Replies

1. 
   Kevin_D | Jun 01, 2010 04:13pm | #1

   I was also thinking if I lay it out for 2x 3/4 ply treads I could always switch to 2x12 stock trimmed down if I wanted to go to solid stock. No creaks with 2x12 glued down, that's for sure. 

2. 
   DanH | Jun 01, 2010 08:20pm | #2

   I don't think you could go wrong with two layers of 3/4 ply glued together.  The problem with solid stock in the larger dimensions is that it tends to cup.

   For the risers you could use anything thicker than cardboard -- it just needs to hold a few carpet nails and withstand toe kicks.  Probably might as well use 3/4 ply while you're standing there at the pile.

1. 
   Kevin_D | Jun 01, 2010 08:58pm | #3

   Awesome. Thanks for the reply. 

   I hadn't thought of the wood cupping. All the wood I've gotten lately is really wet, so you're definitely right. 

3. 
   Matt | Jun 01, 2010 09:00pm | #4

   1" material for the treads. 3/4" for the risers.

   For carpeted stairs the standard around here is 1" Nosed SYP stair tread material or yoiu could even use 1" nosed OSB stair tread material.  I would never use 2x12s because they won't stay flat. - they tend to cup. 

   The risers can be either 3/4" fir or SPF or if you want to save some money use 3/4" MDF.

   The stair carriage (stringers) are three 2x12s with 2x4 strong backs unless they are unusually wide stairs in which case they could be four (or more) 2x12s..  

   The skirt boards which slide in on the outside the 2x12 stringers are 1x10 or 1x12 MDF depending on how steep the stairs are, or you could use fir.

   Really though, for carpeted stairs - nothing special - you can order them about as cheap as you can build them.  It takes 2 or 3 strong guys to get them in place though.

4. 
   calvin | Jun 01, 2010 09:12pm | #5

   I went through the posts in this forum and really I didn't find.

   Kevin,

   No kidding.  We wrote them and we can't even find 'em.