I need to trim out a stairwell going down to a basement. The stairs are site-built, U-shaped with a landing in the middle. The builder used OSB for treads and risers and left it short of the drywall walls by about an inch on both sides (the stringers are not against the wall studs). The stairs will be carpeted.
Any suggested reading on stair trimming basics? Books or articles.
Should the OSB stay?
Thanks for any advise.
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Replies
just a thought, I think that the framer left the stringers shy so that you could fit a skirt board on each side Skirt against wall then finish tread and riser would have made the difference. As for the treads you can check the height, if correct it should measure equal on each step finish floor to finish floor. If it seems off, (low) it may need another layer on it well glued with liquid nails (or other like it) and nailed well. But the osb's were probably temp treads and if you want 2x's you can rip them off or leave them and add...also shim level.
I dont have correct titles but there are a few good books, one Taunton, and the other is Stairs and balusters or something you can find on amazon search.
Edited 12/1/2004 6:21 am ET by zendo
The current issue of FHB has a good article on finishing stairs.
Al Mollitor, Sharon MA
yes thats true... thats where I saw that.
That sounds like the way I do site builts.
You can set the trim riser against the walls by cutting angle at top and bottom without needing to notch over each step.
Then you fit individual treads and risers> I don't do carpet on stairs, but you can probably use baarf board treads cheaper than solid lumber since it will be covered. For thicknes, keep depth of carpet in mind.
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If you havant seen it, take a check at my paint sub thread... comment when you have time. I'm in Maine thats why Im asking. Sorry for all the messages I left one for you there in suggestion of another reader.
Can you post a link to it?
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The space is for a skirt board. Or you could run a waincot with 3/4".