QA

How To Install New Stair Treads

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 do you install new 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.

Can I install all risers before treads?

Do work at least one riser ahead before installing treads. Installing two risers is one way to ensure proper strength and performance. The important thing is to remember to install riser, tread, riser, tread or install the risers first.

How far should a 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.

Can I just glue stair treads?

Treads should be attached with a combination of adhesive and nails. Nail length being a minimum of twice the thickness of your tread and of 16 gauge or larger. You can just glue the risers but that’s not something I’d personally do either. I’d use adhesive and a few Brad nails ( 18 gauge ) will suffice.

Which adhesive is best for stair treads?

A polyurethane glue, such as Loctite PL Premium, is a highly recommended adhesive. Since the stair treads, or the surface of your stairs, receives a lot of foot traffic, you’ll want to make sure it’s properly installed.

Where do you nail stair treads?

Drill three pilot holes for nails through the top of the tread at each stringer. Space the innermost and outermost pilot holes 1 1/2-inch from the respective edges of the tread. Drill the center pilot holes midway between the front and back edges of the tread.

Can you install stair treads without nails?

Modern adhesive technology allows for the installation of stair treads without having to drill holes for screws or hammer nails into the surface. Allowing for a 1 1/2-inch overhang, the minimum depth of the stair tread must be at least 10 inches. Cut the tread to the exact size needed using a miter saw.

Can I use Liquid Nails for stair treads?

We no longer recommend using Liquid Nails® brand products. Because Liquid Nails’ products are labeled very similarly and packaging can vary between location and retailer, we strongly discourage the use of any other brand of adhesive, including Liquid Nails, for your stair installation.

Can I use 2×10 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 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.

Do stair treads need to acclimate?

Q. Do the treads need to be acclimated to the job site? A. No need to acclimate as long there are not extreme variation in temperature.

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.

How long should stair treads be?

Staircase Tread (Run) Depth: 10 to 11 Inches, Minimum The tread depth is the distance from the front edge, or nosing (a tread projection that overhangs the riser below), of one step to the front edge or nose of the next step, measured horizontally. This distance must be at least 10 inches.

Is construction adhesive enough for stair treads?

The construction adhesive should hold the treads nicely. Make sure you allow enough to hold the treads in place. 2500# psi adhesive should be good enough.

Can I use 18 gauge nails for stair treads?

There are so many different types of nails out there, but when installing your treads and risers you will want to go with the Finish Nails. Using a 16 or 18 gauge finish nail will sure get the job done and the nail hole will barely be noticeable!Aug 3, 2012.

Should I screw or nail 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.

What is the strongest construction adhesive?

Loctite PL Premium Max is our strongest, most durable construction adhesive that remains 100% solid after curing thanks to the unique high solid content adhesive technology.

How do you hide screw holes in stair treads?

Drill a Hole So before you start, wrap some masking tape around the brad-point bit to act as a depth indicator. After making the counterbore, drill a pilot hole for the screw using a separate twist bit the same diameter as the screw’s shank.