Everything I’ve read and seen about stairs suggests that wedges are used under the treads and risers. I’ve checked out the books, and searched the internet, and high or low end it’s all the same. Why wedges? I will be replacing the steps to my basement, which will be a simple straight run, closed risers, housed stringers.
What is the advantage of the wedge over a well-fit mortise-and-tenon type joint? You have a cross-grain arrangement either way. Is it to allow adjustment for slop – that it’s pretty darn hard to get that “just so” fit with that kind of consistency? Or is it to allow for the inevitable movement, allowing the wedges to be driven in a bit more once the pieces are as acclimated as they’re going to be? I have seen (production) stairs where the wedges are loose, and in some cases missing (nails were driven through the stringer into the tread in addition to the wedges). Is it speed?
Or is this one of those questions with no real answer?
Thanks,
Froed
Replies
Because Stan said so. ;)
Take a look at this thread.
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages/?msg=26363.1
Uncle Dunc.....thanks...but I only wish I had been clever enough to have invented that method...instead of just inheriting it.
Stan - I finished the iron baluster stairs - thank you for your advice. Without your input life would have been very difficult. I also second Dunc - if Stan says so (and has to do with stairs) believe him.
Paul: Glad your iron baluster job turned out well for you.
Thanks Uncle Dunc, I appreciate the link. My search obviously wasn't as thorough as it should have been. What I seem to be hearing is that it's the best/strongest/neatest way to ensure a tight fit. Makes sense when you consider how many pieces you’re putting together.
Your comment to Jim about putting a dado in the face of the riser is appropriate, too. I was planning on adding some strength that way, and wasn't sure how I was going to handle the assembly, but it seems rather obvious now.
Having seen some of Stan's stair pics, I can understand your comment, though I have no doubt there are a few things out there you’re proud of as well.
Thanks again.
It seems to me that the designed assembly of housed stringers with wedged treads and risers evolved as the best way to ensure tight joints on the show side of everything, while making for easy assembly. I haven't researched this, but I'll bet that this design wasn't in play before the industrial revolution, when everything had to be chopped out by hand. Anyone seen any early 19th century staircases built this way?