A skirt board is a board that is installed at the base of a staircase in order to protect both the wall and the staircase from damage. It also helps to increase aesthetic appeal by creating a smooth transition between the wall and the treads of the staircase.
The skirt board is usually made of wood, and is sometimes also adorned with trim details. It is usually thicker than the baseboard and usually extends a few inches past the stairwell. Skirt boards also help to hide any gaps between the treads and the wall that may be present due to construction imperfections.
They also help to conceal any wiring or piping that may run along the side of the staircase. Finally, they help to create a more traditional look to the staircase.
Do I need a skirt board on stairs?
Yes, you should consider installing a skirt board on your stairs. A skirt board is a piece of trim board, often made of wood, that runs along the base of staircases to dress them up and provide a finished look.
It also provides additional support to any wainscoting that is used. A skirt board can also provide additional safety features, such as preventing small objects or debris from collecting beneath the stairs and creating a tripping hazard for people walking up and down.
Moreover, skirt boards can help to keep stairways from becoming damaged due to regular wear and tear caused by foot traffic. Skirt boards help to keep stairs from warping if they are exposed to high levels of humidity and moisture.
Considering all this, it is highly recommended to install a skirt board on your staircase.
Is a skirt board the same as a stringer?
No, a skirt board and a stringer are not the same. A skirt board is a thin strip of material that is fastened to the sides of a set of stairs to cover the gap between the walls and the stairs. It is typically made of wood, but can also be made of composite materials such as PVC.
Skirt boards can hide any imperfections in the walls that might otherwise be visible. Additionally, they can add a decorative accent to a staircase.
A stringer, on the other hand, is a structural member that supports the treads and risers of a set of stairs. Stringers are usually made of wood and are cut to fit the shape of the stairs. They often have curved notches cut into them to accommodate the shape of the treads and risers.
Stringers also add stability to the stairs, allowing them to bear additional weight. Therefore, a skirt board and a stringer are two different components of a set of stairs, both of which are important for ensuring the structural integrity and aesthetic of the stairs.
What is the wood on the side of stairs called?
The wood on the side of stairs is typically referred to as a stair riser or “riser board. ” Riser boards are usually made of plywood, pine, or oak and cover the vertical space between each step. They are often painted or stained to match the color and type of wood used on the treads and balusters.
In addition to providing a finished look to the stairway, risers also help support the structure of the stairs and provide strength and stability over time.
How do you scribe stairs on a skirt board?
Scribing stairs on a skirt board is a vital process when constructing a set of stairs. The skirt board is the piece of trim that hides the gap between the stairs and the wall, and ensures a clean and finished look.
Scribing the skirt board involves taking a piece of it, such as an MDF board, and using a pencil or marker to trace the exact contours of each tread and riser onto the board. To begin, measure the height and length of each stair tread and riser, as well as their edges, and transfer these measurements to the skirt board.
Once the measurements are transferred, use a router with a straight bit to cut out the sections of the board that correspond to the treads and risers, taking care to ensure accuracy. After routing, sand the skirt board smooth, then use a nail gun or screws to attach the board to the stairs.
When done properly, scribing a skirt board can add a sense of detail and professionalism to a set of stairs, creating a well-finished look.
Does skirt board go on before treads?
It depends on the type of skirt board you have. Certain types, such as vinyl skirt boards, are designed to be installed before the treads. The skirt board provides a small lip at the base of the stair, to cover up any gaps.
This can help to make the stair look more finished and add more stability to the stairwell. Other types of skirt board are designed to be installed after the treads. These types are typically made with wood and can be stained or sealed to match the surrounding staircase.
They also add more aesthetic value to the stairway and can help improve the look of the treads. The decision of when to install the skirt board depends on the type you are using and the look you are going for.
How wide should stair skirt board be?
The width of stair skirt board typically depends on the type of stair and the size of the overall stairwell. For indoor stairs, the skirt board should generally be wider than the stair treads. For instance, a typical stair tread is around 10 inches wide and a skirt board should be about 11 ½ inches wide.
Outdoors, it’s a good idea to choose a skirt board that is wider than the treads and at least 4 to 6 inches in width. When installed, the skirt board should also extend a minimum of 1 inch below the nose of stair tread and rise above it by 1 inch as well.
The overall width of the skirt board should also be measured to ensure it is not wider than the opening of the staircase.
How do I hide the gaps on my stair treads?
The simplest way to hide the gaps on your stair treads is to use specialized stair tread fillers. This type of product is specifically designed to fill gaps between treads, risers, and stringers. Many different fillers are available, including metal stair tread fillers, rubber stair tread fillers, and foam stair tread fillers.
Metal stair tread fillers have the advantage of being the strongest and most durable. They are generally made of steel and come in a variety of sizes and shapes to perfectly fit most stair tread gaps.
Rubber stair tread fillers are an inexpensive and flexible alternative, but may need to be replaced more often since they’re not as durable as metal. Foam stair tread fillers are the least durable but are also the easiest to work with.
Regardless of the type of filler you choose, some basic tools and materials will be needed to install them, including a putty knife, a hammer, and a level. In order to properly install the stairs fillers, make sure the stair treads and risers stay level and measure the gaps between the stairs accurately.
After the measurements are made, cut the fillers to size and make sure they fit the gaps tightly. Then, use the putty knife to spread the adhesive onto the staircase and press the filler firmly into place.
Finally, hammer in any nails or staples that may be needed to securely attach the filler. With the proper preparation and installation, stair tread fillers can provide a great way to hide gaps on steps.
What are 2 types of stringers?
There are two main types of stringers used in carpentry. The first type is the surfaced stringer, and these are mainly used in indoor settings. The second type is the rough-cut stringer and they are used primarily in outdoor settings.
Surfaced stringers are cut from finished dimensional lumber and feature tongue-and-groove joints at both ends. These joints allow for a tight joint and a smooth, even surface. This type of stringer is ideal for attaching wood posts and railings for decks, landings, stairs, and other structures in an indoor environment.
Rough-cut stringers are most often made from much thicker material than surfaced stringers. Rough-cut stringers are generally used outdoors, in applications such as fence posts and concrete footings.
These stringers are generally much stronger than surfaced stringers, but they may not provide a quick or slick surface and they will require extra finishing work.