How to Install Hardwood on Stairs

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By shrkb8
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (10 Ratings)

These instruction present just one typical way of installing hardwood on stairs. Basic carpentry tools are required.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

rip saw
small flat pry bar
circular saw
hammer
2.5 inch finish nails
square
hardwood of choice
level

Step 1

To overlay hardwood on preexisting stairs; be certain that the stairs are level and square or be prepared to fudge things. This can consume time in the long run if not done first. These instructions can be adapted if your stairs had carpet or no preexisting treads or if the stairs have nosing and stringers or not. Take these factors into consideration when you are choosing material thickness.
Step 2

Preexisting stairs with nosing require the nosing to be removed with the circular saw. Stair treads are typical 10 inches in depth and riser heights depend on the height of the stairs and building codes.
Step 3

Traditional well built stairs have the stringer installed first and the treads and risers butted against it. This is made much easier when working with square steps. If a stringer is currently installed, reface it with your choice of hardwood. If no stringer is present then use your square and notch out the rise and run of the stairs. Finish coat with polyurethane.
Step 4

With the stringer set with finish nails or glue, I start at the top of the stair case. Measure and cut your first nose flush with the landing flooring or carpet keep in mind most treads are one inch thick. Glue and blind nail if possible or counter sink and plug after letting the finish harden. I like a plug with lots of contrast in color or grain direction. Maple and Mahogany is impressive.
Step 5

Measure and cut each riser and stair one at a time and to each specific dimension. Risers can be vaneer or 1/4 inch hardwood plywood. Number each piece so that each piece can be finished and later installed.
Step 6

Final installation goes as follows. Install riser 0ne up against the first nose by applying glue and blind nail the underside into the nosing while applying upward pressure with the pry bar. Place the first full tread with glue and nail or screw and plug. Repeat with next riser and so on.

Comments

ampersand said

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on 12/14/2009 Great detail!

bahr94 said

on 12/12/2009 I love hardwood floors, 5 stars & rec. Very in depth article (:

bizzyliz said

on 12/12/2009 Nice article. How do you make sure the stairs are level and square? That would make a good article, but I definitely need some picures to go along with the instructions.