They are installed on top of the rough tread. They are considered a "floor covering" and supply no structural support.

As do I. "Undercutting" is what I do to door jambs...

So, I'm glad I have found this forum board now for hardwoods. Looks like there are a lot of really great posts here.

Check out these pix of my stairway that I'm currently working on and have been working on for the past few months. I had to rebuild most of the stairway to accomodate what I wanted to do which is install bamboo on the treads and stone on the risers. You can see where I'm at from my pix now. I'm guessing there is a bunch of stuff in this thread you might be interested in.

http://www.johnbridge.com/vbulletin/sho ... ght=risers




My question:

Would you guys use 1/4" backerboard on my risers if I plan to install slate stone tile? It's not going to be stepped on but there might be some vibrations.... That thinset is pretty darn strong...

I would be prone to use the same moisture cure urethane adhesive on the tile risers, as your going to use on the steps, just for sheer strength, along with the concerns, of the moisture involved in setting mortar.

Good job Aaron. I would use 1/4 backerboard just for the bonding purpose alone. Ditra scraps would work too if there is support behind it.