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Stair Tread & Riser Installation Guide
STAIR TREAD INSTALLATION
Required Tools
- Vacuum
- Finishing nailer
- Safety glasses
- Work gloves
- Measuring tape
- Scraper
- Construction adhesive
- Caulk gun
- Jig saw
- Miter saw
- Table saw
Installing your Stair Tread
It is the responsibility of the owner/installer/builder to determine and ensure the suitability of the building
materials and all associated installations for the intended use.
Note 1 of 2* For landings and at the top of the stairs, stair tread is not to be used.
and cut off the clicks. Starting at bottom step, lay strips of glue on the back of the riser approximately
every 6”. Press into place and hold with painters tape (need to remove tape before installing the tread on
next step).
7. Measure your step using a tape measure or an angle gauge (the depth needs to include the riser
1. Remove spindles from your staircase if they are on top of existing tread.
2. Remove any existing flooring (e.g. carpet), staples, or glue from your stairs.
3. Remove bullnose from each step of your existing staircase (if it exists).
4. Remove any excess loose film material on back side of the stair tread nose (if it exists).
5. Ensure the workspace is clean of dirt and debris prior to installation.
6. If coordinating riser is needed, use coordinating riser or coordinating flooring and cut to size
installed
in step 6).
8. Using a miter or table saw, cut your tread to the necessary size and angle.
9. Dry fit the tread onto the step ensuring a snug fit. If you notice that pressure is needed to keep the tread
nose flush to the riser, check the back side of the stair tread nose for any excess loose film that may exist
from the manufacturing process. Cut off any excess loose film using a utility knife (running it across the
length of the back of the nose).
10. Using construction adhesive, apply a 1/4” bead around the perimeter of the step and then throughout the
Note 2 of 2* The bottom of the next riser will be sitting on top of the first installed stair tread, so the height may
need to be cut down compared to the firs
middle in a serpentine pattern. Press the stair tread down on top of the step.
t riser used.Maintenance, Tips, and Warnings
Dust-mop or broom can be used for daily maintenance. When necessary, clean with a MOIST cloth or mop and
a neutral PH cleaner – heavy use of detergent cleaners will leave a residue and, over time, lead to a cloudy film.
NEVER USE floor polish or floor cleaning wax, oil soaps, etc. These products can damage and/or leave a film
on the flooring
an3 | Page
Artistic Finishes, Inc. / 2224 Terminal Road / Roseville, MN 55113 / 888-816-5606 / www.artisticfinishes.com
Standard Tread: Standard treads are well suited for a boxed stair system
that is enclosed by walls on both sides. No returns are included.
» 36”, 42”, and 48” nominal lengths. (*Bamboo, Acacia,
Kempas and Merbau only come in 48” lengths.)
o Custom length, width, and shape of treads are
available to quote. *
» 3/4” thick tread face is designed with a 1-1/16” bull nose.
o Each tread is complete with a 2-piece reinforced bull nose.
o Pre-defined bull nose allows for precise placement on the
stair to comply with most Building Code requirements.
Contact your local Building Inspector.
Universal Tread: Universal, double-return treads are suitable for open
staircases where the returns provide a finished affect along the skirt board.
» 36”, 42, and 48” nominal internal lengths. (*Bamboo,
Acacia, Kempas and Merbau only come in 48” lengths.)
o Custom length, width, and shape of treads are
available to quote. *
» 3/4” thick tread face is designed with a 1-1/16” bull nose.
o Each tread is complete with a 2-piece reinforced bull nose.
o Pre-defined bull nose allows for precise placement on the stair
to comply with most Building Code requirements. Contact your
local Building Inspector.
» Complete with 2 attached returns to eliminate confusion with left
versus right ordering and installation on the jobsite. Returns are
reinforced to provide joint stability.
o Returns are constructed with a tongue and
groove-like joint to provide maximum
stability and strength.
3 | Page
Artistic Finishes, Inc. / 2224 Terminal Road / Roseville, MN 55113 / 888-816-5606 / www.artisticfinishes.com
Standard Tread: Standard treads are well suited for a boxed stair system
that is enclosed by walls on both sides. No returns are included.
» 36”, 42”, and 48” nominal lengths. (*Bamboo, Acacia,
Kempas and Merbau only come in 48” lengths.)
o Custom length, width, and shape of treads are
available to quote. *
» 3/4” thick tread face is designed with a 1-1/16” bull nose.
o Each tread is complete with a 2-piece reinforced bull nose.
o Pre-defined bull nose allows for precise placement on the
stair to comply with most Building Code requirements.
Contact your local Building Inspector.
Universal Tread: Universal, double-return treads are suitable for open
staircases where the returns provide a finished affect along the skirt board.
» 36”, 42, and 48” nominal internal lengths. (*Bamboo,
Acacia, Kempas and Merbau only come in 48” lengths.)
o Custom length, width, and shape of treads are
available to quote. *
» 3/4” thick tread face is designed with a 1-1/16” bull nose.
o Each tread is complete with a 2-piece reinforced bull nose.
o Pre-defined bull nose allows for precise placement on the stair
to comply with most Building Code requirements. Contact your
local Building Inspector.
» Complete with 2 attached returns to eliminate confusion with left
versus right ordering and installation on the jobsite. Returns are
reinforced to provide joint stability.
o Returns are constructed with a tongue and
groove-like joint to provide maximum
stability and strength.4 | Page
Artistic Finishes, Inc. / 2224 Terminal Road / Roseville, MN 55113 / 888-816-5606 / www.artisticfinishes.com
Stair Riser: Risers are the boards that form the vertical face of each step,
creating the “toe kick” area between the stair treads.
» 36”, 42, and 48” nominal lengths. (*Bamboo, Acacia, Kempas and
Merbau only come in 48” lengths.)
» ¼” and ¾” thick riser options are offered to accommodate most stair
case configurations. (*Bamboo, Acacia, Kempas and Merbau come in
various thicknesses.)
» Risers come 7 ½” high/wide.
o Custom length and width risers are
available to quote. *
Moldings for a Stair Case Installation
Depending on the stair case and the final look you want to achieve, there are several moldings that can complete
the installation. Molding profile shapes to consider include:
» Quarter Round Molding:
Serves as a transition from the bottom riser on a stair case to the existing flooring.
» Base Shoe Molding:
May be used as a narrower transition from the bottom riser on a stair case to the
existing flooring or to cover any joints between the tread and riser.
» Cove Molding:
Installed underneath the tread bull nose to provide a decorative transition between
the stair tread and riser.5 | P a g e
Artistic Finishes, Inc. / 2224 Terminal Road / Roseville, MN 55113 / 888-816-5606 / www.artisticfinishes.com
» Stair Nosing:
Used as a transition between the top step of the stair case to the hardwood flooring
in the adjoining room.
Installation Instructions
1. Plan and Visualize the Finished Project
a. Review the tread and riser materials to ensure you have all the necessary components. Open each
box and lay out the treads and risers before cutting, to achieve the best visual appearance of their
placement. Each individual tread and riser has a unique grain variation and color.
b. Determine the moldings needed to enhance the beauty and functionality of the installation. Lay the
moldings out before cutting, to blend in with the overall appearance of the finished project.
2. Preparing the Project
a. The proper environment must be maintained prior to, during, and after the installation.
b. The sub-structure of the stairs must be clean, dry, and free of paint and debris to allow for the
bonding of the adhesive used in the installation of the treads.
c. The rough staircase must be structurally sound and free of squeaks or movement.
d. NOTE: The installation method is determined by the professional installer and may be
dictated by jobsite conditions. If installing one of our ENGINEERED TREADS, we
recommend using Wakol’s MS245 adhesive sold on our website. Any face nails should be
punched below the wear levels prior to filling or finishing.
e. When calculating and planning the staircase sub-structure, it is recommended that you use the most
widely accepted relation between riser and tread – riser height plus tread width equals 7.5
inches. Most Building Codes also dictate that the maximum tread overhang is 1.25 inches, as
shown in the diagram below.
i. The rise of the stair is the vertical distance from the top of the tread to the top of the next
tread.6 | Page
Artistic Finishes, Inc. / 2224 Terminal Road / Roseville, MN 55113 / 888-816-5606 / www.artisticfinishes.com
Based on the installer’s preference, the staircase configuration and local Building Codes, there are generally 3
options when determining how to build the substructure of the staircase prior to installing the treads and risers:
Option 1: The sub-treads can be kept in place after carpet removal; however, you must make the front
edge of the tread flush with the sub-riser. Remove any overhang as shown in the diagram below.
7.5”
Cut the overhang off the
existing sub-tread so it is
flush with the sub-riser.
Sub-tread
Sub Stringer
Riser7 | Page
Artistic Finishes, Inc. / 2224 Terminal Road / Roseville, MN 55113 / 888-816-5606 / www.artisticfinishes.com
Option 2: The treads can be installed over a boxed staircase that is finished-out with ½” plywood over
the stringers. This provides the necessary extra support to the staircase structure.
deflection ratio is maintained. Additional stringers or supports may be required to maintain deflection
codes; otherwise the steps must be boxed out with ½” plywood as shown below.
» In a renovation situation where carpet was
Option 3: Although Floor Partner’ stair treads and risers were designed for boxed step applications,
installers often choose to apply them directly to the stringers. NOTE: Building Codes may dictate that
this option is not acceptable. Distance between the stringers of 16-inches on center is recommended if
this option is selected. Artistic Finishes’ treads are 4/4 (four-quarter) treads and may require additional
support.
» If installing directly onto the stringers, the installer assumes all liability for ensuring the necessary
installed on the stair case, as shown in the pictures below,
you may opt to remove the sub-treads that were under the carpet. Remove all nails and be careful not
to destroy the existing stringers. Additional stringers may be necessary as noted above.8 | Page
Artistic Finishes, Inc. / 2224 Terminal Road / Roseville, MN 55113 / 888-816-5606 / www.artisticfinishes.com
3. Starting the Installation
a. Many contractors start with the bottom riser and work their way up the staircase alternately
installing each tread and riser. A jobsite condition such as needing to install all the risers (only
fitting the treads, but not gluing and nailing) is common.
the riser to back edge of the tread with screws (Diagram A). Others prefer to place the tread first
and place the riser on top of the tread, for additional
b. Some contractors prefer installing the riser first, then installing the tread against the riser, fastening
support (Diagram B).
c. NOTE: The installation method is determined by the professional installer and may be
Measuring Treads and Risers
»
dictated by jobsite conditions.
Determine the overhang of the finished tread and dry fit the tread. Artistic Finishes recommends the use
of The STAIR WIZARD as it simplifies the scribe fitting of the treads to the walls or skirt boards while
maintaining a consistent overhang.
» Follow The STAIR WIZARD instructions from the manufacturer to measure the length and width of
each tread and riser.
Richard Liu
+86.519.8585.1798 Fax:+86.519.8585.6878
info@xinflooring.com ( 7*24 hours online)
Science & Technology, Industrial Park, Hutang Town, Wujin District, Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province, 213162, China.