Install risers and treads


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Old 09-10-09, 02:41 PM
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Install risers and treads

My basement stair steps have a rise of 8 1/4" and a run of 10". The riser is pretty high but I don't plan to replace the stringers.

I want to replace the old treads and risers (not glued) to prevent squeeking, and then I plan to have the stairs carpeted.

What is the proper way to install risers and treads?

Do I install risers first (full 8 1/4" riser. 3/4" wide)? Or, do I install the tread first?

I bought 11.5" treads so this will give me a 1.5" nosing (assuming the riser is installed first).

What is an acceptable tread nosing length. Is 1.5" too long? Should I go with a 1" nosing and trim down my treads by .5"?

Thanks!!!!
 
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Old 09-10-09, 02:55 PM
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I'm a painter not a carpenter but the carpenters I've worked around would start at the bottom, install the riser, then the 1st tread, 2nd riser, 2nd tread and so on..... at least I think that's how I remember them doing it

I don't think I've ever seen a tread hang over more than 1"

I'm sure some of the carpenters will be along shortly
 
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Old 09-10-09, 06:12 PM
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Your rise is a little much and your run is a little short, but almost within the 18 united inches which is standard. As Marksr said, make sure there is about a 1" overhang to give a nice tuck to the carpeting. Your original treads were probably cut for a standard tread depth and just not trimmed. Yes, trim them down a little. Two things, too much of an overhang will create a trip factor, and secondly if there is a problem with the character of the wood it could split off with excessive pressure.
 
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Old 09-11-09, 09:53 AM
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Thanks!

I'll trim down the treads to get a 1" nosing. Makes sense. And I'll start with the first step and work my way up. I need to install a starter step too.

Do I install the riser to the run of the stringer (would be a 8.25" riser board) or do I install the tread first and then install the riser on top of the tread (would be a 7.25" riser board because the tread is 1" wide)?

Thank you!!
 
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Old 09-11-09, 02:09 PM
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The riser at the bottom of the stairs gets installed first, after that the risers get installed on top of the tread.
 
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Old 10-06-09, 08:33 AM
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hello! Install the risers first. then glue the top of the riser and the back of the tread,butt the tread against the riser and nail or screw the back of the riser to the tread. nail the tread down to the stringer and riser in front, careful not to have the nails pop out of the front of the riser.. then cut glue blocks (1x1 ) or whatever you have and glue and nail the blocks underneath where the tread and riser meets and also where the tread meets the stringer. don't walk on them for a while so the glue can dry. NO SQUEAKS. STRONG. 1.5 inch overhang is fine as long as you keep all consistant.Beer 4U2
 
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Old 11-04-09, 05:37 AM
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Originally Posted by viking2009 View Post
My basement stair steps have a rise of 8 1/4" and a run of 10". The riser is pretty high but I don't plan to replace the stringers.

I want to replace the old treads and risers (not glued) to prevent squeeking, and then I plan to have the stairs carpeted.

What is the proper way to install risers and treads?

Do I install risers first (full 8 1/4" riser. 3/4" wide)? Or, do I install the tread first?

I bought 11.5" treads so this will give me a 1.5" nosing (assuming the riser is installed first).

What is an acceptable tread nosing length. Is 1.5" too long? Should I go with a 1" nosing and trim down my treads by .5"?

Thanks!!!!
I would install all the risers first! Then the treads..
 
 

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