Use a thick bead of glue, about 1/2" on the stringers. Sixteen gauge nails have a shank of 0.0625 inches, whereas 15 gauge have .0720 inches. and it don't stand for Memphis Folding Stair i like a 1/4" rabbet on a 1 1/16" oak tread he's entitled to his opinion.. if it ain't movin , it ain't squeaking.. i'd be using construction adhesive on the stringers and yellow glue on the riser rabbetMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore. Depending what type of trim you're doing, 16ga is commonly used on door & window trim. When running cable to a subpanel for a home addition, pay attention to the size of the wire and the amperage of the breaker. These are a great option if youre starting from scratch. - M.K. I am unable to screw the treads and risers from underneath due to the stairwell bottom being drywalled. Galvanized nails hold better than plain steel. Paint can cause moisture to infiltrate the wood. This is the result of the house shifting, curved walls or planned design elements. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. He claimed you were inviting squeaks that way. Do nail only where there are stringers, and finish the nail holes with filler. CB-10 is designed specifically to bond vinyl or rubber cove base and stair treads. They require more maintenance and upkeep cost. Because pin nails dont have heads, their holding power is limited; use them to keep freshly glued pieces in place while the adhesive sets. 2 were here. Using a 16 or 18 gauge finish nail will sure get the job done and the nail hole will barely be noticeable! This helps maintain stability of the riser and the integrity of the stringer, which also helps ensure a solid floor without squeaks. Sink all nail holes. Posting at Breaktime should not be a full contact sport. September 5, 2006. Nailers fire with such speed and power, they need to be treated with respect. Error message | View complete answer on https://www.liquidnails.com. Installing Deck Stair Treads Watch on What screws to use on stair treads? Yes, you can install risers after treads. Then, affix the riser to the tread using an appropriate fastener and drill. It leaves a shank about .0800 inches . They leave a smaller hole thanks to their small head and so are less likely to split thinner wood. Remove the battery when you adjust the tool or fix a jam. A Path Appears offers practical steps that any of us can take to empower others, and ourselves.. To fasten treads and risers, you will need some general carpentry tools such as a saw, a screwdriver, and a drill. Set the stair tread in place and tap the front edge with a rubber mallet to form a bond with the glue and the riser. By: Author Olin Wade (Remodel or Move Stuff). "I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. Large nailers will split small pieces of trim, while small pin nailers wont have the holding power to keep a molding in place. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Which is better 16 or 18 gauge nail gun? The stairs should be at least 36 inches wide. Depending on the brand, these shoot nails from 3/4 to 2-1/2 inches long. Finally, let the Liquid Nails set up for at least 24 hours before using the stairs. Since the treads are cut so tightly, the chances are that they will scrape up the trim when you fit the treads and risers as needed. I plan to use 1 solid oak treads and 5/8 plywood oak for the risers. How to Install Unfinished Oak Stair Treads, Beautiful houseplants that also repel mosquitoes, cockroaches and other pests, How to Install Prefinished Wood Flooring on Stairs. Now you need to put some muscle into it. Installers discuss how to fasten replacement oak stair treads to an existing old stringer so as to minimize squeaking. We all know that hardwood lumber can be hard to penetrate(due to the hardness) hence feeble nails wont cut it and thats where 15-ga nails come in. Instead, opt for thicker 16-gauge framing nails with a flat or countersunk head. Theyre powered by compressed air that is delivered to the nailer through a hose from a compressor. notch cut your skirt boards, cut all of your treads and risers then put the whole thing together and glue it to the rough stair with construction adhesive. By using a filler stick you can easily cover nail holes! Use two coats of paint, generously. Personal Development-What it is and why its important, 4 Tips For Troubleshooting A Broken Furnace. Why this technique works: Finish nails come glued together in long strips, much like staples, with their sharp chisel tips all in a line. Those nail guns were so fast and made this job a breeze to do. They leave a smaller hole thanks to their small head and so are less likely to split thinner wood. You should keep the boards into place with a nail gun and 2 nails. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. It offers quick initial grab without bracing. We used 2 1/2 nails for the stair treads. If you have never used construction adhesive you need to know the bond is permanent. Nail gun and air compressor (you can rent it if you're not using it often) Sliding compound miter saw (either you buy it, or you rent it) Power sander and fine-grit sandpaper Stair tread template 42 oak stair risers. I nail the tread with a few 15 gauge nails and then use screws to screw the 2nd riser into the back of the tread. When it comes to installing trim around windows, doors, baseboards, crown molding, assembling cabinet parts or installing stair treads and risers, as you can see, one nail gun does not fit all. The larger the gauge, the bigger the head and the thicker the shaft. Your suggestions just made my day one heck of a lot easier. 16 gauge should be fine unless you want bigger holes to fill at the end of the job. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Once the nails are in place, finish by caulking any noticeable gaps between the treads and risers.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'remodelormove_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_17',158,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Yes, you can use Liquid Nails for stair treads. The stair treads should go on first when constructing a staircase. When you are installing stairs, you will want your stairs to hold weight without any problems dont forget that humans can be pretty bulky. A nail gun . Classy Walnut Stairs Spiral in Bulgarian Penthouse, Wood Floor of the Week: An Early Step into the Floating Staircase Craze, Bona Power Drive - The Future of Sanding. I am redoing stair treads, risers and railings for a client. Longer nails do have more holding power, but they are more likely to nick wires or pipes inside a wall, or to run off course. I had a trim carpenter, since fired, that swore up and down that you should never, repeat, never, groove the tread to receive the riser. How I Do These Jobs: Creating Floating Stairs. Nail each tread or riser into each stair stringer with 8-penny finish nails. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 15 gauge finish nailer. No, risers should never be placed on top of treads. Theyre also a good option for installing beads and thin stops. Nail each tread or riser into each stair stringer with 8-penny finish nails. Error message | View complete answer on https://placeofmytaste.com. What is the best way to nail stair treads? Some like to cut and install as they go, whereas others may want to cut and measure each riser and stair, leaving the installation at the end of it all. Don't fasten treads and or risers with only nails or staples. Deck stairs are typically made from 2 x 12 stringers spaced about 12 to 16 inches apart. Keep in mind that you need to wait for the stairs for drying (dah!). Theyre good for attaching molding returns, or thin trim on cabinets, bookcases, or small projects. It is important to securely attach the stair treads before adding the risers in order to make sure that the stairs dont wobble or become loose over time. Do ensure that you measure properly. This 18 gauge combination air nailer/stapler offers a 2-in-1 benefit by driving brad nails or staples. Predrill the treads and wax the nails. Generally speaking, you should install the stair treads first, then put the risers in place, since the risers form the template for the tread cuts. I was going to use construction adhesive on the stringers anyway. The adhesive is much more important than the fasteners. Theyre the ideal nailer for attaching casing to window and door jambs because theyre less likely to blow out the connections. Risers are the vertical boards that are placed beneath the treads to create the riser-tread combination. Any DIY fan knows that preparing the tools and materials you need for a job is one tip for completing your project. If you wanted extra strength, you could add glue just before nailing. Her work focuses on tutorials and self-help articles. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. In some cases theres overlap, but more often than notyoure not going to get the results you want by using one when the other is the better option. These nailers are a great option for large interior and exterior casing when nailing into studs (not the jamb), installing pre-hung doors, stair treads or risers, baseboard, and crownthings that require good holding power in the material that can be filled and painted or stained. Its full of indelible stories reminding us that, yes, helping people is hardbut its both possible and infinitely rewarding. Screw in your treads from the under side through the small blocks. That being the case, you want nails that will build a sturdy structure. That way, the nail is more likely to sink to the proper depth, with the nailhead just below the wood surface. if your initials were mfs what would you do ?.. Watch as This Old House editor Chris Ermides showcases the differences between the types of finish nailers. You could also use trim head screws if you wanted. Need to know how to pick the right finish nailer? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. They require some maintenance and can be refurbished without sending in for service. I'd use adhesive, and a few Brad nails (18 gauge) will suffice. Jun 19, 2010 (Edited) Use 12d finish nails, driven and set by hand. The important thing is to remember to install riser, tread, riser, tread or install the risers first. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Money spent on the proper tools will save you tenfold on the job site. All rights reserved. Use 16d casing nails because of the added depth of plywood subtread. What size nailand what type of glue would be best to use? Even if its time and nerve consuming, this final step is going to fill in the gaps and help you get rid of the squeaking too. Take a leap of faith and try a $20 template for the project. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our expertsstraight to your inbox. The gauge roughly refers to the number of nails in one inch when lined up side by side. When constructing stair treads, the general rule of thumb is that the tread should overhang the riser by about 1 inch on each side. Obviously, this will be my first attempt at installing treads and risers. You probably remember this: different nail lengths are designed for different projects. Number each tread piece on the back side where it will not be seen after installation with the corresponding step number as you cut them. This is particularly important on closed-wall installations, because the adjacent walls will vary in width. LIQUID NAILS Cove Base & Stair Tread Adhesive, (CB-10), is a water-resistant, latex-based construction adhesive. One of the most versatile nails that you will come across out there is the 15 gauge nail- From larger trim work and baseboard to installing stair treads to installing pre-hung doors and even building small shelves, you could require this nail. Ripping up the carpet and the underlay (it goes fast) helps you blow some steam off, though. Keep hands away from the area being nailed, or anywhere a nail could exit unexpectedly. The smallest size is 18-gauge, and it is also known as #3 nails. It is a great adhesive for cement, wood, and many other surfaces. Mike..thanks for the quick response. Do work at least one riser ahead before installing treads. Before pulling the trigger, place the nailers nose firmly against the surface. So, do you need them all, and which one should you choose if you can only buy one? LIQUID NAILS Cove Base & Stair Tread Adhesive, (CB-10), is a water-resistant, latex-based construction adhesive. Either way, you have to let the pieces dry out. This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. When selecting nails for stair treads, you should choose nails that will not easily come loose over time. Leave the glue to cure according to the manufacturers directions and avoid walking on the stairs until then. Modern adhesive technology allows for the installation of stair treads without having to drill holes for screws or hammer nails into the surface. If youre already invested in a battery platform, you will find each of these nailers available as tool-only or in kits that include a battery and charger. You should use screws to attach decking and railings to the framing. Use generous amounts of adhesive to account for the lack of glue blocks. Reminder: When it comes to nail gauge naming conventions, the bigger the gauge number, the smaller the nail diameter. As such, I may earn from qualifying purchases when you click over from our site but at no cost to you. Make sure to drill pilot holes before screwing in the screws, as this will make it easier to sink them in securely and reduce the chances of them becoming loose in the future. Especially, yoursuggestion for making a stair jig. There are many more tips and tricks that you will find as you go through this exercise. You should stop for a minute and take a look at what used to be your stairs. Error message | View complete answer on https://www.nailgundepot.com. Avoid using thin-gauge nails as they may not provide the necessary support. Whats Your Best Tip For Working With Stairs? This trail is great for mountain biking and bike touring, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Save 67% by shopping at Harbor Freight. Then stain with the same color you used on the treads. Expect to pay $270-$450 for a cordless tool-only or kit, depending upon the brand. Its also a good choice for more demanding jobs like nailing doorjambs or stair treads. Now, because we want you to see everything in black and white, we will look at these and more uses of 15 ga nails in a short while. Pre-finishing the stair treads also allows you to get a better, more consistent finish since you can take your time and apply the finish in a well-ventilated area, ensuring better results. Make sure you allow enough to hold the treads in place. 2023 AB Media Inc. All rights reserved. Can you now see why framing nails are, for the most part, thicker?They actually come in diameters ranging from 12 gauge (0.113 inches) for smaller structures to 8-gauge nails (0.17 inches). Once you start using a finish nailer, theres no going back to a hammer. Find most of these finish nailers at The Home Depot. The Employability Skills-What Are They and Which Count the Most? No way to climb up back, right? For stair treads, what size nails do you use? They have substantial holding power thanks to the heavier head. Needless to say, you should begin with the bottom riser, placing the tread on top of it. Because it is thicker, it holds better than 18-gauge brads. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Of course, they can work for many other projects so do not dare underestimate them- the truth is 15 gauge nails are strong enough for activities that need stronger nails like installing stair treads and nailing large door casings. Installing the risers before the tread can cause the riser to be cut too long and create a trip hazard. This will allow for better holding if glue wasnt used. It may take you a couple of hours (it doesnt matter anymore at this point), but its going to be the final touch that the stairs need. Nails should always go into the stringer to reduce the risk of splitting the riser and tread. Try this 20.4-mile point-to-point trail near Geisenfeld, Bavaria. Apply the second coat and again let the stain dry. We started nailing the rug at the bottom of the stairs, and we made our way up by nailing the rug into each stair. 15-gauge nailers shoot a thick nail between 1-1/4 to 2-1/2 long. There are so many different types of nails out there, but when installing your treads and risers you will want to go with the Finish Nails. These nailers run on a rechargeable battery and fuel cartridge that creates a small explosion inside a combustion chamber which pushes the driver pin and sets the nail. You should also remove the carpet tack strips. Make sure you use a 45degree angle as you dont want the nails to become loose after some time. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Just so you know, 16 gauge nails usually have a diameter of 0.063 inches (compare that with 0.072 inches, the standard diameter of 15-ga nails..). Do use both adhesives and fasteners when possible. 18ga will work on stair treads with adhesive. To point you in the right direction, I will now explain the list of projects that you can use these nails for depending on the size.. As I had said before, 15 gauge nails are, in general,multipurpose and work fine even when used for things that require good holding power. Because a door is a critical line of security for all of us, nobody will want a door that is not strongly held into place. Theyre better suited for tasks like light decorative trim and molding, panel installation and crafts.
