How to Install Staircase Risers

To build stairs, you need to follow a logical process to ensure support and safety. Before you install the risers, you need to install the stringers. When you build stairs, the risers form the back, or vertical, section of each step.

Things You'll Need

• Stringers
• Risers
• Sandpaper, utility knife or saw
• Wood glue
• Level
• Concrete-coated nails
• Hammer or nail gun

Instructions

1. Make sure your risers are the same height and width. You may need to rip the risers if you cut your own. You can also buy precut risers from home building supply stores. Stack the boards together and cut or sand the edges to remove any variance in the measurements.

2. Put wood glue along the first vertical edge at the bottom of each stringer. While some builders skip the glue, the glue provides extra support, ensures durability and reduces squeaks. Position a riser to touch each stringer and use a level to ensure a straight edge; make sure you test both the vertical and horizontal edges for straightness. When the riser is straight, press the riser to the glue.

3. Secure the riser with small concrete-coated nails. Make sure you nail the riser to each stringer it touches. The number of nails you use depends on preference, but you should at least nail the top and bottom of the riser to each stringer.

4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 for each riser. You may want to support your body on a ladder until you install the treads. Some builders alternate installing risers with tread to create a platform to work from as they progress up the stairway.