How it is done
Measure rise and run
Total rise divided into legal, uniform risers. We do not squeeze an extra step to 'make it float.'
Draw to Part 9
Nosing, guards, graspable rail, and headroom are on the drawing before anyone mills.
Mill as a set
Treads and risers from the same species and grade as the floor, or a specified contrast.
Install and finish as one
Site-finished with the floor when that is the spec. Prefinished when the schedule requires it.
Correct when
New houses, gut renovations, and replacements where the existing stair is not worth capping.
Wrong when
A decorative stair that cannot pass inspection.
Questions about this method
Read further
Hardwood stairs and Ontario Building Code
Rise, run, nosing, graspable handrails, and guards — the code details that get beautiful GTA stairs failed at inspection.
Hardwood stair nosings and floor transitions
Why the nosing, reducer, and landing detail make or break a hardwood stair and a hardwood install.