Walks and steps are an integral part of any home. They are usually so well constructed that it rare for a staircase or a walk to develop any major problem. Squeaking and creaking boards aside, one rarely needs to do a major repair on these parts of the house. Many experts recommend hiring a professional contractor to do this work. The following is just an overview of the process involved and should be used only as a guide.
Because of their frequency of use and exposure to wear and tear, hardwood is used in the construction of walks and steps. Your local lumber yards or hardware stores are the appropriate places to get the boards. It is best to measure each step before hand so that you can have an idea of the wood needed. You will also need to tread steps that go beneath the hardwood steps.
The first step is to cut the hardwood into the correct sizes for steps. This is very important as each step can be of different length.
If there are no bracing, add them by screwing to the riser flush. Use 2x4s for this purpose.
The next step in installation of walks and steps is the installations of tread boards. Start at the bottom of the staircase and work your way up. Nail each tread board to the back of the steps. The nails should be sunk at least 1/8 of an inch into the board. Use a nail sink tool to drive the nails in. Fill the holes with matching wood putty and let it dry completely.
For the installation of walks and steps, the next step is the laying of the hardwood steps. Take care that the steps are aligned at the proper angle. As with the tread boards, start at the bottom and work your way up. It will help you see where you are going and correct the angle of the step accordingly.
The last step in the process of installing walks and steps is the placement of noising board. This board is cut at a 45 degree angle to accommodate the corner. Finish the process by laying the carpeting or wood flooring as may be the case. When considering the wood flooring, care should be taken that the wood should match the stairs. If not, then there would be a difference in the color and finishing of the stairs and the floor board.
This process is not to be considered as a weekend do-it-yourself project. Walks and steps are important enough to warrant the attentions of a professional contractor. They are an integral part of the structure of a house and offer stability and structural strength to the whole building. A professional building contractor has experience that comes in handy throughout the process. From selecting the right type of wood to negotiating with supply stores, a professional contractor carries a definitive edge over a weekend DIY enthusiast.
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