What goes on first stair tread or riser?

Staircase Construction 101: What Goes On First, the Stair Tread or the Riser? Unveiling the Sequence of Installation

Brief Summary

In the conventional staircase construction process, the risers are installed before the treads. This order facilitates structural support, visual uniformity, and the incorporation of the tread nosing, contributing to a safe and aesthetically pleasing staircase.

Expanded Answer

When embarking on a staircase project, understanding the correct sequence of installing its core components, the treads and risers, is crucial. While it may seem like a simple question, the order of installation significantly impacts the staircase’s structural integrity, visual appeal, and overall functionality. So, let’s explore the question: In staircase construction, which component takes precedence, the stair tread or the riser?

Risers: The First Building Block

In standard staircase construction practices, the risers are typically installed first. This sequence offers a multitude of benefits that contribute to a well-built and aesthetically pleasing staircase:

1. Structural Foundation: The risers, when securely fastened to the stringers (the inclined support beams), create a solid vertical framework that serves as the backbone for the treads. This structural foundation ensures that the treads have adequate support to withstand weight and movement without flexing or sagging.
2. Consistent Rise Height: Installing the risers first establishes the vertical spacing between the treads, ensuring a uniform rise height throughout the staircase. This consistency is not only visually pleasing but also crucial for user safety and comfort, promoting a natural and predictable stride during ascent and descent.
3. Tread Nosing Accommodation: The treads, which are installed on top of the risers, usually extend slightly beyond the riser’s face, creating a small overhang called the nosing. Installing the risers first allows for precise placement of the treads to achieve the desired nosing projection. The nosing serves several functions:
   • Visual Cue: It provides a distinct visual boundary for each step, helping users identify the edge of the tread and reducing the risk of missteps, particularly in dimly lit areas.
   • Foot Space: The nosing adds a bit of extra space for the foot to comfortably land on the tread, especially during descent.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: It contributes to the overall visual appeal of the staircase by adding a subtle detail and breaking up the monotony of the vertical risers.

Exceptions and Variations

While the riser-first approach is the norm, certain scenarios may call for a different installation order:

• Open Riser Staircases: In open riser staircases, the risers are omitted, leaving the space between treads open. This design creates a more open and airy feel, but it may necessitate alternative construction methods or additional safety considerations, such as ensuring adequate spacing between treads to prevent falls.
• Retrofit Stair Treads: When replacing existing stair treads, the new treads may be designed to fit over the existing risers, eliminating the need to remove and reinstall the risers. This can be a time-saving and cost-effective solution for staircase renovations.
• Custom Staircase Designs: Certain unique or custom staircase designs may deviate from the traditional tread-over-riser configuration. The specific installation order will depend on the design, engineering considerations, and the expertise of the builder or contractor.

Importance of Proper Installation

Regardless of whether you install the risers or treads first, ensuring their secure and proper attachment to the stringers is of paramount importance. This involves using appropriate fasteners (nails, screws, or a combination) and adhering to local building codes and regulations regarding fastener type, size, spacing, and placement.

Conclusion

In the realm of staircase construction, the question of “What goes on first, the stair tread or the riser?” has a clear answer: the risers typically precede the treads. This sequence provides a solid structural foundation, consistent rise height, and accommodates the aesthetic and functional benefits of the tread nosing. However, it’s important to recognize that variations may exist depending on specific design requirements or circumstances. Always prioritize safety, consult local building codes, and seek professional advice when needed to ensure a well-constructed and visually pleasing staircase.