Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 4/29/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi-I have replaced some rotted stringers and installed new ones but the right one is slightly unlevel, causing my risers and treads to be unlevel-how can I install the risers without seeing a gap between the riser and the tread? I can't uninstall the stringers how that I've hammered them to the header board on my porch!

Thanks!
Pam

ANSWER: Hi Pam, in Home Depot or Lowes you can get cedar shim shingles that can be put into the gap or used to force the tread level.  They come in a bundle and are tapered so they are fatter on one end and go to a sharp point on the other.  This pointed part allows you to insert the shim into just about any size gap and then by pounding in the fatter part of the shim will bring the riser to its proper height.  A razor knife will trim the excess off.I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Bruce-this was very helpful, thank you! I have one quick follow-up question-if I need to shim one area, say the top 1st riser, will I need to shim the remaining 4 steps too to follow suite with this one?
Thanks!

Answer
Hi again Pam, shim only those treads or parts of treads that are out of whack.  Obviously you want your stairs to be safe and comfortable to walk up and down so you don't want big differences between risers say one at 6" and the next one at 7"..Otherwise just shim as needed.  If a step doesn't need it don't worry about it..I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com