How to Install Outdoor Stair Risers
The slab of material attached vertically between each set of stair treads is called the riser. Risers are used to prevent objects from falling between the treads, and they also give stairs a clean, finished appearance. When building outdoor stairs and installing risers, remember that the materials will be fully exposed to the elements. You can protect the risers from decay by using an outdoor-rated sealer, such as a stain or paint product, as well as rust-resistant fasteners. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Cut wood risers
- Electric saw
- Sealer
- Paint brush
- Hammer
- 10d or 16d hot-tip galvanized or stainless steel nails
Instructions
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1
Use a paint brush to cover the stair riser with an outdoor sealant, such as a wood stain or paint, to prevent insect and moisture damage; you don't need to apply a sealant to treated lumber. Allow the sealant to dry for the amount of time indicated on the packaging label.
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2
Set the riser against the vertical edges of the stair stringers. Dry fit the riser to make sure it fits snuggly between the two stair treads before securing it with fasteners. Make any adjustment cuts using an electric saw.
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Mark the locations of the vertical stringers onto the face of the riser to place the fasteners in the proper place.
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Hammer three evenly spaced stainless steel or hot-tip galvanized 10d or 16d nails through the riser face and into each stair stringer located behind it.
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Dab a small amount of sealant over the head of each fastener to cover any wood that was exposed when the nails penetrated it. Continue on to the next riser.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
