riser boards or the height of the notches cut in the stair jacks.

How much overhang should there be on a stair tread?

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.

Are stair treads worth it?

– Yes, stair treads should make your steps (indoors or outdoors) safer which would help to keep you and your loved ones from slipping and falling when you use the staircase. But choosing the right type of tread is important. The different types of non slip treads available today are aluminum, rubber, carpet and tape.

Is it better to have carpet or hardwood on stairs?

Having carpet on the stairs doesn’t necessarily prevent falls, but it helps to provide traction compared to hardwood. Hard surfaces are slippery, and can easily lead to a fall. Carpet that is too thick can be a tripping hazard, so be sure to choose a low-pile carpet if safety is one of your main concerns.

How do I make my stair treads deeper?

Chisel off the nosing of the existing treads so that each tread does not protrude beyond the riser board. Measure the existing treads and cut new boards for each tread. Spread construction adhesive evenly over the first stair tread. Place the new stair tread on the first tread. Hammer 2-inch nails into the holes.

Can you put stair treads over existing stairs?

Retro-fitting stair treads is the simplest solution for a DIY’er intent on installing hardwood treads over an existing flight of stairs. 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.

Should you nail or screw stair treads?

Don’t fasten treads and or risers with only nails or staples. The adhesive is much more important than the fasteners. There will be times when fastening may be limited, so a good adhesive is critical. Rely on the front edge of the riser for your level surface.

Can I use 2×12 for stair treads?

It is acceptable and within building code guidelines to use either 2×10 or 2×12 dimensional lumber to create a set of stairs; however, a stair stringer should not be less than 3.5 inches wide at its narrowest point to provide adequate strength for the load the stairs will be supporting.

Why is nosing required on stairs?

Nosing provides a larger surface area to step on, which makes walking up and down much easier. Stair nosing helps protect the most exposed areas of the stair tread from damage and general wear. In the case of wooden or concrete stairs, this is especially important as the tread may chip or break if heavily used.

What is code for stair height?

(1) The rise of every step in a stairway shall be not less than 4 inches nor greater than 7 1/2 inches. (2) The run shall not be less than 10 inches as measured horizontally between the vertical planes of the furthermost projection of adjacent treads.

Is pine or oak better for stairs?

Oak’s fine texture make it ideal for treads that will be stained and left uncarpeted or for those that will be covered with a carpet runner down the center, such as the main staircase in a home with matching hardwood floors. Because it is more porous than oak, pine is the preferred wood for stairs that will be painted.

What is code stairs?

Building Codes for Stairs Stairs must be at least 36″ wide with a minimum headroom of 6′ 8″ Risers must have a maximum height of 7 ¾” and open risers must be 4″ high or shorter. Each tread in a stair must have a minimum depth of 10″. Handrails should be 34″ to 38″ above stairs.

What is a good rise and run for stairs?

Over the years, carpenters have determined that tread width times riser height should equal somewhere between 72 to 75 inches. On a main stair, the maximum rise should be no more than 8 1/4 inches and the minimum run should be no less than 9 inches.

What is the rise over run for stairs?

Determining the Run The Rise plus the Run should equal approximately 17.5 inches. (Some designers prefer the formula Two Rise plus the Run should equal between 24 and 25 inches, but whichever formula you use, your staircase should probably have steps 7 inches or so high and treads 10 inches or so deep.).