Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Straight Stairs
Straight stairs are common in most multi-story homes. They contain a single flight of stairs with steps going straight up from the bottom floor to the upper floor. There are no curves or swirls in the design whatsoever. It is a straight diagonal line up to the next floor.
Are you planning to install straight stairs in your home? Installing straight stairs might seem like a simple DIY project, but it is much more difficult than it appears to be. If you don’t know what you are doing, it could end up costing you thousands of dollars in repairs or modifications if mistakes are made along the way.
Below are the top three common mistakes to avoid when installing straight stairs.
1) Bad Measurements of the Treads and Risers
One of the top mistakes that people make is taking inaccurate measurements of their staircase space and each tread and riser that makes up their staircase. Every measurement must be 100% accurate to ensure the stairs are even and aligned. Otherwise, it could create an unsafe and unstable structure for everyone who uses it.
Measure the height between the bottom floor and the upper floor. Next, refer to the building code standards of your jurisdiction to determine the recommended measurements for the treads and risers of the staircase. Typically, the treads are about 11 inches, and the risers are about 8 inches. Each riser counts as one step.
2) Handrails Installed Too Low
You must install handrails at the appropriate height to make them easily accessible to children and adults using the stairs. Unfortunately, many homeowners will install their handrails too low or neglect to install them at all. Not only does this violate building codes and regulations, but it also creates unsafe conditions for the people using the stairs.
The general rule is to keep the handrails at least 34 inches above the treads of the steps but no more than 38 inches above them. That is a universal height range for installing most handrail systems on staircases.
3) Uneven Stringers
The stringers are the support boards on the sides of the steps that connect to the treads and risers. They ensure the treads and risers are secure and stable for users. That is why it’s imperative for you to properly measure and cut your stringers to align with each tread and riser of your staircase. Any miscalculations or incorrect cuts could cause your steps to become uneven and unsafe.
A framing square is a tool that most professional contractors will use to mark the walls and materials before cutting and installing stringers. However, you must have good carpentry skills to avoid making mistakes with your measurements. One miscalculation on any part of the stringer could create unsafe conditions on the steps.
Request a Straight Stair Installation Today
Only experienced carpenters and tradespeople should attempt a straight stair installation. If you don’t have this experience, you need to seek out the services of a professional stair contractor to ensure the job is done right.
Contact Vintage Wood Floors and Stairways at (703) 206-8790 to request a straight stair installation today.