How to build a sturdy staircase using a construction adhesive

Andy Moore from Modern Oak Construction, in Central Virginia, follows the steps below to build a solid staircase using Loctite’s high-quality wood adhesive. 

If you are simply remodeling an existing staircase, you can skip the section on installing stringers and move directly to the skirtboards. However, if you are building a new staircase, you will need to start by measuring its slope before you start building. 

To do this, follow these steps: 

1. Measure the total riser height (length from the top to the bottom of the stairs) using your tape measure. 

2. Determine the total number of steps on the staircase by dividing the total rise by the average rise per step. The height of risers typically measures anywhere between six to eight inches.

3. Determine the actual rise per step by dividing the total rise by the number of steps. This will help you ensure that all steps have the same height, regardless of the total rise. 

4. Calculate the total run by taking the number of steps and multiplying that with the tread length. Treads normally have an average length of between 10 and 11 inches. 

5. Measure and cut the stringers and then install them in place. When building a staircase with just a few steps (say three to five), save time and energy by buying pre-cut stringers. Visit your local hardware store to find out if they are in stock.

6. Cut skirtboards at the same angle and length as your stringers. 

7. Install the skirts using ⅜ inch beads of Loctite PL Premium Max. When installing a staircase between two walls, install skirtboards on either side of the staircase. The skirtboards help lock the staircase together and protect the walls. Skirts can also be installed on a standalone staircase to give it a more refined look by neatly concealing the edges of the treads and risers. To make sure that the skirt stays in place, apply two beads of adhesive between each joist bay to provide adhesion between studs.

With the stringers now in place, Andy Moore moves on to installing the risers and treads. 

1. Cut and fit the risers to the staircase measurements. Risers (toe boards) play an important role in creating a sturdy staircase by securing and stabilizing the stringers. 

2. Apply a ⅜ inch bead of adhesive along the front of each stringer, where the risers are to be installed.

3. Drill four pocket screws into the skirtboard as the adhesive cures. While the adhesive acts as the bond between the risers and stringers, the pocket screws draw the skirt toward each riser. The tread and a small trim detail beneath each tread will be used to hide the screws. 

4. Repeat this process for all the risers. 

5. Find the actual angle of the treads using a stair jig. 

6. Cut the treads to size using a circular saw before installation. 

7. Apply a bead of adhesive along the top of each stringer where the treads will be installed.