Measure, Cut, and Install New Risers

What happens in this clip

Once the staircase is prepared, the next step involves cutting and installing the new risers. Each riser, which is the vertical board between two treads, needs to be precisely measured for its height and width. The video showcases white risers, which suggests they are either pre-painted plywood or MDF boards. Using a measuring tape and pencil, transfer the dimensions to the new riser material. Cut the pieces using a miter saw or circular saw for straight, clean edges. Apply a generous bead of construction adhesive to the back of each cut riser and firmly press it into place against the vertical face of the step. For added security, the risers can be fastened with a nail gun or hammer and finishing nails. Ensure all risers are flush and level before the adhesive sets.

Goal: Install new, painted white risers on each step of the staircase.

What's used

Tools

• Caulk Gun
• Level
• Measuring Tape
• Miter Saw
• Table saw
• Nail Gun
• for a quick and strong hold.
• Pencil
• Safety Glasses

Materials

• Construction Adhesive
• Finishing Nails
• Riser Material (Plywood or MDF)

About the full video

This video presents a dramatic before-and-after showcase of a staircase renovation project. Although the step-by-step process is not explicitly demonstrated, the visual transformation implies the installation of new wooden treads and painted white risers onto an existing, worn timber staircase. The project includes addressing both standard rectangular steps and complex winder steps, culminating in a modern and refreshed aesthetic for the entire stairway.

Step 7 of 8: Install Risers (if applicable)

If your stairs have separate riser boards, install them now. Cut the riser material to fit snugly between the underside of the new tread and the top of the tread below. Secure the risers in place using construction adhesive and finishing nails or screws. Ensure the risers are flush and create a clean vertical line. This step may not be necessary if your stairs have integrated risers.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Install Treads on Stairs with a Mid-Stair Landing

1. Step 1: Assess Existing Stair Treads

   • 0:00–0:13 Assess Existing Stairs and Planning
   • 0:01–0:04 Remove Stair Covering
   • 0:00–0:56 Assess and Remove Old Stair Treads

2. Step 2: Measure and Template Treads

   • 0:55–1:13 Measure and Mark Tread and Nosing
   • 0:57–1:16 Measure Treads and Mark Laminate
   • 0:29–0:45 Mark and Cut New Stair Treads

3. Step 3: Cut New Stair Treads

   • 1:16–2:13 Measure and Cut New Stair Treads
   • 4:34–5:55 Measure and Cut Treads
   • 2:07–2:42 Mark and Cut Your Treads

4. Step 4: Prepare Tread Surfaces

   • 0:51–0:57 Strip Old Finish from Tread Surfaces
   • 2:06–2:59 Sand Solid Oak Treads
   • 0:33–0:39 Cut & Sand New Treads

5. Step 5: Test Fit New Treads

   • 2:13–2:35 Test Fit and Adjust Treads
   • 1:35–1:41 Dry Fit Tread and Nosing
   • 19:07–19:52 Dry-Fit and Test Treads

6. Step 6: Apply Adhesive and Fasten Treads

   • 2:32–3:28 Install First Tread and Riser
   • 1:24–1:35 Apply Adhesive and Install Treads
   • 9:53 Install New Treads

7. Step 7: Install Risers (if applicable)

   • 1:24–2:00 Install Risers
   • 0:04–0:08 Measure, Cut, and Install New Risers (this video)
   • 3:28–6:52 Install Remaining Treads and Risers

8. Step 8: Fill Screw Holes and Finish

   • 4:25–4:47 Fill Gaps and Nail Holes
   • 5:31–6:06 Apply Finish & Clean Up
   • 1:28–1:50 Clean Up and Finish