Expert: Stephen Major (Owner--Major Design Group) - 6/26/2007

Question
I plan on replaceing carpet on my stairs with oak . How do I get the perfit fit on the treads and risers? I plan on useing oak treads snd Oak plywood for the risers. Do I make a paper pattern for each step or what?

Answer
Bob,

A paper pattern is an easy inexpensive method to do this.  As you are aware, the end cuts of the treads and risers will not always be square.  I have seen manufactured jigs for this task, but I do not know where to steer you for these.  If you are only doing one set of stairs, the paper patterns will be fine.

I am curious as to how you plan to do this work.  Are you laying the treads and risers on top of existing treads and risers?  If so, be aware that you bottom step will be higher and your top step will be lower than the other steps.  This can cause a safety hazard and is a code violation.

Best of luck and please let me know if you need additional information.

--Steve Major