How to Lay Out Stair Risers
Staircase risers are the panels which covert the vertical portion of the step. Risers are not structural elements but rather decorative covers which create a finished look on the face of the stairs. Laying out stair risers is a process which includes calculating: the run and width of your staircase, the exact size of your risers, and the number of risers you will require. You can then cut and install the risers just before the treads are mounted in place. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Measure the total height of your staircase with your tape measure. Extend the tape from the top landing to the floor of the level below.
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2
Calculate the step depth and height of your staircase. The average height for interior steps is around 7 inches, so try using 7 inches as your target riser height. Divide the total height of your staircase as measured in Step 1, by 7 inches. For example if the total height of your staircase is 110 inches, divide it by 7 and you will get 15.7. Then divide your total height (110 inches), by 15 steps and each step will work out to about 7 1/3 inches. Therefore your staircase will work if you lay out 15 steps measuring 7 1/3 inches in height.
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3
Measure the width of your staircase stringers from outside edge to outside edge with your tape measure. Your risers should be the same width.
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4
Calculate the number of risers you will require by counting the number of steps in your staircase. Do not include the top step in your calculation as the landing itself will not require a riser. You now know the number of risers you require, as well as the height and width they need to be.
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Tips & Warnings
Many modern staircases do not use risers at all. Instead they use a more streamlined tread-only look which allows for see through stairs.
Try using an online stair calculator to lay out your riser height and width.
Measure every step twice to avoid costly mistakes later on in the process.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit David Sacks/Lifesize/Getty Images
