How to Build Wood Risers

Risers are the boards that are installed vertically on stairs below each stair tread. They install directly to the stair stringers. While you could purchase prefabricated risers, you can make your own out of any dimensional wood. This will give you the ability to select the species of hardwood to match the rest of your project or existing woodwork. It is important when building custom stairs that you comply with local building codes. Risers generally range from 5 to 7 3/4-inches wide. However, your particular area may have specific requirements.

Tape measure
Hardwood boards, 1-by-10 inch, 96-inches long
Table saw
Miter saw
Fine-grit sanding pad

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the distance from the top of the part of the stringer where the stair tread rests to the top of another. This is the width required for the risers. Measure the width between the inside edges of the stringers. This is the length required for the risers.
- 2
  Rip the 1-by-10-inch boards to the width required for the risers on the table saw. Adjust the fence to the required width and lay each board flat against the surface of the table as you guide it through the saw in an even motion to complete each cut.
- 3
  Measure and mark the boards to the length required for the risers. Cut each riser to length from the board by placing it flat against a miter saw and pulling the saw through the wood in an even motion at the pencil mark.
- 4
  Sand the edges with a fine-grit sanding pad until they are completely smooth. The risers can be installed with the rest of your stair parts.

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Woodworking