I need some advice regarding renovating my existing stairs.
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I am replacing my carpeted stairs with hardwood treads and the wrought iron railing with hardwood. The first 11 stairs from the top have walls on both sides, so I only need to install the handrails to the wall (no spindles or newel posts). There is a small landing, with the last two steps at a right angle to the main flight. I will need newel posts forming a right angle at the landing and at the bottom of the first floor.
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I can buy all of the materials online or at Lowes, but I have never done stair work before. I know that there are many tricks of the trade that will make this job go a lot easier. Your help is greatly appreciated.
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Some specific questions are:
1. Do I remove the existing stairs treads before installing the hardwood treads?
2. Do the toe-kicks go over or behind the stair treads?
3. What is the best way to anchor the newel posts?
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Thanks,
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Mike
Replies
1. Yes
2. I prefer the risers in first so the tread helps hold it in place.
3. Anchored to a structeral member is the best way---- would need to see some pics of what you have to work with to come up with the best anchoring method.
"I'm here to chew bubble gum & kick azz, & I'm all out of bubble gum" Rowdy Roddy Piper
the idea is to end up with the same rise at the bottom and top steps that you have in the middle runs. your carpet is about 3/8".and your tread underneath is probably 1"1/2 for a total existing thickness of17/8". your new oak tread is 1 1/4"remove the old carpet and old tread. build up your carriage 5/8", add oak tread.now if your rises were the same before they will still be the same. as for the handrailing, leave that for the proffesionals.