Expert: Joseph G. Swallow - 7/12/2008

Question
QUESTION: We have an old Victorian with a set of central stairs, but there is also a set of stairs that lead from the room we would like to use as a living room--we would like to remove this set of stairs but are not sure how to go about it or where to start.  could you give us some insight --do we take the tread and riser off starting at the top?? or is there something else we must do first.  the stairs are against the wall on the right hand side but open with a handrail on the left.

ANSWER: Generally the treads and risers are removed to install the new.  You want to install these so that there is no more than a 3/8" variance between each rise and run.   Risers most commonly are set on top of the tread below, so removing from top to bottom is the logical approach.  Treads are usually glued and nailed down, leveling the treads as you go.  The best glue I would recommend is liquid nails or equal.  Woodworker's glue dries hard and you'll find less squeak with construction adhesives.  Nail holes are filled after the first coat of stain or varnish with color putty to match, otherwise you end up with dark spots showing where you nail holes are.  Treads should overhang the risers by about 1-1/4" and trimmed below the overhang with scotia or cove mold.

When installing start at the bottom, installing the first riser, then the tread, riser, tread, riser, tread....until you are completed.  Above the last riser you can install a landing tread cap wherein you can butt your carpet or hardwood floor into it.  These are generally about 3" or 5-1/4" in width, are nosed like the treads, but dadoed in the back to 3/4".

Let me know if this helps or if you need more info.

Thank you!

Joseph
Westfire Inc.

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

QUESTION: Hi.  I want to remove the step completely and not reinstall new one. Not sure how to go about this.
Thanks

Answer
Saundra,

If you are removing the step and not reinstalling, should be pretty simple.  Do you have two risers and one tread?  Just start from the top and go down with the top riser, tread, then riser.  Once these are removed you'll need to break away the support stringers if any.  Once those are out of the way it is simply drywall repair and carpet.  Let me know if that helps or if you need more info.