Wood Steps?
Question:I need to purchase steps to replace some broken wood steps on my staircase. Do these come standard size and can purcahse them at Home Depot or Lowes? Or do I need to purchase wood and cut the steps myself?
Answers:
You're always better off custom-making them, and for a good reason.
All steps on a staircase, regardless of how many steps, should be exactly the same distance apart. If you buy a pre-made set, chances of it fitting the area perfectly are slim. And if it didn't fit properly, the top step will be too low or too high.
If you have ever walked up or down a flight of stairs and discovered a step that was spaced differently than the others - well, no more needs to be said.
You will purchase the wood stock and cut to size. Measure length and depth and thickness of the wood to be replaced.
Your best bet is to purchase the wood and cut. Call around, some lumber yards will even cut the boards for you (they usually charge a little for this). People at Lowes or Home Depot are also usually very good at giving you advise. Good for you for taking care of this, it's how we all learn how to do stuff!
You should measure your steps and then go to Home Depot or Lowes and look for some wood in that size or slightly larger. You probably don't need to do any cutting. To be sure, you should talk to someone that works in those departments in the store(s). Good Luck!
I'd buy the wood in the thickness you need. I'd cut to the size you need and I'd router the front edge.
Normally you would go to the lumber yard with your measurements and purchase the timber, closest to the size you need.
In some yards they will cut it to size for you, both in length and width. You may have to chamfer the front edge, top and bottom.
More Related Questions & Answers...