Repairing Stair Risers

Remove any carpet or floor coverings from the steps with the damaged risers. Check whether the riser extends below the level of the bottom step tread or rests on top of the tread.

Determine which fasteners hold the riser to the stringer. The stringer is the supporting board, cut in a notched configuration. The riser attaches to the vertical part of the notch while the tread fastens to the horizontal segment. Use a screwdriver to remove screws, if present, or a pry bar for nails. Drive the claws of the pry bar with a hammer, then leverage the nails out of the riser. This may further the damage to the riser.

Pull the riser free, using the pry bar for leverage if necessary.

Measure the length and width of the opening using a tape measure. Measure the thickness of the removed riser. The thickness is commonly consistent with a standard board such as a 1-inch board, which measures 3/4 inch thick, or a 2-inch board measuring 1 1/2 inches thick.

Rip a board to the proper width. The width of a stair riser is specific to the stairway and determined by the overall height and length of the stairway. Use a table saw to rip, cut lengthwise, the board.

Cut the ripped board to the proper length.

Fit the new riser in place on the stair stringer. The riser fits under the lip of the tread of the step above and either fits behind or rests on the tread of the step below. Fasten the new riser to the stringer using 2 1/2 –inch wood screws or 8d nails.