How to Update Oak Stair Treads and Risers | Ask This Old House

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  • Опубликовано: 25 дек 2024

Комментарии • 528

  • @yoyoitsKerry
    @yoyoitsKerry 2 года назад +187

    I always love how Tom shows us how the ancient Egyptians did it instead of telling you to buy a $70 tread scribing tool

    • @middy774
      @middy774 Год назад +5

      Yeah the way he was doing those measurements kinda blew my mind.

    • @naterbator
      @naterbator Год назад +5

      Why spend $70 on a tool that wouldn't be able to cut treads with non straight sides.

    • @truelight3604
      @truelight3604 11 месяцев назад +5

      The ancient egyptians didn't build anything
      The Israelites, who were slaves at that time, did all the work and were masters at building Pyramids

    • @naterbator
      @naterbator 11 месяцев назад +3

      @@truelight3604 where did Joseph go to labor if nothing wasn't built by Egyptians before he brought his family (the children of Israel) to live. Do you think they just immediately became slaves to vagrants that had no structural building and only started from scratch when Israel and his descendants move in? Read Genesis again for review. Also history tells us the Egyptians are largely responsible for the shape of mathematics as we know it. Slaves do as their told not design structures using mathematical principles.

    • @millroyboy07
      @millroyboy07 11 месяцев назад

      @@truelight3604This is one instance where I can support a pedantic comeback.

  • @donktheclown
    @donktheclown 3 месяца назад +3

    Very few builders have helped homeowners like Tom has, over all these years. He's a national treasure, me thinks.

  • @c31979839
    @c31979839 5 лет назад +23

    There's a lot of projects I'm willing to undertake in my own home, but the attention to detail and patience required for something like this, is out of my DIY zone.

  • @BryanHawkins1225
    @BryanHawkins1225 5 лет назад +55

    The level of detail and slower pace of this segment is sweet. I appreciate it because in other segments, for instance the one about shingling, some of the more subtle bits of information were left out. I'm helping my parents fix up an old house, and while I can swap an engine, home improvements are foreign to me. These videos (as well as the RUclips channel "Essential Craftsman") have been valuable and confidence inspiring! Thanks you!

  • @harrismohammad5009
    @harrismohammad5009 2 года назад +18

    These guys, this show, has taught me so much over the years that I can't thank them enough. I have my renovation business now but I started with my first flip in 2011 when I use to watch this show on TV. Thank you guys.

  • @matthewdubois5399
    @matthewdubois5399 5 лет назад +155

    Using the paper for a template and to figure out the length. Genius!

    • @bigpjohnson
      @bigpjohnson 5 лет назад +10

      This video and template idea came at a perfect time. I'm about to install all new treads and risers in my house.

    • @tonyangelo1660
      @tonyangelo1660 5 лет назад +18

      @@bigpjohnson pick up a stair jig, way easier than all that mess with better results

    • @bigpjohnson
      @bigpjohnson 5 лет назад +3

      @@tonyangelo1660 I plan to, Home Depot sells the jigs for only $17.

    • @mrfester42
      @mrfester42 4 года назад +3

      Not exactly genius. It just takes an aptitude for working and solving problems in three dimensions which obviously is Toms forte.

    • @SonsOfThunder229
      @SonsOfThunder229 4 года назад

      This is how we do flash cove flooring.

  • @rodrigito78
    @rodrigito78 29 дней назад

    Tom rocks. What an awesome human being. God bless you, Good sir.

  • @Lando1020
    @Lando1020 Год назад

    Most impressive detail: pretty much zero measuring when it came to install the treads. Tommy is a national treasure. Thanks ATOH!

  • @brianfoley4328
    @brianfoley4328 3 года назад +1

    I watched a 15 second commercial in the middle....that's how good this episode is.

  • @garyewing5450
    @garyewing5450 5 лет назад +5

    Dear Tom. You and Canadian Jeff Thorman are amazing. Last forever.

  • @GreenAppelPie
    @GreenAppelPie 5 лет назад +46

    Stairs are easily the biggest pain in the ass when it comes to household woodwork. Great tips here.

  • @dekonfrost7
    @dekonfrost7 5 лет назад +94

    Honestly ive been doing this work my whole life. This is the distillation of a lifes work. Excellent video.

  • @davidb5978
    @davidb5978 5 лет назад +4

    I use a washer to scribe with. Place your pencil inside of the washer hole and press it against the surface you want to scribe. It will roll along like a wheel and make a perfect copy in a jiff. Thanks for all your years of great work Tommy.

    • @donbushek
      @donbushek 5 лет назад

      Great idea! Why didn’t I think of that?

  • @148.gforlife4
    @148.gforlife4 3 года назад

    Tom Silva is a real American hero.

  • @sam-a-rai
    @sam-a-rai 5 лет назад +8

    Tommy I would throw away my life to learn from you. Another glorious video from a true Master!

  • @ajcccjohnson
    @ajcccjohnson Год назад +1

    Tommy’s awesome! So patient and thorough. Love watching him and the others too.

  • @mattpierce2451
    @mattpierce2451 4 года назад +3

    Man that guy is so good at what he does! Incredible

  • @stlchuckhd
    @stlchuckhd 10 месяцев назад +1

    Fantastic craftsmanship! Methodical and clearl instructional approach. Awesome! 🇺🇸

  • @sideshowbob5237
    @sideshowbob5237 3 месяца назад

    I just restored our pine staircase: as in removed the worn out fitted stair carpet and restored the pine. The big difference between my job and this was that our stairs were made in 1772! Scraping away 250 years of grime and sundry paint was a hell of a job. Working until I was exhausted and had soaked two vests with sweat I managed 3 treads a day. There are 19 treads and 3 landings (and I am 77). But, at the end of it all, it looks fantastic. Pitch pine treads. [North Wales]

  • @scottwinterton7210
    @scottwinterton7210 3 года назад +2

    Tommy is the man!! Love and hate how he makes it all sound so easy!

  • @stevemcleod4608
    @stevemcleod4608 4 года назад +2

    Tommy never ceases to amaze me.

  • @run2thefight
    @run2thefight 4 года назад +2

    Hey baby! Just saw a cool video and now I’m gonna tackle that stair case remodel you been asking about! 3 weeks later.... you know what baby...it looked way easier on RUclips

  • @xmassan20906
    @xmassan20906 5 лет назад +3

    This is why Tommy's always been the best.

  • @moonpiespotlight4759
    @moonpiespotlight4759 5 лет назад +3

    I did mine from carpet to red oak risers and treads. I sanded, stained and sealed the treads and only sanded and sealed the risers. I did this before cutting them to length so there was no fumes in the house, and all the stairs and risers were done in one day (although it took me a month during the summer in my garage to do the prep, along with removing the carpet, a billion staples and sanding/cleaning the raw wood.) I needed no trim or quarter round, the install is seamless and I've gotten a ton of compliments even from the pros that did my wood floor. I've had large furniture hauled up and down, work boots up and down them... quick air can blow the dust off and wipe them with a moist towel... good as new.

    • @vikings844
      @vikings844 3 года назад

      What stain and sealer did you use?

    • @moonpiespotlight4759
      @moonpiespotlight4759 3 года назад

      @@vikings844 I used Minwax. The sealer was matte but I allowed it to settle and skimmed to get less of a matte finish but not completely glossy either.

  • @1957ChevyAndy
    @1957ChevyAndy 5 лет назад +9

    Wow. Handing out lessons left and right. We appreciate you Tom!

  • @joolwing
    @joolwing 5 лет назад +17

    Boy, am I glad to see this project! I have been holding off on doing my own because I knew I would do it wrong. Thanks TOH, I will try to do you guys proud!

    • @YAWN....
      @YAWN.... 2 года назад +1

      Aw, aint that cute

  • @ChrisT.84fan.
    @ChrisT.84fan. 4 года назад +142

    Me at 9pm: “I’m going to bed early tonight”
    Me at 3am: Watching this old house.

  • @royalmongolian6896
    @royalmongolian6896 5 лет назад +15

    Tom is my hero! I have learned so much over the years!

  • @powerWithinUs4055
    @powerWithinUs4055 3 года назад +5

    Love Tom’s presentation. Nice that all the TOH's fellas bring the homeowner along with gentle encouragement.
    Wish they could tackle a problem. It’s hugely stylish and infinitely practical…interior ramps. Seen in all the magazines, sometimes whimsy, indoor slide next to staircase, but it’s so practical, it should be included in the design.
    Age related stair issues, number one, but carrying when things can be slid….
    Also, show us how birch plywood is made. Birch is here to stay, everyone loves it. How is it made and is it sustainably harvested ?
    Love This Old House. Like Having Brothers In Law in the trades without having to buy the beer.

  • @crmcbrideww
    @crmcbrideww 5 лет назад +4

    I really love oak floors, cabinetry and trim. I don't understand why so many people hate it.

    • @Guillotines_For_Globalists
      @Guillotines_For_Globalists 5 лет назад +2

      It will be hip again in the future, trust me. Ebb and flow.

    • @scallywag1716
      @scallywag1716 5 лет назад

      @@Guillotines_For_Globalists Yes...just like popcorn type ceiling will make a comeback...

    • @Guillotines_For_Globalists
      @Guillotines_For_Globalists 5 лет назад

      @@scallywag1716 Maybe.

    • @aaronbays4
      @aaronbays4 5 лет назад

      Oak looks great on floors and on trim IMO, provided you don't stain it dark or with a gloss finish(looks like gym floors if you do a gloss finish). Not so fond of it on cabinets and furniture due to the pattern of the grain on large pieces of wood.

  • @abrajuangyg
    @abrajuangyg 5 лет назад +9

    He explains so peacefully! Thank you for this video.

  • @robertoler3795
    @robertoler3795 5 лет назад +2

    Tom...you inspire folks like me all the time...thanks

  • @singhA1968
    @singhA1968 3 года назад

    excellent job . i was thinking just i am attending my collage class . awesome professor lecture can't miss .i repeated this video 3 time and watch ,.don,t want to miss any step

  • @lovelyday2805
    @lovelyday2805 5 лет назад +2

    Tommy Silva is a Genius!!

  • @turningpoint6643
    @turningpoint6643 5 лет назад +4

    Very clever techniques. Unlike all the arm chair experts second guessing every single detail without knowing the jobs full requirements. I'd like to think I can appreciate experience, skill and craftsmanship when I see it.

  • @rickt2419
    @rickt2419 5 лет назад +17

    Tommy make it look easy again; good luck to that home owner trying to match that for the top 4 more steps.

  • @Sgtbilkoyo65
    @Sgtbilkoyo65 5 лет назад +13

    Awesome job with how to transfer the measurement from the stairway to the treads. Been scratching my head for a while about that one.

  • @SteveBueche1027
    @SteveBueche1027 5 лет назад +119

    Finish/sand the skirts before installing the treads and risers. Everything will be exposed and it’ll save boat loads of time.

    • @4KayMar
      @4KayMar 5 лет назад +1

      Jackson Brown what happens if u scratch the paint when u install those tightly fit new treads then?

    • @Mike-cq4no
      @Mike-cq4no 5 лет назад +18

      @@4KayMar Touch ups are easier than painting the entire skirt

    • @pooldug
      @pooldug 4 года назад +9

      Yup, he should of done the painting ahead of time and touch up afterwards, i also would of prestained/poly the treads ahead of time and of course i would of used my stair jug that makes a template for cutting treads

    • @mikedoe6585
      @mikedoe6585 4 года назад +1

      Yep !

    • @azachofalltrades6783
      @azachofalltrades6783 3 года назад

      M l I’ll l lol lol
      K
      J
      J
      No

  • @MrPhotodoc
    @MrPhotodoc 3 года назад

    I'm convinced Tommy is a National Treasure.

  • @sparky5267
    @sparky5267 8 месяцев назад +3

    Legend says Tom is still at this house with his paper template working on his last steps

    • @lyrich5213
      @lyrich5213 2 месяца назад

      😂

    • @codylerephoto
      @codylerephoto 22 дня назад

      lol! Was wonwdering why he isn't using a tread tool

  • @jjm6187
    @jjm6187 3 года назад +1

    I pre-varnished the treads before putting them in. Much easier!

  • @richh650
    @richh650 5 месяцев назад

    Tom is, The Man! Smart and excellent work.

  • @bel.sat.9051
    @bel.sat.9051 4 года назад

    He is very patient. Good carpenter

  • @TheFantastic2601
    @TheFantastic2601 5 лет назад +5

    Mr tom is a pro and old school the best finger up 👍

  • @scarroll625
    @scarroll625 5 лет назад +3

    I really appreciate the time and effort to get those cuts just right, but like someone once told me, “caulk is free”.

    • @ts46176
      @ts46176 4 года назад +1

      are you stealing caulking? last i checked it was a dollar or two a tube

  • @wurly164
    @wurly164 5 лет назад +81

    When I finish stairs, I do every other one, when they dry I do the ones I didn’t do, this way you have the use of the stairs at all times, just be mindful of which are the wet ones

    • @DaDaDo661
      @DaDaDo661 5 лет назад +5

      Solid tip thanks

    • @HunkMine
      @HunkMine 3 года назад

      Old stairs done normally have a rabbet cut so this doesn't really make sense

    • @himynameisdavenicetomeetyou
      @himynameisdavenicetomeetyou 3 года назад

      @@HunkMine They're just talking about applying the finish to them in two rounds-- not sure what the rebate would have to do with that?

    • @mrabrasive51
      @mrabrasive51 3 года назад

      So by using the stairs you get debris on the wet ones and it takes twice as long!..not brilliant at all.

    • @wurly164
      @wurly164 3 года назад

      @mrabrasive51 how dirty is your house. Of course, you have to be mindful of any dirt. The finish usually tacks over pretty quickly, the drying under the surface is what takes so long.
      I've done this many times with great results. How many times have you ?

  • @danejeffords
    @danejeffords 5 лет назад +4

    Brilliant tip using paper as a template! Thanks Tom

  • @baltazarlopez2743
    @baltazarlopez2743 3 года назад

    Tommy is THE MAN!!!

  • @GregCameron2008
    @GregCameron2008 5 лет назад

    Tom is a national treasure

  • @skeeter4028
    @skeeter4028 5 лет назад +13

    Another great video Tom. With the stairs open, now would be a good time to run some cables through for any electrical boxes or three way lights.

  • @galwaytribesman9289
    @galwaytribesman9289 3 года назад

    These Diy vids are so satisfying to watch

  • @a23956
    @a23956 2 года назад

    Excellent teacher. The circular saw look positively medieval.

  • @DrWongburger
    @DrWongburger 4 года назад +1

    Your videos are so professional and so demonstrative. Many thanks mister.

  • @MasterChief-sl9ro
    @MasterChief-sl9ro 4 года назад

    Be glad you don't have to figure out the spacing..I helped a friend one summer build a costume home...Them Stairs were a pain....

  • @mvred100
    @mvred100 5 лет назад +4

    That is a great video. I love watching and learning from Tom Silva.

  • @pats9414
    @pats9414 2 года назад

    Perfect example of Tom’s favorite saying. The moneys in the details

  • @SteveK139
    @SteveK139 Год назад

    Can't tell you how awesome this video was in helping me. Thanks!!!

  • @bobmartin7409
    @bobmartin7409 5 лет назад +4

    You can get a Collins stair gauge template for about $50 on Amazon. I think Tommy is great and the paper thing was pretty slick but very time consuming. If I'm ripping my stairs apart... I'm ordering the right tool for the job.

    • @bryandiel6773
      @bryandiel6773 4 года назад +4

      if old treads were tight and flush, use them as templates!!

  • @davem3789
    @davem3789 4 года назад

    Tommy is a master craftsman.

  • @red149
    @red149 3 года назад

    This guy is master of stairs !

  • @mommymilestones
    @mommymilestones 5 лет назад +1

    Ive watched this video 3 times in the past few months. Thought of using vinyl plank at bottom of stairs so why not carry it up the steps also. The wood is cheaper than the vinyl after you add in the cost of stair nose but then the measurements are off of each step by adding new wood. My stairs and basement were never finished but built as living space in 1950 even to include a fireplace that wasnt finished. I want the resale value up. DIY is the only way. Thankyou Tommy for showing how to measure and scribe the treads. It will help no matter what material I use.

    • @thecloneguyz
      @thecloneguyz 4 года назад

      If you really want to add some value to the house to learn how to convert them to drawers.

  • @loveexpressions25
    @loveexpressions25 3 года назад +1

    Since I noticed you used a finish nail. Would it make a difference if I use a Brad nail 18G gun? Thanks

  • @al3645
    @al3645 3 года назад

    Tom is the best. I’d pay to take some carpentry classes under him. 👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻

  • @moonpiespotlight4759
    @moonpiespotlight4759 5 лет назад +1

    I did mine. I sanded, stained and sealed the treads before they were cut and put onto the stringers. The stairs were done in one day since the material was already prepped.

    • @vikings844
      @vikings844 3 года назад

      Why not after they were cut ? Also what stain and sealer did you use?

    • @moonpiespotlight4759
      @moonpiespotlight4759 3 года назад +1

      @@vikings844 i didn't want the lines at the edges that can form from stain. I wanted a smooth transition. I have a couple treads with small sweat drop marks that gives it some character that only I can identify :)

  • @kiwdwks
    @kiwdwks 5 лет назад +3

    Awesome way to scribe in the treads! I'll use that method in other wall to wall situations. Thanks!

  • @cheatcanyon1
    @cheatcanyon1 4 года назад

    Tommy Silva is great! Love that guy!

  • @SDRLG
    @SDRLG 5 лет назад +2

    Finally a modern house!

  • @waltbryant0860
    @waltbryant0860 5 лет назад +1

    I love to watch Tom and the guys work. I always learn something.

  • @8585ash
    @8585ash 3 года назад

    I like the way you measured the corner angle 📐. I am going to use it for a Closet it shelf.

  • @left4dead855
    @left4dead855 5 лет назад +1

    Stair jig for what I got paper! I'm glad I watched 👍🏻

  • @robl6189
    @robl6189 5 лет назад +6

    I love all of these videos. I learn a lot of great tips. I do have a question; why not begin to sand the skirt boards before the installation of the treads and then touch up as needed after?

    • @SuperMarioQueens
      @SuperMarioQueens 2 года назад

      I think you're correct. Also, the treads are itsy bitsy too long, I think they should drop down without a hammer

  • @mikewest712
    @mikewest712 5 лет назад +1

    I just did my stairs out of maple hardwood. it was a very hard job and used every tool i had.

  • @MrOmaralamri
    @MrOmaralamri 5 лет назад +16

    Tom makes everything easier! THANKS!

  • @fsherman898
    @fsherman898 3 года назад

    I redid a couple stair sets, and they have a tread template which really comes in handy and takes the guesswork out!

    • @SinnerSince1962
      @SinnerSince1962 3 года назад

      Yeah, I mentioned that above over top of your post. Sorry, i didn't know anyone had mentioned it.

  • @sani123love
    @sani123love 4 года назад

    Tom silva always described each thing very well ...great video

  • @bg147
    @bg147 4 года назад

    That is an incredible mid century house.

  • @jimmy5540
    @jimmy5540 5 лет назад

    Best home show ever 👍👍

  • @ltreyno
    @ltreyno 5 лет назад +1

    You're the Best Tommy! Been watching you for years.

  • @ConsolidatedPBY
    @ConsolidatedPBY 5 лет назад

    In my next life I wanna be Tom Silva. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable as a carpenter, but he's Tom Silva, in a totally understated sort of way, you know, I'm gonna build this spiral staircase up to your attic, but you better have me some homemade tamales afterwords, even though I've got this here Boston accent and all.

  • @romanmaksymow853
    @romanmaksymow853 4 года назад

    Tommy is unbelievable

  • @commander_riker
    @commander_riker 3 года назад +4

    Man Tom really fixes like 90% of wood problems with shims.

  • @derekarruda5857
    @derekarruda5857 5 лет назад

    Last time I redid a staircase we used a template to get the exact scribe... Slide the end pieces into the skirts ..tighten the bolts and transfer your marks

  • @fulesmackofule
    @fulesmackofule 10 месяцев назад

    Hi, how do you cut out the tread if it is not perpendicular to the wall and you want to make the patterns parallel with the riser to look nice? Thanks.

  • @AntonyHart
    @AntonyHart Год назад

    Some really great tips thank you. Loved your explanation of using a short scribe tool.

  • @alexandrupreda4645
    @alexandrupreda4645 5 лет назад +1

    I simply love good ol' Tom

  • @TrueToad
    @TrueToad 5 лет назад

    I have been putting off a project to repair a stair step leading up to the second level that "moans" every time someone steps on it and it becomes worse as summer approaches - After watching the video I will be heading out this week for the replacement tread. The upside to the spooky step you always knew when someone was near.

  • @kvnklingler
    @kvnklingler 4 года назад +1

    Great video. Getting started on replacing our pine with oak. We have an additional challenge of existing dado'd stringers.

    • @nathanbrunetti9852
      @nathanbrunetti9852 2 года назад

      Hey Kevin, I just ran into the same problem with my stringers. What did you end up doing?

  • @charlesdibben5938
    @charlesdibben5938 3 года назад +1

    Man this method seems so tedious and confusing to me. I do hardwood flooring and stairs and we have a jig that you just pop into place and it can adjust to any angle. Easy peasy. This overwhelms me, respect!

    • @petergiannakos3741
      @petergiannakos3741 2 года назад

      I have the collins jig but haven’t used it yet. Once you get the angles for each side and lock it in the jig and transfer and mark it on the new tread how do go about cutting the angle on each end accurately? I have a table saw with a miter gauge and a sliding miter saw. I Just can’t figure out how I would transfer the angle properly from the jig to either saw. Any suggestions?

  • @terrywix6844
    @terrywix6844 3 года назад

    Tommy is the greatest...

  • @alimabraham744
    @alimabraham744 3 года назад

    This is when experience working great job 👍🤗

  • @Blackdog4818
    @Blackdog4818 5 лет назад +1

    I did just rip out some carpet on my stairs and found a 3/8ths inch gap between the riser and stair. The house is 28 years old, but is there really that much expansion and contraction in a family home with AC and heat? I'm assuming most of the wood has dried out now?

  • @johnroberts9560
    @johnroberts9560 5 лет назад +2

    Hi TOH , Happy Mother's Day Too All The Women ! 😊❤🌹🌺💐

  • @socksincrocks4421
    @socksincrocks4421 Год назад +2

    Tom and This Old House should be a mandatory course in High School and College in the U.S. I'm in shock how many people in my town do not know anything about how to fix their homes. What's happened to us?

  • @cherrybarb4651
    @cherrybarb4651 5 лет назад +1

    Love Tom. He's the best.

  • @shonkimaan9377
    @shonkimaan9377 Месяц назад

    Do I have to do framing on the basement wall before put stairs

  • @masspyro5167
    @masspyro5167 5 лет назад +1

    I saw Tom once at a garden center near my house. I was like, OMG that is the guy Tom from This Old House...LOL I also saw Roger once too at a Home Depot.

    • @darylfitz4189
      @darylfitz4189 5 лет назад +2

      I once met Baba Booey. His teeth are more gimungous in person.

  • @anurruti
    @anurruti 4 года назад

    Great video.
    1. He looks like grandpa transferring his long life accumulated wisdom to grandson.
    2. I would have sanded the stringer white scraps before putting the new treads, save you a headache doing it later the right way.
    3. The cardboard trick is awesome. Wonder if spending a few bucks more in the project and get those extendible tools makes it just faster.

  • @heru-deshet359
    @heru-deshet359 3 года назад

    The master at work.

  • @Elfin4
    @Elfin4 5 лет назад +3

    Never come across staircase with treads that were nailed through the treads, normally secured into the stringers with wedges glued into the stringers. I the UK we rebate the stringer so the tread sits in and onto the stringers, so when repairing treads, they have to be removed from the back.

  • @williamszeliga4983
    @williamszeliga4983 5 лет назад

    Check the jig on "insider carpentry" instead of using paper for correct fit. Much easier with excellent results.

    • @adamcrowe8372
      @adamcrowe8372 5 лет назад

      William Szeliga I built a jig when I built stairs to my attic remodel. It really sped the job up and everything was perfect. Made mine out of scrap OSB, bolts and wing nuts.