Cut and Install Top Plate

What happens in this clip

Take a piece of wood intended for the top plate and set your table saw to a 31-degree bevel. Cut a 31-degree bevel on both sides of this wood piece to match the determined stair angle. Position this top plate against the underside of the stairs, aligning it with the marks made previously. Using an impact driver and deck screws, fasten the top plate to the bottom of the stairs. Drive two deck screws into the top plate for each stair stringer it crosses to ensure a strong and secure connection.

Goal: Secure the top framing member to the underside of the stairs

What's used

Tools

• Deck Screws
• Impact Driver HAUS PLANS
• Table Saw
• Miter saw (if board fits)
• Wood for Top Plate

About the full video

This project guides you through building a sturdy support wall underneath a bouncy staircase. It involves precisely measuring and marking the wall's location, cutting and securing a pressure-treated bottom plate to the concrete, determining the stair angle for a beveled top plate, and then cutting and installing vertical studs directly beneath each stair stringer using screws to create a robust and squeak-free structure.

Step 2 of 6: Install the Top Board (or Cap Rail)

Cut your chosen top board material (e.g., 1x4 or 1x6 pine) to the lengths needed for each section of the staircase wall, accounting for any corner returns. Position the top board so its bottom edge aligns precisely with the level line marked in the previous step. Secure the board to the wall studs using finishing nails or screws. Ensure the board is flush against the wall and level before fastening. If using a thicker profile for the top board, consider pre-drilling pilot holes to prevent splitting.

Open this step in the guide

Other videos for this step

• Install Horizontal Board
• Cut and Attach Top Piece