What to do about plywood landings on stairs?
#1
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What to do about plywood landings on stairs?
About to remove carpet from staircase and plan to stain the pine treads, paint risers white. But I don't know what to do about the two pesky plywood landings. I know nothing about carpentry so do not wish to tear stairs apart to redo things, nor can I afford to spend a fortune to pay a pro to do it. I had hoped to install some Bruce hardwood flooring on the landings as this is what is on my first floor, but I realize this will throw off the height of the steps which I think is a code violation. So what else can I do? I think if I put new hardwood overlays on the treads this would perhaps allow me to put the hardwood flooring on the landings, but this would require removing the banister and spindles on one side and banister is not even in a straight line, it turns twice, so I think that idea is way out of my comfort zone. So back to what are my options that don't involve carpentry/demolition? I even saw this thin adhesive laminate flooring that looks like wood and considered affixing it over the plywood but it would probably look cheap plus I don't know how to finish the bullnose over the edge of the landing. Help please!
#2
Yeah, removing the construction treads and installing full 1" bull nose treads will look much better, and will keep the rise and run in accordance with code. The only place you may encounter a problem is with the first step. What is the rise there? If it is within parameters of about 7 3/8" or so including removal of the existing tread and installation of a new one, then all the other rises will be good. As far as the landing goes, I usually buy sufficient tread material, rip off the bullnose on all but the one on the edge, biscuit join the remainder to make a full landing of the same material. I am not sure what tools you have available to do this with. The biscuit joiner makes for a consistent joint, but it is not an absolute. Ripping the bullnose will require the use of a table saw.
#3
Have you taken a good look at what kind of shape the treads are in. If the carpet has been replaced a few times, you may be looking at a bunch of swiss cheese by the time you remove all the tack strips and staples. I know that the open tread design has you nervous, but if you number each tread as you remove them. you have a perfect template for each step to transfer measurements to new treads. You will need a sliding miter saw and some forstner bits to cut smooth holes.
#5
but this would require removing the banister and spindles on one side and banister is not even in a straight line, it turns twice, so I think that idea is way out of my comfort zone.
Don't worry, it is a catch and release program...
#6
Major "duh" moment for me. I was concentrating on the tread and riser measurements. Definitely fortsner bit and drill press or real steady firm grip on a drill. Go with the press.