Wooden staircases not only act as a mean of climbing up and down but they can also be work of art. It is not easy to build staircases, especially when the risers and treads are hardwood. Often, small issues arise while installing a wooden staircase that grows bigger as you advance with each step. Even well-trained professionals can face problems like gaps during stair installation.
Generally, gaps occur when the riser meets the top of the following tread, a place where you keep your foot. Whereas, the riser is the upright part of the step. The major cause of these gaps is either fault installation or not bracing the staircase properly. These gaps are unpleasant as well as can also minimize the beauty of a wooden staircase. Although you cannot see the gaps from the ground floor, they will be quite visible when you climb up the stairs. Gaps commonly occur in older homes and can also found in new staircases when risers and treads have no tolerance for mistakes. They can be less than 1/16 inch or more than ¼ inch.
Here Are A Few Ways You Can Cover Tread Gaps
Here Are A Few Ways You Can Cover Tread Gaps
- Bullnose -These are molding that comes with a rounded front and a 90-degree back that fits perfectly into corners. Bullnose has a wide range of sizes, but ¼- by ¼-inch is perfect for most wooden staircase tread gaps. In cases, when gap exceeds a ¼ inch or you’re looking for a more substantial look, go for ½- by 1/2 - an inch or even ¾- by ¾-inch. All you need to do is cut the bullnose according to the length of the gap with a miter saw, place the cut piece where the riser meets tread and make use of a pin gun nail to fix it in place. The best about using bullnose is that it provides a finished look to stairs and some of the carpenters use it for aesthetics.
- Fillers - When the gaps are too severe, use colored filler to conceal them. One of the advantages of choosing this type of repair is that it is flexible enough to move with the stairs. It is helpful in suppressing squeaks and creaking noises. You also have the opportunity to choose a color that matches with the existing woodwork of your stairs. Fillers are the quickest way to get rid of minor gaps, and you can always install molding over it if you’re not satisfied with the result.
- Cove - Cove molding works similar to bullnose and has 90-degree back, except it comes with a concave or recessed curve. It offers a touch of attractiveness to the treads that confirms good woodworking skills and the installation process is almost the same as bullnose.
If you’re planning to build two or more floors home, you need need to be careful while installing wooden staircase, where you have invested a lot. If you’re looking for a professional staircase installer in the state of New York, contact Second Generation Wood Stairs.
