Hi! I'm taking up carpet and installing hardwood steps for my aunt. I want to make sure i'm going about this the right way before I start. I plan to rip out the carpet and cut the nose off of 2x12 treads so they are flush with the risers. I have purchased red oak treads that are 1" thick and oak risers that are 3/4" thick. Then, I will sand stain and poly the treads and risers and let them dry. Next, I will install treads and risers by using glue and finishing nails.

Does this sound right? What kind of glue should I use? Does the riser sit on top of the tread or does the tread go up against the riser? Any other tips or advice?

Thank you very much!

Andy

There are many details involved with installing an oak stair case. To answer your questions- You need to remove the 2x12 treads and get down to the bare stringers. Then, IF the stringers are level and properly built, you install the treads and risers, attaching them directly to the stringer.
The tread should be pushed back tight against the risers, so you have plenty of over hang in front. Do not sit the risers on top of the treads.

Ok thanks! What type of glue should I use to secure treads and risers to stringers? Also would a brad nailer be good to use on this? Is the reason for removing the 2x12 treads, to keep the stair rise all the same? Thanks

Liquid Nails works. We screw blocks to the stringer flush with the top then screw the block to the tread from the bottom-no holes in the surface that way, and gives you tight, squeak free stairs.
If you're going to nail them, I'd use 16ga finish nails.
If the stringers are right, the stair treads should have around 2" overhang before the riser goes under the tread. If you leave the 2x's on there you'll not have very much overhang, if any.

I was wondering about a few more things.

1. I'm putting the third coat of polyurethane on this evening. When can I install the steps? When can I walk on them?

2. I'm gonna be screw the treads down by going through 2x6 blocks up into the bottom of the treads which are 1" thick. Should I use 2" screws? Drywall screws ok or some other kind? How many screws per tread? Also I'm gonna use regular liquid nails.

3. I was thinking of nailing and glueing the risers. I am thinking of using 6 nails per riser. 3 along the bottom and the lower tread will cover and 3 along the top and the upper tread will overhang and hide (I'll also use wood putty). Will this be good? The nails I have are 2" 15gauge for my finish nailer.

4. I won't be able to access the very bottom tread to screw it. Will 9 (3 into each stringer) 2" 15gauge finish nails from my nail gun along with liquid nails be good?

Thanks alot!

Refer to the can of finish for dry and cure times. Typically I try to finish treads 2 days before installation. We apply 2 coats, install, then apply the last coat after installation.

We use 2-1/2" screws and drive them at an angle - 6 screws per step. I suggest Spax heavy duty wood screws, they have star heads, takes a T-20 bit I believe. It's really hard to drive a phillips head screw into oak, given the angle and awkward positioning. drywall screws sometimes break when working with hardwood.

You'll need to cut your blocks so that the screws don't split them, rip 2x6 long ways in 2" strips, then cut 8-9" blocks. You may still need to pre drill the blocks to prevent splitting.

If you're using a 15ga. nailer for the risers i'd stay at least 3/8" away from any edges. 9 per riser is standard. Glue is optional on the risers, we don't glue them.

If you can't access the underside of the bottom step, the nailing procedure you mentioned should work fine.

In any case, use plenty of glue. I'd also have several wedges handy, to adjust any unlevel or low stringers.If the tread doesn't sit fairly level on the stringers without wobbling, you'll need to stabilize them with wedges, glue these in as well.

I finished this project tonight. It turned out very good! They creak alittle but not too bad. Thanks for all the help Floorpro!
Here's a couple of pics

Hi AndyH, good job.. finally you help your aunt ..soo sweet of you..

Nice work! Great looking stair case!! Glad I could help.