Adding Skirt Stringer to Existing Stair
user-65899
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
As part of a basement finishing project, I’d like to add skirt stringers to an existing basement stair without having to remove the steps and risers. The present stairway has oak steps and pine risers glued and nailed to 3 carriage supports. Is there a tool or method to cut the steps and risers on each side to allow a 3/4″ stringer to be slipped between the wall and steps? One thought I had was to use my Plate Joiner but the depth of cut would not go all the way through the steps. The stair will eventually be carpeted.
Thanks for any suggestions!
DickH
Replies
ummm...no tool for that. Because what you want to do is cut out the profile of the treads and risers on the skirtboard..like an upside down stringer (carriage)..scribe it well and add carpet.
oh yeah..dont encroach on the width of the stairs TOO much..adding 2 3/4 skirts might make them too narrow for safty.
Edited 1/31/2004 11:17:53 AM ET by SPHERE
If you want to add a skirtboard over existing stairs, a good approach is to make a template like countertop guys do --- lots of wood strips stuck together with hot-melt glue.
pretty good idea..I do it the hard way, a framing sq. and a lot of headscratchin..lol
Go Stab yourself Ya Putz! Ya think I Parked here?
I'd go with cutting skirt to meet treads and risers but if you want to cut risers and treads 3/4" from wall a jamb saw would probably be your best bet.
Smile. It could be worse. You could be me working for you.
Thanks to you all for your ideas. The present tread width is 41" which would be reduced to 39 1/2" with the stringers added. Fortunately, since I'm going to add carpet I don't have to have it "perfect" but, in my application, I like the look of the stringers. I hadn't given much thought to cutting the stringer to fit, but with your ideas, I might be able to make it work - probably start by seeing if I can make a short test stringer. Thanks!
Dick
Dick, you might make your job easier by cutting the stair nosing back to the riser where your skirt bd would fall. You should be able to drop the cut skirt straight down. The carpet would certainly cover minor slop in the fit.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
They do make a tool for the cutput on the skirtboard it is made by the same folks who make the stair wizard for fitting treads. try a search for stair wizard should get you there. the kit they have for the skirtboard should simplify things a bit and id easy to use.
Orca Builders
Killer homes since 1988
Well that didn;t work ...
go to amazon .. search for Wheaton Tools PL600.
Jeff
Buck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
here's a pic
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
Thanks! The Wheaton Stair Genie ($79.99) looks like it will do the trick. From one of the reviews, it looks like it's limited to a maximum 7 7/8" rise, but my actual 7 3/4" is within that. Should save me some time and a lot of trial and error.
Appreciate all the good ideas and suggestions. First time I've used the forum (though I always read it in the magazine) and I'm really impressed! Thanks again,
Dick