QA

Question: How To Install 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. 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.

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.

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 secure stair treads?

Squeeze a bead of polyurethane glue along each stringer that the step will rest on. 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Can I put new stair treads over existing?

Retro-fitting stair treads is the simplest solution for a DIY’er intent on installing hardwood treads over an existing flight of stairs. High-quality prefinished stair treads are made of solid edge-glued wood—not a veneered or engineered material—and can be used to “cap” or reface an existing tread.

How much should a stair tread overhang?

Nosing Requirements 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.

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 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 do you fill the gap between stair tread and riser?

Riser-to-Tread Gap Place the cove molding face up across two sawhorses. Measure the width of the stair tread where it meets the riser. Apply a bead of construction sealant to the back of the molding. Apply colored silicone caulking to stringer gaps. Cut the tip off of a tube of colored silicone with a utility knife.

How do you stop stairs from creaking above?

One way you can fix creaking stairs from above is by screwing the front of the tread onto the riser. You can do this by drilling clearance holes for the thick part of the screws (called the shank) through the tread and thinner pilot holes (for the point of the screws) into the top of the riser.

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 long does it take for stair glue to dry?

Do not spread more adhesive than can be covered within 40 minutes for porous substrates, 45 minutes for non-porous substrates, depending upon temperature and humidity. Porous Substrates: Allow the adhesive to set open 5-10 minutes before installing rubber tile, stair treads and sheet flooring.

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 tread depth?

As for stair treads the depth should not be less than 10 inches however this will require nosing projections. To avoid having to install nosing the code requires the depth of the tread to be no less than 11 inches. Nosing that is beveled should not exceed ½ inch or the radius of curvature not more than 9/16 inch.