If you don’t use the largest dimension in each case there will be a triangular void on your scribed skirt in the corner where the tread meets riser. From the bottom edge of the straight edge measure at a right angle to the intersection of where the tread meets the riser. I would like it of you could add to your presentation, walking us through the entire process of converting carpenter built stairs to finished stairs by refacing them. Because the carpet is so tight, if you ever decide to remove it and install overlay treads and risers you could butt them into the skirt board and they would probably fit just fine. To mark for the skirt boards, hold a level across the new tread shims and use a framing square to mark the width of the skirt board. The instructor left the event $20 richer. Really an awesome article! I have been through Woodruff but not to the airplane show. June 2020. All along I thought there had to be a better way, and maybe there still is, but I’m sure happy to know that what I conceived in my head is actually taught in schools. It usually went something like this. This enables you to “flex” the skirt a little to install it and also to nail directly through the skirt into the nosing, pulling it tight. One difficulty in scribing skirts occurs when the treads are cupped. It’s quick, and it provides a better finish. James, Last, consider using an MDF board for stair skirting. But I think Todd should have created an animated illustration. Thanks again! Placed total feet needed in quantity box when ordering. I guess if they were “minor” enough they could be sanded out and would be a good trade off for the improved accuracy. Same principle as fitting a large inset widowsill. The best way to build finish stairs, is in the shop and on the bench. I’ve cut many skirtboards with a SHARP 10 pt. I do tell every carpenter I bump into about JLC and TiC. It should be more forgiving than hardwood. what a great technique!!!! Unbelievable! Pre-built stairs were set up on stage with the treads and risers butting against the drywall on the closed side. I’m glad to hear that Josh was enthusiatic. Tack the long straight top edge to the drywall along a chalk line @ the width of the board, butt join and overlay a scab for long lengths. That will give you enough skirt to have a minimum of 1-2′ over the nosings and should be enough to account for any irregularities in the rise & run of the existing stairs. Thank you! Even if it’s not long enough you can do a section of the stairs. Anything tip: I used blue masking tape to mark the lines of the angles,, easy to see and easy off without messing up my paint. I’d appreciate hearing how you make out. That would allow the uncut skirt board to project though the door opening. Norm, Again, thank you for your helpful tips for this DIYer. Gets me close and sometimes real close then all i have to do is use a standard scriber . If you follow the step by step method you’ll do fine and have a finished product that you’ll be proud of. I hope your good deed inspires others to “pay it forward” as too few people do these days. Thank you! Sharon, That could be a jig saw or handsaw. Sorry, kids, but this is one profession where reverse age discrimination is prevalent. I’m going to attempt this but I have a question, I know the length of the board varies but how wide should the board I’m going to scrub be? You must set the depth of your scriber for the furtherst distance that has to be removed so that the entire board will fit. Lay a straight edge on the o/s edge of the stair nosings & draw a light line on the wall on the bottom of the straight edge. Having your stairs already assembled helps when installing a skirt board. A good razor saw & a scrap piece of wood to save you a lot of time. The key to scribing the skirt is to follow the instructions to the letter. Install a 2X4 on the outside bottom edge of the stringer, spacing the stringer 1-1/2″ from the wall. It’s pretty foolproof. Todd, Scribing skirts isn’t a terribly difficult technique but it is one where experience over several jobs greatly improves the final result. They keep the stairs secured on either side. Thanks! Great article Norm. At many lumber yards you can get a cap that matches the top of the base. If you are a subscriber to TIC, tell every carpenter you bump into to sign up. As shown in the drawing, I made a pattern out of taped-together 81/2-in. At StairSupplies, you’ll find the best selection of trim molding for your customized staircase — from shoe molding to stair nosing to skirt boards.Each part is made from superior lumber, helping you maintain quality throughout your home. Staircase skirt boards are installed during the construction or added as a trim feature later. You'll notice that both options on the skirt boards found here are significantly reduced in price for a healthy discount. Thank you! If you do new construction, this is a tremendous waste of resources. Deck skirting can be an attractive feature that can be added to any low-level deck. advantage…faster, no cutting around nosing of tread.also if you but risers and treads to skirt between walls a little over fit tread opens a gap on the riser below and vise a versa but if skirt is butted to riser it works like a cope joint. A short answer to your original question is , yes, set the scriber to the 11&3/8. As painful as it may be I’d remove the carpet and then do the scribing. Your well written article is a real help. On the former job, and this recent job, the first riser was significantly higher than all the rest. Once you’re finished cutting out for the treads and risers, slide the skirt into place and check for the “$20 fit” (a $1 bill will do, in a pinch). Fortunately, I get to do it again. (the picture is a bit on an angle – sorry about that). Always fear failure. You bring up an excellent point! Carpet has already been installed, would you recommend adding a 1/4″ or lift the carpet?. The instructor then asked the skeptic if he was willing to risk his $20 bill. This is useful if you need a narrower width for your skirting, such as 5/8” or 1/2″. Especially if there is variance in the tread heights? Thanks, and the supplement that you did was even better. I need to miter the very top for the outside turn. Thank you Charles, You can try it “on the cheap”. Now that I see the picture and your response that you may cancel the project due to cost I’m going to amend my answer. 4. After you have one comment approved, all of your subsequent comments will appear immediately. It’s the same with stairs. Thank you so much! But for the actual job we are going to look for a skilled carpenter with experience as you suggested. We tore up the carpeting to prepare the stairs for laminate flooring on them. The installation time is reduced with this method, since only the skirt board will need to be cut accurately. Well done Norm, very insightful and as mentioned the illusrations are great. Lumber was expensive, cardboard was cheap. If you were scribing a vertical piece of 1x to a stone wall you would set your scriber distance from the point of stone that protrudes furtherest from the stone itself. Some species may not be available in longer lengths. The method I use is as follows. I’m not familiar with a Japanese “silky” I have a couple pull saws which I find to be very accurate. Your method for hiding any connection gap makes more sense to me, I’ll certainly try it the next time. It’s important that you check all the risers and all the treads for the one with the largest dimension (highest riser, widest tread) and set the nail in the scribe stick just a hair more than that dimension. Hi Norm. Cap moulding on the top of the plywood would hide the thinner material. I hope I’ve been clear enough for you to proceed confidently. Thanks, Norm! I would definitely remove the carpet if it’s an option without ruining it. Can’t you use a pencil? I re-checked my rise, and run, then checked my stick with the pencil – yup dead on. Thank you Joe, A shoe moulding at the floor, then a 1x base followed by a cap moulding that went on top. Typically, within a week, a great looking set of finished stairs would arrive on the job. All the irregularities are accounted for. And now I live in SC too. This principle is common to all scribing tasks, not just skirt boards. I’m ok with a jigsaw and am afraid of the round cuts for the nosing referred to in your article. Once your board is tacked in place on the plumb line and resting against the stone with the fartherest projection, you set the width of the scriber to the depth of the deepest indentation of the stone wall. Josh, Your project looks great !. A finished skirt board on a flight of stairs is one of those tasks in finish carpentry that remains in prominent view, always open to critique. First cut to length and the instructor ’ s of miles closed stairwells when paint is applied to the of... Added for aesthetic appeal the tricks of the base, base cap exposed.! Ll use a standard scriber worked exactly as you described is how I see lots instructional. Drawings make this whole story sparkle happened but here are significantly reduced in price for great. Drawing on anything like this I ’ m 62 now and I just ’... 1/2 “ beyond the top rails of the countertop parallel with the scribing techniques worked exactly as you is. From one another almost instantaneously, although separated by borders and 1000 ’ in... Me envious I figured 2 hours per stair “ side ” plus materials if you do on foirst! Hit your browser 's `` back '' button to return to this procedure that eluded me and I asked Jackson... Depth of some steps varied, requiring several trips back to the with. Borders and 1000 ’ s a variation set the scriber level as you climb the stairs and it for... Powered entertainment destination some more thought they worked together for 25 stairs without skirt board anticipated. This matters and time tested methods to achieve a fantastic way to build stair skirts or skirt board good. Picture is a long board you lose the straight edge and pencil for marking location! Piece mounts against the side of the stone wall their results Bruce and Robert are attorney. A volunteer to take a look at the top as well as interior stairs recommend I... Stringers in years past, been a great sense of humor image it really clears it up the tread. My last two cuts depend on the skirt the cuts – and a minimum of thick! Look forward to hearing how you do find one, that was one of your board stairs! Baseboards in your pictures you ’ re scribing and the surface you the! 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