QA

Question: How To Cut Stair Treads

What saw to use to cut stair treads?

The best way to cut both interior and exterior stair treads is to use a circular saw. Stair treads can be cut with a circular saw. Measure the length of the space where the tread will be installed.

Can you cut stair treads with a circular saw?

Cutting the tread to depth with a circular saw is fine but you’ll probably want to set up some sort of fence or jig to accurately guide the cut – simply clamping a scrap board on the tread to guide the saw works wonders.

Can you make stair stringers out of 2×10?

Pressure-treated or cedar 2×10 or 2×12 can be used depending on the depth of the cut-outs you’ll be using. By code you will need a minimum of 3-1/2″ of material left on the stringer after the cut-outs and that area should also be free of large knots which would weaken the stringer.

How do you cut premade stair stringers?

Shortening the Steps Locate the bottom end of the stringer. Measure down from each tread, or horizontal support on the stringer and mark a line parallel the same distance down as you measured up from the bottom of the stringer. Cut the bottom of the stringer off along the line you drew with a jigsaw.

How do you cut a 2×12 stair stringer?

Laying out the stringer Lay a straight piece of 2×12 on sawhorses. Hold a framing square with the rise dimension on the tongue and the run dimension on the blade intersecting the edge of the 2×12. Clamp a scrap of wood to the underside of the of the square to serve as a guide, then mark out the first cut with a pencil.

What is a stair saw used for?

A staircase saw (sometimes called a stair saw) was traditionally used for cutting the slots for the treads and risers into the stringer when building a stair case.

What does a tread template do?

This tread template set from the Collins Tool Company will help you lay out stair treads, risers, and shelving to perfection. The increased accuracy and savings in time will pay for the templates before you finish your next set of stairs. Easy to handle and adjust for the correct angles.

How do you install stair treads?

Measure each tread and cut it to size then install it using 2-1/4″ trim screws. installing the treads. Install the Treads. fill in screw holes with wood putty. Fill Screw Holes. mark stair railing for angled cut. Cut Railing to Length. pre drill landing and treads for balusters. attach rail fasteners into newel posts.

What size board do you use for stair stringers?

Always use straight, high-quality, pressure-treated 2x12s for stair stringers. If you are planning on resting the stringer on the ground, make sure the wood has . 60 RET level. You want the crown side of the board to be on the cut side.

What is the best wood for stair stringers?

LP SolidStart Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL) and LP SolidStart Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) are ideal for Stair Stringers because they surpass traditional lumber products in length, strength and consistency.

How do you calculate stair stringer layout?

How do I calculate a stair stringer? Start by finding the overall height that the staircase will be. Decide the height or “rise” you’ll want for each step. Divide the total height of the staircase by the height or “rise” you want for each step.

What is the formula for calculating stairs?

How to Calculate Stairs – Example 1 450mm / 150mm = 3. This tells us that with a riser of 150mm we will need 3 risers/steps. 450mm / 2 = 225mm. Twice the Rise plus the Going (2R + G) should be between 550mm and 700mm. 2 x 150mm + 275mm = 575mm.

What is the throat of a stair stringer?

The throat depth is the net depth of a stringer once the steps are cut and removed, and it is measured from the step perpendicular to the bottom edge of the stringer.

How do you level stair stringers?

For stairs with a stringer against a wall, raise the outer stringer with shims or lower it by trimming the underside with a handsaw, as necessary, until the tread is level. For outdoor stairs, remove nails or bolts from connectors that secure the bottom of a tread to the deck or sidewalk before leveling.

How long should a 2×12 staircase be?

How to Use the EZ Stair Calculator. We suggest 10.5″ for 2×12 or 2 – 2×6 Treads. Treads may be cut to suit other widths.

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.

How high is a 2 step Stringer?

Size:2 In. Step stringers are cut for 2″ X 12″ Treads, and have a 7″ Rise.

How do you attach stair treads to stringers?

Squeeze a second bead along the back side of the tread, the side that will be butted up against the riser. Set the stair tread in place and tap the front edge with a rubber mallet to form a bond with the glue and the riser. Tap along the top of the tread at the stringers to form a bond with the glue there.

What are brass stair gauges used for?

The Swanson Stair Gauge is a brass tool used to layout repetitive cuts during stairway construction.

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.