QA

Quick Answer: How To Install Oak Stair Treads

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. Rely on the front edge of the riser for your level surface.

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. Treads and risers fasten with construction adhesive to the subfloor.

Can you screw down stair treads?

Use screws that are between 2 and 4 inches long. Deck screws are available in this size range, and are used for this purpose on deck stairs. Drilling pilot holes will help prevent splitting the wood of the stringers.

What kind of nails do you use for stair treads?

What Kind Of Nails Do You Use For Stair Treads? In terms of size, you’ll want to use either a 16 or 18 gauge nail. The nails should be a finishing nail brand, not your typical wall nail. Using these in an air pressured nail gun will give you the best hold and accuracy.

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 you use a brad nailer for stair treads?

This small brad nailer (from Harbor Freight) was a well-spent $18 and I can use this for many other projects too. The large bad-boy Hitachi nail gun is the one I got from Lowes earlier in our project and we used it for all the board and batten. We used 2 1/2” nails for the stair treads.

Are stair treads nailed or glued?

Stair treads are attached to the stair risers in different ways. Gluing is one of the more common methods, but it depends on several factors. Using adhesive helps reduces sounds on the stairway, such as wooden treads creaking because of loose nails or screws.

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 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.

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.

How do you secure a stair stringer?

You should attach 2×6 or 2×8 support framing under the rim flush to the bottom of the stringer. The stairs will hang here. Use a level to mark the top step. Mark the locations for the stringers. A positive stringer connection. Make sure the top of the stringers are level.

Can you just glue stair treads down?

NO!!! As someone who’s done a lot of hardwood flooring, as well as stairs, adhesives are not enough to hold a stair tread down. 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.

How do you screw down squeaky stairs?

Squeaky stairs are easy to fix from underneath—provided they’re exposed. A simple fix is to tap shims into voids between the treads and the stringers and add some glue. Then screw the stringer to each stud. But most stairs are finished on the underside with drywall or plaster.

Do treads go under risers?

Some contractors prefer installing the riser first, then installing the tread against the riser, fastening the riser to back edge of the tread with screws (Diagram A). Others prefer to place the tread first and place the riser on top of the tread, for additional support (Diagram B).

Should stair treads be level?

Stair treads themselves must also be close to level, as you’ll see in the following standards: 1995 CABO 314.2 allows a maximum 2% slope on stair treads themselves – this is the slope of the tread surface, not the slope of the stairway.

Can I use 16 gauge nails for stair treads?

The 16-Gauge Nailer is Versatile Carpenters use them for a wide variety of tasks including interior trim, baseboard, and crown. You can do stair risers with them, and they’re a good option to nail down tongue and groove flooring like near a wall or in a closet where a flooring nailer won’t work.

Which is better brad nail or finish nailer?

Finish nails are stronger than brads, so choose them if your project needs to be durable. Brads are thin, 18-gauge nails made for more delicate woodworking jobs. They’re available in collated strips for nail guns or individual pieces. Brad nail length ranges from 1/2-inch to 2 1/2-inch.

What size nail do I use for shiplap?

Use standard or painted trim nails (15 or 16 gauge). Fastener length should be long enough for 1 1/4″-1 1/2″ of penetration into solid wood. Nail through the top flange.

Which is better straight or angled finish nailer?

Angled nailers are usually made with less material – this often means that they are also lighter in overall weight as well. However, this may not always be true if the magazine for a given nailer is full (thicker nails obviously weigh more). In general, though, angled nailers are more portable and easier to store.

Do you install 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. Treads and risers fasten with construction adhesive to the subfloor.

How do you fill the gap between stair tread and riser?

Run a heavy bead of the silicone along the gap to fill it, and then use a wet fingertip to smooth it out if necessary. It’s the fastest way to fill minor gaps, and if you’re not happy with the way it looks, you can always install molding over it.