On 9 Mar 2004 08:06:34 -0800, (Mike) wrote:

David Alexander wrote in message . ..

Before you start I would recalculate the layout, i.e. the rize and
run. I find that many times old stairways off, new ones too.
Especially when changing finish. Ideally all the _finished_ riser
heights should be within 1/4". You will probably have to do some
shimming.

When I get to the main stairwell I'll have to measure everything up
again. I last pulled those steps up to look around a couple years
ago.

As for the small set of steps I'm doing first, you wouldn't believe
how uneven they were. I measured them up before demolition so I'd
have a record. When I pulled them up I found there weren't any actual
stringers. The first tread sat on top of a 2x4 frame sitting on edge.
The second step had a 2x4 on face sitting on the first frame and then
another 2x4 frame on top of that. The final step up is to the tile.
The runs were 11-1/2" and 12". The rises were 5", 4-3/4", and 6-1/2".
My new steps will all be consistent.

At least I know the main stairs have stringers and hopefully they're
more consistent.