The cost to install stair treads and risers will depend on a number of factors such as the size and complexity of the job, the type of stair treads and risers you are installing, and the labor involved.
Generally, the cost of materials for installation will range from around $100 to $600, depending on the type of materials required. Labor costs will also vary based on the complexity of the job and the contractor’s hourly or daily rate.
It is important to obtain multiple estimates from different contractors to make sure you are getting the best price for the job. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the contractor is experienced in stair installation and is credentialed, insured, and bonded.
An experienced contractor should be able to quickly and safely install the stair treads and risers, using quality materials. By following these important steps, you’ll be able to find an experienced contractor that can help you get the job done successfully.
Can you put new stair treads over old treads?
Yes, you can put new stair treads over old treads, but it is not generally recommended as a long-term solution. Replacing the treads with new ones is more ideal for optimal safety and support since it provides a better, more secure foundation for each step.
When laying the new tread over the old one, use construction adhesive to help ensure that treads and risers are securely held in place. Additionally, you should use nails as well to ensure that the tread does not move.
Conversely, if you only need to repair your existing treads, you can use wood putty to fill in any gaps and cracks that exist.
Do you install risers or treads first?
When installing risers or treads for staircases, it is important to establish the order in which they should be installed. Generally, risers should be installed before treads. This is because the risers form the bones of the stairs and the treads provide the surface area for walking.
Installing the risers first allows for the treads to easily fit into the framework that is created and provides a more seamless installation.
Once the risers are in place, it is important to make sure that they are evenly spaced and level. This is key to creating a functional and aesthetically-pleasing staircase. Then, the treads can be easily and accurately installed.
It is important to leave a slight gap around the edge of each tread as this helps to keep them in place and reduce the risk of them becoming loose over time.
For a more secure installation, it is recommended that you use the appropriate adhesives and fasteners when installing both the risers and the treads. This ensures that they are firmly in place and that the staircase is secure.
Overall, it is important to install the risers before the treads since the risers form the foundation of the stairs and the treads provide the walking surface. Ensuring that both are securely and properly installed helps to create a safe and secure staircase.
How much does it cost to redo wood stairs?
The cost for redoing wood stairs depends on many factors, such as the material used, the number of stairs, the complexity of the design, the labor costs for installation, and the cost of finishing materials.
Generally, the cost of wood stairs ranges from $950 to $3,200. This cost may go up if the stairs require complex designs with complex cuts and intricate detailing. In addition to the cost of materials, labor costs can also be significant.
Depending on the complexity of the construction, the cost of labor can range from $400 to $1,200. Finishing materials, such as stains, coatings, and sealants, typically add another $75 to $200 to the total costs.
Therefore, the total cost for redoing wood stairs can range from $1,425 to $4,600.
How can I cover my stairs cheap?
One of the easiest and most cost effective ways to cover stairs inexpensively is to use carpet remnants. Carpet remnants are pieces of carpet that have been left over from larger carpet jobs, often sold at discount prices due to their already cut dimensions.
Finding a remnant that matches your existing decor is a great way to cover stairs very quickly and inexpensively. Alternatively, to cover stairs more durably, you could paint them with a long lasting, indoor/outdoor paint.
This option provides a more extensive transformation of your stairs, as you are able to choose any colour or style you desire. Finally, to provide a more decorative approach, you could incorporate peel and stick vinyl decals.
These decals provide a unique look, while also acting as a great form of stair coverage and protection.
Do hardwood stairs add value?
Yes, hardwood stairs can certainly add value to a home when installed properly. The classic look of wood staircases gives homes a sense of luxury, style, and classic beauty, which can make it a desirable feature for potential home buyers.
Not only do they look good, but they are also extremely durable and resilient, making them a great option for stairs that will be walked on daily. Hardwood stairs can increase a home’s value depending on the type of wood that is used, the quality of installation, and the style and design of the staircase.
Additionally, hardwood stairs generally look good and stay in good condition longer than stairs made of other materials, so you can expect them to add to the value of your home for many years—even decades—into the future.
How much does it cost to change stairs from carpet to wood?
The cost to change stairs from carpet to wood will depend on several factors such as the size of the stairs, the type of wood you choose, the amount of labor required, and other materials that may be needed.
Generally speaking, the cost to switch from carpet to wood on a standard staircase will range from approximately $1,000 to $3,000.
This cost can be broken down further into the materials and labor required for the switch. The materials needed for the job will include wood, such as tongue and groove boards, nails, adhesive, and backing boards to mount the wood.
Labor will include measuring the steps and cutting the wood boards to fit the stairs, drilling holes, screwing and gluing the boards to the stairs, sanding the wood, and applying a sealant to the boards to protect them.
Additionally, if the stairs have existing carpet, there will be extra costs associated with removing the old carpet and cleaning or replacing whatever is underneath. If the staircase includes a railing or balustrade, there will also be extra material and labour costs associated with removing and replacing these components.
Therefore, it is important to budget for any additional components that may be needed before beginning the project.
How do you refinish wood stairs?
Refinishing wood stairs is a great way to update the look and feel of your stairs while protecting them from dirt, water, and wear. Refinishing the stairs can often be done with just a few basic tools and goods purchased from your local hardware store.
Here are the steps necessary to complete the task of refinishing your wood stairs:
1. Start by removing any carpet, treads, and risers that are on the stairs. Use a putty knife or similar tool to remove any remaining staples or adhesive still stuck on the stairs.
2. Remove any nails, screws, or other metal fasteners from the stairs. If necessary, use a hammer and nail set to get the job done.
3. Clean the wood stairs with a mild detergent, or a hand sander with a medium or fine grit sandpaper. Make sure to wipe away any residue before proceeding.
4. Apply wood filler to any gaps or holes in the stairs with a putty knife. Allow the wood filler to dry according to the manufacturer’s directions.
5. If desired, use a wood stain to give the stairs a more attractive look. Apply the stain using a brush or cloth, and allow it to dry according to the manufacturer’s directions.
6. After the stain dries, apply several coats of clear finish to protect the stairs and give them a beautiful, glossy shine. Allow each coat of finish to dry according to the manufacturer’s directions before applying the next coat.
7. Re-install any treads and risers that were previously removed. Nail them in place as needed.
Follow these steps to refinish your wood stairs and give them a fresh, new look. Make sure to wear protective equipment, such as gloves and a dust mask, to protect yourself from dust and fumes.
Should you nail or screw stair treads?
Generally, it is best to use both screws and nails when installing stair treads. The advantage of using screws is that they provide more stability and hold treads in place more securely. They also make it easier to adjust the treads, if needed.
On the other hand, using nails can provide a strong bond and hold the treads in place. It’s important to be sure that nails are long enough and properly aligned for the best grip and safest installation.
Depending on the type of stairs, it might be better to use screws in some places and nails in others. For example, on more complex staircases with several treads, nailing the lower treads and screwing in the higher ones can provide more stability and support.
In general, it’s best to use a combination of both screws and nails when installing stair treads, so that it is secure and long-lasting.
Do risers sit on treads?
No, risers do not sit on top of treads. Risers are the vertical portion of the stairs, while treads make up the horizontal (or sloped) portion. The treads are the part of the stairs that you walk on as you go up and down the stairs.
The risers meet the treads at each step to form the stairway. The risers are usually the same height for each step, and the treads may differ in length depending on their specific design. The risers can be made of a variety of materials, including wood, concrete, metal and other materials.
Should risers be on top of treads?
When installing a staircase, risers should always be placed on top of the treads for safety reasons. This is because the tread is designed to support the weight of people and objects walking on it, and the riser is designed to provide a barrier in between the treads.
Placing the riser on the bottom would reduce the structural integrity of the staircase, making it more likely to break or collapse under the weight of someone walking on it. Furthermore, a riser placed on top of the treads would provide more stability and better grip, making the stairs safer for people to use.
Additionally, risers should be attached securely to the treads with screws or nails and beed board to ensure they remain firmly in place.
Should I finish stairs before or after installation?
Whether you should finish the stairs before or after installation depends on the type of finish you are planning to put on them. If the detail of the finish is intricate and you want a very precise finish, then you may want to finish the stairs after installation, as the installation process may create some debris that could interfere with the finish.
This allows you to finish the stairs in a dust-free environment after installation is complete. Alternatively, some finishes may require specific installation techniques that are best done before the stairs are finished, such as if the finish requires a special sealant that needs to be applied onto a clean surface before installation.
In these cases, you would want to finish the stairs before installation.
It is best to consult with a professional on which option is best for the specific finish you are looking to put onto your stairs. They should be able to advise you on the best course of action, taking into account the materials and type of finish that you want to use.
Can you just glue stair treads down?
No, you cannot just glue stair treads down as it is not a secure way to keep them attached. A better option would be to use screws and anchors to securely attach the treads. This will create a more sturdy base for the stair treads so they are not as likely to come loose overtime and cause potential safety hazards.
Additionally, if you are installing new pieces of wood or installing a stair tread that may be thicker than the one you are replacing, you will need to countersink the screws so they do not protrude.
How far should a tread overhang the riser?
When installing a stair tread, it is important to consider the amount of overhang of the tread over the riser. The treads should be installed so that the front edge of the tread overhangs the riser by about 1 inch.
A larger overhang can be used as long as it does not extend further than the first step of the stair below. Ensuring that the overhang is the correct size is important because when the stair tread overhangs too far it can cause the stair to feel unstable.
Additionally, having too much of an overhang could result in the stair treads being a trip hazard. Therefore, when installing stair treads, it is important to make sure that the tread overhangs the riser by about 1 inch in order to ensure safety and stability.
How thick should stair risers be?
The thickness of stair risers is ultimately determined by what kind of stair it is and what the final desired look should be. Generally, the American with Disabilities Act recommends that the thickness of a stair riser be between 4” and 7”.
For aesthetic reasons, standard stair risers typically measure between 7” and 8.5”. Open stair risers have a thinner profile, with risers typically being between 4” and 6” thick. Some stair designs have different risers at the top and the bottom, such as risers that are thicker at the base and thinner at the top.
The restriction of building codes or ADA regulations can further complicate what thickness should be used in different cases. Ultimately, the most important consideration should be that the tread/riser combination forms a safe, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing stair.
Do you fit stairs before plastering?
Yes, stairs can and should be fitted before plastering, as this will ensure that all the components line up correctly. When fitting the stairs, it is important to ensure that they are secure and level, with appropriate supports and fixings.
The stairs should be installed with the backing boards, risers and treads, and should be nailed, screwed, or glued into position. If installing a curved staircase, the components should be pre-cut to fit before being attached.
Once all the pieces are secured, the vertical supports and stringers should be cut and added. Once the stairs are in place, the space between each of the steps must be determined and the plasterboard is adjusted to fit between the steps.
Finally, any gaps should be filled and the plastering can begin.