How to install hardwood on stairs.?

Question

I currently have a carpeted stairway that i want to install treads and risers then stain. My question is do i remove the existing plywood and install the new tread and riser on the skeleton? Also does the tread butt up against the riser or does the riser sit on the tread?

Answer 1

If the existing plywood is in good condition, leave it for the strength. Place your risers on first, then cut your steps to overlap the riser by about an inch to an inch and a half.

Here are a few good sites with information and tools to help you in this rather advanced project:
http://www.shalla.net/ (has a nice stair tred/riser calculator for $12.99)
http://jself.com/stair/straight/Stringer.htm (how to cut stringers)
http://ez-stairs.com/ (this is the easiest system for crafting stairs from scratch, if you should decide to totally replace your existing stairs)
http://www.arcways.com/codes.asp (building codes related to stairs)

Answer 2

Great project. Don't remove the plywood unless there is damage that can't be repaired. Just a suggestion, but you can buy a couple boxes of hardwood stained just the color you want from a flooring store. Often times they have left over boxes from a large job and will sell them to you cheap. Always place the riser on the tread. If your cuts are not perfect, not to worry. Where the riser meets the tread you can put a bead of clear silicone and not see irregular cuts. I do it all the time. Have Fun

Answer 3

This is not really an unreasonable price, as it is a very labor intensive job. It would take longer to install these steps, than it takes to install a couple of rooms. Further, the stair nosing, which comes 6ft 6 inches (hopefully will do 2 steps) is very expensive, around $60 each. I never reccomend wood on stairs, as not only is it very expensive, it is also noisy (especially if the home has kids) and it is also harder, and more dangerous should you fall.

Answer 4

Remove existing and start fresh if you have the money to do it.

I always install treads first, then riser rest on them.

When you done keep in mind how slippery a stained floor is, and imagine it on the stairs. You might want to consider some non skid treads. They sell them at all DIY stores (home depot, lowes, etc) and they come clear or colored, carpet or plastic.

Answer 5

Do you have side boards? Put them on first. The treads and risers should but up to them. If there is drywall over the old treads and risers- you'll have a mess removing the drywall. You can mount the new boards on top of the old unless they are defective in some way. The riser sits on the tread for many reasons. Holding power, dirt, etc.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

Definitely remove the plywood and existing risers. Then riser on tread. Paint or stain and poly the risers. Stain and poly the treads. Or leave the treads natural and just poly them. Good Luck!

Answer 8

leave the plywood there.....are you nuts?

now build up hardwood and put a low profile molding on the end edges with a metal guard in the front.

Answer 9

Go to a hard wear store that sells flooring and ask them what to do.

Answer 10

call empire