you can nail a riser ( or screw it ) to the back of your tread and install it as an assembly.. then finish nail the riser to the stringer and either finish nail or screw and bung your tread to the stringer.. a good construction adhesive under teh tread will help to seat it and keep it from squeaking you can also rabbet the bottom of the tread so it locks the top of the riser below start at the bottom.. install a riser then your first assembly ( riser nailed to tread ).. and work your way to the top.. at the top you need a landing tread or molding.. also.. this is a housed stair (enclosed by walls ) so you need a template to accurately scribe your tread ends and riser ends where they meet the skirt.. here is a jig i made from an old stop sign both ends slide and swivel and lock with the wingnuts. you can accurately transfer the cuts to the tread with something like this or make a template from thin plywood, Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore. Predrill the treads and wax the nails. Battery-powered finish nailers are more expensive and heavier than pneumatic nailers. Also, many rubber stair treads require special adhesive to ensure they are secure and wont move while someone is walking up and down the stairs. The latest cordless nailer technology relies solely on a battery, so theres no gas cartridge to change out. This will ensure that the tread is securely attached and will not be able to move or shift after installation. The use of an air gun is often the fastest application method; however, for the most professional appearance, it is recommended that you pre-drill all nail holes when hand nailing to avoid splitting the tread or riser. Using a 16 or 18 gauge finish nail will sure get the job done and the nail hole will barely be noticeable! But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Theyre also a good option for installing beads and thin stops. 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. On most staircases, each stair is a slightly different size. Can I use 16 gauge nails for stair treads? February 27, 2023 by cheapnailsalonsnearme. Predrill the treads and wax the nails. It offers quick initial grab without bracing. Stop moldings, Base shoe, cove moldingssmaller profiles are a good use here, as well as some chair rails, and a variety of woodworking projects. Brad nails are formed from a fine, 18-gauge wire, so they are smaller in diameter than finish nails and typically have less holding strength. Measure the length and width of each stair tread individually. Do know and follow the care and maintenance procedures. This may be common sense, but I've seen jobs that were left half-done where clients could trip or splinter the wood material. If the edge of that tip is parallel with the direction of the wood grain, the nail can be deflected (right). Either premix the glue and sanding dust to a peanut butter consistency and press into the nail hole or drizzle a little glue into the hole and then add the sanding dust. I do the same process for the risers as well. Please enter your username or email address to reset your password. As I mentioned, all of these nailers are available in pneumatic or cordless configurations. Error message | View complete answer on https://www.familyhandyman.com. Do apply "glue blocks," where possible, on all of your stringers prior to tread installation. Porter Cable sells one for $199 on Amazon. Use nail set if needed for clean shot. All rights reserved. This is done to ensure that the treads can bear the weight of those walking on them without buckling due to the overhang. 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. But seriously, on this topic of tread/riser design and assembly, what would you consider the max depth for that plowed groove on the tread's bottom front edge, that houses the riser's top? Stay away from the front edge of the tread, as this is visually unattractive and you run the risk of compromising the installation of the riser. 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. You also want to make sure the stairs are pre-drilled in order to prevent cracking. Utilizing the correct type of screws is also essentialself-tapping screws are best for softwood while a thread-cutting screw should be used with hardwood (or very dense softwood). When installing glue blocks, follow this procedure for a professional installation. Plan so that you dont have any kids or pets trapped upstairs throughout the installation. The Employability Skills-What Are They and Which Count the Most? Though runtime is good with these nailers, the trade-off is the weight and sometimes balance of the tool depending upon the brand. 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..). This will ensure that the stairs are safe and stable. Can you use 18 gauge nails for framing? Adhere the blocking to the risers and the stringers using a construction adhesive. What nails should be used for stair treads? Then, affix the riser to the tread using an appropriate fastener and drill. From contributor A: Dont stop until youre done with all the boards. Lets say you have a 12 gauge nail- under the aforementioned numbering system, it is thicker than a 15 gauge nail (and not the other way round). Which is better 16 or 18 gauge nail gun? 15 gauge nails are strong enough to penetrate and hold such baseboards solidly in place. Paint can cause moisture to infiltrate the wood. Some carpenters are put-off by the propane-like smell that is emitted with each shot. 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. Screw in your treads from the under side through the small blocks. 14 gauge are thick nails that find their use more in heavy projects. 16-gauge nailers shoot nails that are a little thinner than the 15 gauge and have a smaller head. 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). It forms a strong bond and can be used in dry or wet conditions. Get some white caulk that is made for trim andtake a deep breath as this phase isnt going to be clean at all. You will need a thick and robust pin like a 14 gauge nail to hold the heavy products firmly. Question No, you cant use a brad nailer for framing. An 18 gauge brad nailer is a great tool to use when you want to drive a brad nail into a piece of wood or other materials. If you do some trim work and a fair amount of woodworking, the 18-gauge brad nailer is the one to have. Once we have the desired fit for the first two rows it's time for nailing. Theyre the ideal nailer for attaching casing to window and door jambs because theyre less likely to blow out the connections. Expect to pay $270-$450 for a cordless tool-only or kit, depending upon the brand. Once both the tread and riser have been attached, use a screwdriver or drill to join the adjacent pieces together by screwing a long screw into the junction where the pieces overlap. Thanks for the suggestions and quick response. Depending on the brand, these shoot nails from 3/4 to 2-1/2 inches long. Yes, you can glue stair treads down. Yes, you can install risers after treads. Additionally, the riser should be cut to fit the length of the existing tread. When we talk about nail gauge sizes, they are used to indicate the thickness or diameter of a nail. We used 2 1/2 nails for the stair treads. Yes, it is best to finish stair treads before installation. I am redoing stair treads, risers and railings for a client. Not only do these tools shoot nails faster than anyone can hammer, but they also propel the nails at such a high velocity that they sink in before the wood has a chance to move. There are several different types of finish nailers, each categorized by the size of the fastener they fire. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. 18ga will work on stair treads with adhesive. Error message | View complete answer on https://www.electronicshub.org. Pneumatic nailers are typically lighter and less expensive to purchase. Where possible, these blocks should be installed at every wood-to-wood contact point on the underside of the stair. Below is the drawing of the nails and the specs! Now, when it comes to 15 gauge nails, they typically have a diameter of 0.072 inches. They are about 0.0635 inches thick, and they hold better. Mike..thanks for the quick response. There will be times when fastening may be limited, so a good adhesive is critical. It's what I use and I haven't had a problem with squeaks at all. ), you should use a lot of nails. Theyre no match for some dense hardwoods.. Their nails relatively large heads and shank size ensure that joints will stay tight. Don't face-nail through the tread and into the riser. It depends on the type of stair tread you are using. It has two plastic ends, and it may be a bit shorter than the width of our stairs, but its still going to work. The adhesive is much more important than the fasteners. Now you need to put some muscle into it. I would use an air nailer. 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. Sealing edges is particularly critical on closed stairwells when paint is applied to the wall or skirt board. Here I walk you through installing a flight of hardwood treads and risers. CB-10 is designed specifically to bond vinyl or rubber cove base and stair treads. . Porter cable nail gun leaking air from exhaus, Nail gun not shooting nails? Installing solid wood stair treads requires knowledge of wood grain, cutting wood, construction and using power tools. These are a great option if youre starting from scratch. Nathan explains how to select a finish nailer and its standard features. When selecting nails for stair treads, you should choose nails that will not easily come loose over time. Finally, let the Liquid Nails set up for at least 24 hours before using the stairs. 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. 16 gauge finish nailer. Without any further ado, lets take a good look at each and every step of the way of installation: Truth be told, this is one of the most time-consuming phases of the whole process. The top tread on the stairs that cannot be accessed from underneath cannot be glue-blocked. This is the size to use for fastening quarter round, baseboard cap, wainscot, small crown, chair rails, and most other trim. When selecting nails for stair treads, you should choose nails that will not easily come loose over time. Robinson holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from American InterContinental University. A framing nailer uses much larger nails than a finish nailer. Polycarbide Abrasive Wheel $6 USD 14 cu. Don't deviate from local building and construction codes. "I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. The stair treads should go on first when constructing a staircase. Ray, use subfloor adhesive and 16d galvinized casing nails. 16 gauge should be fine unless you want bigger holes to fill at the end of the job. Copyright 2023 This Old House Ventures, LLC. Galvanized nails hold better than plain steel. Nails with a larger gauge have greater holding strength and are less likely to bend than ones with a smaller gauge. Generally, it is best practice to install the stair treads first, followed by the risers. Do I finish nail by hand with galvanized nails or woud a 15 ga. finish nail gunbe OK? The tops of the stringers will never be level. 16-gauge finish nailer Like 15-gauge nailers, most 16-gauge guns shoot nails up to 2-1/2 in. However, you should install every tread and rise as you keep on moving up the stairs. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. However, they require an additional compressor and an air hose to fire nails. I've heard that firing the nails at opposing angles into the stringer instead of straight in also helps to prevent squeaks. 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. This is particularly important on closed-wall installations, because the adjacent walls will vary in width. Finish nails should be long enough to penetrate the framing by at least 3/4 inch; 1 inch is preferable. Here is what to , What size nails for nailing 24 together, Nails vs screws for deck (What should you use, Why use nails instead of screws for framing, What gauge nails for framing? As such, I may earn from qualifying purchases when you click over from our site but at no cost to you. When you find yourself installing wood treads and risers, remember these dos and don'ts to help ensure a proper install. Because pin nails dont have heads, their holding power is limited; use them to keep freshly glued pieces in place while the adhesive sets. The gauge roughly refers to the number of nails in one inch when lined up side by side. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Nails are the fastener of choice when laying down hardwood floorboards because theyre not as likely to split the wood as screws and dont mar the surface with screw heads. Whats Your Best Tip For Working With Stairs? Installing two risers is one way to ensure proper strength and performance. You could also use trim head screws if you wanted. . Bookmark with: Ray, do you have a source for your 5/8" oak ply? Looking for a specific product or a company? Oct 1, 2018. That takes us back to the question of what is the exact 15 gauge nail diameter. Now, considering that 15 gauge nails have good holding power and a nice length range (1 to 2 ), it is as clear as day that theyre right for the job. I don't worry about pianos being moved on my stairs and breaking off a nosing. For that reason, when you go for your routine shopping, you might want to purchase all the different lengths available for the 15 gauge nails especially if you have a great deal of different projects lined up. They leave a smaller hole thanks to their small head and so are less likely to split thinner wood. Allowing for a 1 1/2-inch overhang, the minimum depth of the stair tread must be at least 10 inches. You should also keep in mind that staining comes before polyurethane. 2023 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved. Depending upon the gauge nailer, they can be heavier than the gas and pneumatic options but they are very fast and plenty powerful. September 5, 2006. Need to know how to pick the right finish nailer? What is the meaning of business ecosystem? We are your foremost source of everything about nailers- usage guides, troubleshooting tips, nailer recommendations for various jobs, and more. Can I use a nail gun for stair treads? Pneumatics cost around $110-$240 depending upon the brand. 2019 apathappears.org - All right reserved. If thats a no go for you, you should start with staining the wood pieces. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". So, do you need them all, and which one should you choose if you can only buy one? When you are installing stairs, you will want your stairs to hold weight without any problems dont forget that humans can be pretty bulky. Deck stairs are typically made from 2 x 12 stringers spaced about 12 to 16 inches apart. PVC Old Work Electrical Outlet Box (1-Gang ) $2 USD Ask This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert has the lowdown on choosing and using the right cordless finish nailer to best suit your needs. Leave the stain to dry according to the manufacturers directions. Nails can ricochet off the wood if you angle the nailer or attempt to toenail with it. If you wanted extra strength, you could add glue just before nailing. Cove or some other decorative trim under the nosing closes any seam that isn't 100% and when glued gives a secondinsurance connection to the riser underneath. Learn how to Handle Lifes Biggest Losses with These Tips. They have substantial holding power thanks to the heavier head. If you have opted to use hardwood for your floors, you can nail them using 15 gauge nails. Do apply "glue blocks," where possible, on all of your stringers prior to tread installation. Can you use chalkboard paint on appliances? I will not mention something that you should keep in mind as we proceed with the discussion. These nailers are available in pneumatic and cordless configurations. All Things Wood Floor, created by Wood Floor Business magazine, talks to interesting wood flooring pros to share knowledge, stories and tips on everything to do with wood flooring, from installation, sanding and finishing to business management. If you tear off the existing treads still use construction adhesive but on the stringers. Sixteen gauge nails have a shank of 0.0625 inches, whereas 15 gauge have .0720 inches. The difference between them is the gauge nail that they shoot. With a lightweight design and quick-release nose piece for effortlessly clearing jams making this nail gun ideal for high . The riser should always rest on the tread. In this case we're using a Senco finish nailer that shoots 18 gauge 2" nails. All 4 sides of the riser. Install the risers with a level top edge slightly above the top edge of both the blocking and the stringers. Treads and risers are created to be consistent with the care and maintenance of the matching flooring manufacturers' products. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Also, no flooring was installed over the profile at the time of install, leaving it more susceptible to further damage and failure. What happens if humans travel at the speed of light. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I got a quote for 1/2" awhile ago and I was sure the supply house had 5/8". For best results, you should make sure the treads have been properly measured and cut, and then use a level to make sure they are properly aligned. Because it is thicker, it holds better than 18-gauge brads. Use the pencil for marking the boards (you can also use the utility knife for scoring as its not going to leave any marks). Risers are the vertical boards that are placed beneath the treads to create the riser-tread combination. Adjustable Spring Loaded Plastic Access Panel $16 USD 4-1/2 in. You can do stair risers with them, and theyre a good option to nail down tongue and groove flooring like near a wall or in a closet where a flooring nailer wont work. When installing stair treads or risers, it is important to ensure that each step is installed correctly and safely. For stair treads, what size nails do you use? 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. Even though its tempting, you should stay on the safe side and not paint the side stringer trim before youre installing the treads. Additionally, in many cases, using nails can void the warranty of the treads, as it is considered to be an improper installation. If you have never used construction adhesive you need to know the bond is permanent. No, that is not a typo. Youre wearing safety glasses and hearing protection (as shown above). 15 gauge nails vs 16 gauge nails- Which way should you go? This creates an effective edge to catch the foot of the user and prevent them from slipping or falling while using the stairs. By: Author Olin Wade (Remodel or Move Stuff). What nails should be used for stair treads? 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. This 18 gauge combination air nailer/stapler offers a 2-in-1 benefit by driving brad nails or staples. 15-gauge nailers shoot a thick nail between 1-1/4 to 2-1/2 long. Depending what type of trim you're doing, 16ga is commonly used on door & window trim. Personal Development-What it is and why its important, 4 Tips For Troubleshooting A Broken Furnace. If the carpet goes all the way to the upstairs landing, its better that you begin with cutting it at the top of the stairs. The construction adhesive should hold the treads nicely. The head is slightly larger than the 16 gauge nail. Finally, it is important to remember to use a sealant on any screw heads, in order to provide a waterproof seal and prevent rust. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Also, it can be used to fasten thicker, denser pieces of wood. They rest on a solid foundation and are attached to the deck with hangers. Before pulling the trigger, place the nailers nose firmly against the surface. This gun should be relegated to tasks like mitered returns or attaching thin moldings or other details to wood. If you are using PL400 construction adhesive under these treads then the finish nails are just holding the treads in place until the adhesive cures. $3999 ($6.67/Item) Save 5% with coupon. This task also requires a bit of patience to complete but the result is a beautiful staircase that will last for decades. The old treads were shitty particle board glued and nailed to three 1-1/2" wide stringers: one near each end and one in the middle. 18ga is the most universal, but doesn't have the best holding power if you're not using a supplemental adhesive. The large bad-boy Hitachi nail gun is the one I got from Lowes earlier in our project and we used it for all the board and batten. WOODWEB is a registered trademark of Woodweb.com. Can You Really Go Back to School as a Working Adult? Using a 16 or 18 gauge finish nail will sure get the job done and the nail hole will barely be noticeable! 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. Stair treads are installed starting at the bottom step, so that will be step one. 18-gauge brad nailers shoot a thin nail between 3/8 to 2 depending on the model. Generally, wooden stair treads are installed using nails and sometimes construction adhesive. This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. But caulking and wearing them in, and walking on them is going to help after a while. Stair Tread Template Tool, Stainless Steel Stair Tread Gauge with Scale, Adjustable Length Stair Jig Measuring Range 10.4-53.5 Inch, 360 Rotation Suitable for Stair Treads Risers Shelving. Any help would be much appreciated. ], 8d nail diameter and other questions about 8d nails answered. 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 too are available in cordless and pneumatic options. The blade of the miter saw must cut the wood on the waste side of the marked line or your stair tread will be too short. -thick baseboard and trim. Error message | View complete answer on https://www.liquidnails.com. Keep working your way up the steps always putting your riser in first, followed by the tread. Metabo features a model for $152 on Amazon. Brad nails are less expensive than finish nails. With these nailers the driver mechanism is different than the other two styles theres compressed air or gas housed in the head and a piston that drives the pin down. Pneumatics (such as this model by Senco) cost around $170-$200 depending upon the brand. We used 2 1/2 nails for the stair treads. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. When using just adhesives, kerf the stair bottoms first. That's not a common thickness for oak ply at my suppliers. Its also a good choice for more demanding jobs like nailing doorjambs or stair treads. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. You can get away with 18ga on baseboards, chair rail, etc. The hole is substantial compared to the other options. Squeeze a second bead along the back side of the tread, the side that will be butted up against the riser. In regards to proper adhesive for 3-4 tongue groove, gorilla glue is widely used and recommended for stair parts. 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. Before that, let us speak about the length of these nails(it is not fair to talk about 15 gauge nail diameter and fail to mention how long these nails are). Do ensure that you measure properly. Remove the battery when you adjust the tool or fix a jam. Most carpenters dont install pre-hung doors with this gun. Especially, yoursuggestion for making a stair jig. Bevel cut the 3 edges on the under side of your tread, as so you will get a better fit. The best thing is that it is very handy and can provide an intricate finish. Now, unlike the penny size of a nail, the gauge size has a somewhat funny numbering convention under which the bigger the gauge number, the thinner the nail is. In this article, we will look at the 15 gauge nail diameter and how it makes the nail so all-around. When we talk about framing nails, we are talking about thick nails and as youre aware, frames are the skeletal structure of any building. Error message | View complete answer on https://placeofmytaste.com. LIQUID NAILS Cove Base & Stair Tread Adhesive, (CB-10), is a water-resistant, latex-based construction adhesive. Get some wood filler for filling the holes afterward. Error message | View complete answer on https://wood.tools4.co.za. 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. However, you may tape off the stairs, painting the trim instead. Nails should always go into the stringer to reduce the risk of splitting the riser and tread. Two coats are going to be needed with the first coat soak into the wood, whereas the second one is for protecting the wood. Because most of them fire headless pins or very small-headed pins, theyre often used in conjunction with glue and therefore end up typically acting as a temporary clamp. Expect to pay $270-$450 for a cordless tool-only or kit, depending upon the brand. They require no maintenance though when they are down, they need to be sent in for service. The DIY Guide to Installing Stair Treads Our Tennessee Home, How to Install Wood Stair Treads Without Showing Nail Holes | Home Guides | SF Gate, How to Repair a Rotting Porch Railing | DoItYourself.com, This is a lyrical guide that addresses the deep human yearning to make a difference. This article appeared in the Summer 2022 issue of This Old House Magazine. Never nail into a block from either a tread or a riser. 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. For older homes that may have settled, or newer homes where workmanship is less than perfect, there are specialized tools available that can create an exact template of the tread or riser including length, end angles and depth. Nail each tread or riser into each stair stringer with 8-penny finish nails. These nailers are available in pneumatic and cordless configurations. Make sure to follow these basic safety precautions every time you pick one up: To ensure that a finish nail goes straight through the wood and doesnt exit out one side, align the nailers magazine perpendicular to the direction of the wood grain (left).