Stair Tread Installation

Make sure that the stair treads lineup with the risers. Some stairways aren't perfectly square and this will create off set stair treads. In other words, the lower stair riser, won't line up perfectly with the upper one, creating difficulties, for lining up each stair tread, with the risers.

If this happens to you, then you should consider re-cutting your stair treads or accepting the outcome. If the stairway is going to get carpeted or finished with another material, this shouldn't be a big deal. However, if you're a perfectionist and you want everything to look great, then you will need to trim the edges of the stair tread, until you're happy.

Professional Stair Construction Tip

It wouldn't be a bad idea to use some type of construction adhesive, to fasten your stair treads, to the stair stringers. Some of these adhesives are strong enough to prevent stair squeaking, in the future, just in case the materials decided to start expanding or contracting.

When wood gets wet it expands and when it dries out and starts to shrink or contract. This movement could create problems over time and usually does.

I've been using different construction adhesives for years, with excellent results and you should also. It wouldn't be a bad idea to spend a few extra dollars and get the best adhesive you possibly can, unless you don't mind walk enough and down stairs that squeak.

You can also use ring shank nails or a nail that isn't easy to find, but works fantastic and it's called a drive screw nail. These nails provide additional gripping strength, but you better get it right the first time, because these nails are difficult to remove.


Stair Tread Questions And Answers

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