Q&A for How to Install Wood Stairs

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What is the angle or pitch of the stair stringers?
    Community Answer
    Store-bought is 45-degrees. Legally the pitch needs to be 39-45 degrees.
  • Question
    When would I need to get the building inspector look over the new set of stairs?
    Community Answer
    As soon as they're done temporarily or as soon as the stringers are installed. This provides the inspectors everything they need to know.
  • Question
    What is the normal measurement for how much the stair nose should stick out?
    Community Answer
    1.75 cm is the ideal, 3.8 cm is the max, and they should be rounded. Outside of this range, the stair is more dangerous and uncomfortable. The "bullnose" as it is called allows for the placement of the heel or toes slightly below the next/previous stair edge, which is more natural due to the way we walk on steps.
  • Question
    How do I reduce the depth of existing stairs?
    Community Answer
    Cut off any stair noses, the part of the tread that overhangs on each step. Doing anything else can make the entire stair illegal and dangerous to use.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article