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Stair basics

2K views 4 replies 3 participants last post by  BigJim 
#1 ·
Hello folks. I'm framing my basement (slowly) and I'm planning ahead on the stairs. Currently I have the walls studded on both sides. My question is: drywall down below the stairs, then skirt boards over that followed by the treads and risers? I'm thinking I want to maintain 2X treads and carpet when finished.
If anyone has pictures at any points along the way, please post them.

Thanks in advance.
 
#3 ·
once you test fit the stringer and you're happy with it, you'll cut a 2X4 the same length and angles top and bottom, and screw it to the studs along the bottom of the stringer. this will be your "spacer" for skirts and sheetrock.

then you frame the stringers, screwing the two sides onto the spacers. then sheetrock down to the spacer. then skirtboards. your risers will be scribed tight to the skirtboards (they'll wind up going over the treads just slightly), then same with the treads.

good luck.

also, save yourself a lot of aggravation and buy one of these "how to build stairs" books on amazon.
 
#4 ·
Thanks for the info. :thumbup:

My stairs are already built and in place. I studded walls on both sides. The existing treads are 2X10's but every other one is curled across the 10" span. So I will cut new treads in the end.
So, if I understand correctly, attach a 2X4 across the studs at the same angle as the stringer and cut the drywall to match that followed by the skirt board? The skirt board and trim above it will be painted when I'm finished. What wood would be best for the skirts? plywood? , 1X's or other?
 
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