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Staircase Construction 101: Debunking the “Risers on Treads” Myth No, risers do not sit on treads. This common misconception stems from a misunderstanding of the fundamental structure of a staircase. Let’s delve deeper into the anatomy of a staircase and explore why this notion is incorrect. Anatomy of a Staircase: The Supporting Structure A staircase […]
What is a Floating Stair Tread? A floating stair tread is the horizontal stepping surface of a staircase designed with open risers, creating an illusion of the treads “floating” without visible support beneath them. This unique visual effect is achieved through clever engineering and design, where the treads are typically anchored to a central stringer […]
Should You Put a Runner on Wood Stairs? In short, yes, installing a runner on wood stairs is often a wise decision. It enhances both safety and aesthetics, while also offering practical benefits like noise reduction and protection for your hardwood investment. The Benefits of Stair Runners on Wood Stairs Enhanced Safety: Wood stairs, especially […]
Stair Treads vs. Retreads: Understanding the Difference In essence, a stair tread is a complete replacement for the existing step, while a retread is a thinner overlay designed to cover the existing step without full removal. This distinction leads to differences in installation, thickness, and applications. Stair Treads: Full Replacement for Existing Steps Complete Replacement: […]
How to Finish Stairs to Prevent Slipperiness Achieving a non-slip finish on stairs is crucial for safety, particularly for outdoor staircases exposed to the elements. While doormat-style covers and rubber treads offer quick fixes, several other effective solutions can provide long-lasting slip resistance. Understanding the Causes of Slippery Stairs Several factors contribute to slippery stairs: […]
What are the Most Comfortable Riser and Tread Dimensions for a Stairway? While a riser height of 7 inches and a tread depth of 11 inches is a commonly accepted standard for comfortable stairs, the ideal dimensions may vary depending on individual preferences and the specific context of the staircase. Understanding Riser Height and Tread […]
What is the Most Comfortable Stair Tread Depth? While building codes mandate minimum stair tread depths for safety, comfort is a more nuanced consideration. Though an 11″ tread depth is considered code-compliant for egress stairs, a slightly deeper tread, around 10-12 inches, is often perceived as more comfortable for most individuals. Understanding Stair Tread Depth […]
Do Rubber-Backed Stair Treads Work? In short, yes, rubber-backed stair treads effectively enhance safety and protection on your staircases. The rubber backing provides a secure grip on the stair surface, minimizing slippage risks, particularly on smooth surfaces like hardwood or tile. Moreover, stair treads safeguard your stairs from wear and tear, preserving their appearance and […]
Can You Put New Stair Treads Over Old Ones? Yes, you can put new stair treads over existing ones, and it’s a common practice in home renovations. This process, often called “retrofitting” or “refacing,” offers a cost-effective and less disruptive way to update your staircase’s look and feel without completely rebuilding it. Prefinished stair treads, […]
Stair Rods on the Bottom Step: Yay or Nay? The short answer is yes, it’s perfectly acceptable and even recommended to install a stair rod on the bottom step of your staircase. The placement of the bracket will differ slightly compared to other steps, but the overall process remains straightforward. Stair Rods 101: Function & […]