Install Risers

What happens in this clip

Carry the prepared riser and tread materials to the stairwell. Using a tape measure, accurately determine the height of each riser opening. This ensures that each pre-cut riser board will fit perfectly. Position each riser board firmly against the existing stair structure. Once aligned, use a nail gun to secure the riser board in place by driving nails at appropriate intervals into the stringers or supports.

Goal: Securely attach the prepared riser boards to the staircase.

What's used

Tools

• Nail Gun Unknown (looks like a pneumatic Brad nailer)
• Cordless finish nailer
• Tape Measure Unknown (looks like Stanley)
• Digital measuring tool

Materials

• Brad Nails
• Wood screws
• Prepared Riser Boards

About the full video

This video provides a step-by-step guide on how to finish an unfinished staircase by installing risers and treads. The process includes cutting lumber for risers, routing and sanding tread nosings, and then carefully securing both components to the existing stair structure using a nail gun, while emphasizing the use of readily available or existing materials.

Step 7 of 8: Install Risers (if applicable)

If your stairs have separate riser boards, install them now. Cut the riser material to fit snugly between the underside of the new tread and the top of the tread below. Secure the risers in place using construction adhesive and finishing nails or screws. Ensure the risers are flush and create a clean vertical line. This step may not be necessary if your stairs have integrated risers.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Install Treads on Stairs with a Mid-Stair Landing

1. Step 1: Assess Existing Stair Treads

   • 0:00–0:13 Assess Existing Stairs and Planning
   • 0:01–0:04 Remove Stair Covering
   • 0:00–0:56 Assess and Remove Old Stair Treads

2. Step 2: Measure and Template Treads

   • 0:55–1:13 Measure and Mark Tread and Nosing
   • 0:57–1:16 Measure Treads and Mark Laminate
   • 0:29–0:45 Mark and Cut New Stair Treads

3. Step 3: Cut New Stair Treads

   • 1:16–2:13 Measure and Cut New Stair Treads
   • 4:34–5:55 Measure and Cut Treads
   • 2:07–2:42 Mark and Cut Your Treads

4. Step 4: Prepare Tread Surfaces

   • 0:51–0:57 Strip Old Finish from Tread Surfaces
   • 2:06–2:59 Sand Solid Oak Treads
   • 0:33–0:39 Cut & Sand New Treads

5. Step 5: Test Fit New Treads

   • 2:13–2:35 Test Fit and Adjust Treads
   • 1:35–1:41 Dry Fit Tread and Nosing
   • 19:07–19:52 Dry-Fit and Test Treads

6. Step 6: Apply Adhesive and Fasten Treads

   • 2:32–3:28 Install First Tread and Riser
   • 1:24–1:35 Apply Adhesive and Install Treads
   • 9:53 Install New Treads

7. Step 7: Install Risers (if applicable)

   • 1:24–2:00 Install Risers (this video)
   • 0:04–0:08 Measure, Cut, and Install New Risers
   • 3:28–6:52 Install Remaining Treads and Risers

8. Step 8: Fill Screw Holes and Finish

   • 4:25–4:47 Fill Gaps and Nail Holes
   • 5:31–6:06 Apply Finish & Clean Up
   • 1:28–1:50 Clean Up and Finish