How to Build Stair Curbing With Wood and Sheetrock

Curbing Basics

• Stair curbing is a decorative enclosure that forms a wall against a stairway. It does not replace the stringer, which is the structural component beneath the horizontal treads that gives a stairway its strength. Instead, curbing is primarily decorative. It also gives a stairway a more closed feeling and prevents dropped objects from falling off the ends of the treads.

Types

• Stair curbing can take one of several forms. When the stairway rises against a solid wall, the curbing can be made from sheetrock or solid wood that is cut to have a step pattern that sets into and rests on the stairs. The top of the curbing can have either the same step pattern or take the form of a solid line that runs parallel to the angle of the stairs. The curbing is attached directly to the wall.

  When the side of the stairway is open, the curbing is attached to the outside of the stringer. The curbing rises above the treads and forms a wall until it ends with either a solid angle or a step pattern.

Cutting

• Cutting stair curbing begins with careful measuring. Prepare a sketch of your stairway and determine the height and shape of the curbing. Cut sheetrock panels to size with a drywall saw; cut solid wood with a circular saw. Hardwood trim for the top of the curbing is a popular form of decoration, especially if the curbing will sit below vertical balusters and a handrail. Cut wood molding with a miter saw to give the proper angle where it abuts the existing stairway design.

Installation

• The easiest way to install stair curbing made of wood or sheetrock is by nailing it directly to the wall or stringer. Countersink the nails and cover their heads with spackling compound so that the curbing will be suitable for painting. If you're building a new stairway, install the curbing before installing treads and risers. This will eliminate any small gaps between the bottom of the curbing and the stairway. Carpeted stairs will help mask this effect, but installing sheetrock or wood curbing can damage carpeting already in place unless you cover it thoroughly.