How to make a quick and cheap stair tread jig (under $5)

[@rickiemendoza8649]

I found that making the 4" by 40" board just 39" long it could be used on stairs where skirt boards were not installed initially but you wanted to add them when converting from carpet to hardwood. Also, The slots in the 4" wide board worked best when they were cut 6" long. I also found that getting 2" bolts and adding a large 1" washer to secure the pieces together worked so much better in locking down the scribe boards. Your video is good, but with the above modifications the scribe tool works much better. Just my 2 cents from a lifelong DIY guy. I had the scrap wood on hand and the bolts, washers and wing nuts cost $2.50.

[@TGWoodworking]

That's awesome, thanks for this, I'm sure it will help others improve the jig. I've been meaning to make a nicer updated one , but haven't done stairs in awhile. I'll pin this 👍

[@pg8624]

Thanks, used it for my stairs. Perfect results. 30 min build and so much time and energy saved

[@TGWoodworking]

Thanks! Glad to hear that! Be sure to subscribe and check out my other videos. You may also like this - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nITXmpKEjseEm80

[@jakebonner7855]

Great simple little jig👍

[@johnrotondaro4677]

Super easy to build and works like a charm! Had spare knobs from an old woodworking jig plus 3/8" plywood so total cost of this tool was $0.00!! Thanks for the inspiration.

[@TGWoodworking]

love to hear it!

[@maxboutelle1649]

😮😍 Wow! Replacing treads, and had no idea what I was going to do. Thank you!

[@xTnT87]

Most economical and simple stair jig I found. TY

[@Tylerredrocket]

I love this sort of thing. I’m sure somebody out there manufactures a jig specifically for this, but it’s probably some fancy aluminum thing and costs 100 bucks. I know what my next little project is going to be now. Great video!

[@TGWoodworking]

Thanks, be sure to subscribe and check out my other videos!

[@akhanic]

I appreciated the brevity and clarity of the video. I'll be making one of these.

[@TGWoodworking]

Thanks, hope it worked out! Be sure to subscribe and check out my other videos. You may also like this - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nITXmpKEjseEm80

[@0REDSOX7]

Just made mine for this week’s project. Directions were perfect and can tell it’s gonna work just fine.

[@TGWoodworking]

👍

[@Wise2you]

I am not a carpenter, but redoing my stairs and happened upon here. Great affordable idea with that jig. I am a musician though, and I love that music.

[@TGWoodworking]

Hey thanks man! Maybe one day I'll get around to finish recording the album I started like 4 years ago

[@grobertson2008]

Great video I’m getting ready to put new stair treads in and saw your video. Thanks.

[@grobertson2008]

Your jig worked perfectly. 15 treads and everyone was snug and square.

[@TGWoodworking]

That's awesome Gary, glad to hear!

[@SillyHerpFamily]

That was awesome! Thank you so much for making this jig, this video, and posting it for us to learn from. I am redoing my carpeted stairs and everything else I had seen was well over $50. This will be perfect!

[@TGWoodworking]

Thanks, if you like that, you should also check out my new video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/nITXmpKEjseEm80&lc=UgzGTwyZoABrARhgntN4AaABAg

[@MakeSewingStudio]

Thank you! We are in the process of replacing our stairs and I didn't want to spend 85.00 on a tool we'd use once. We can do this! Subscribing to your channel now. :)

[@tomprovan50]

You are my kind of guy , now one likes getting soaked for something you can make yourself tkx

[@TGWoodworking]

Thanks Tom! Agree! Be sure to subscribe and check out my other videos. You may also like this - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nITXmpKEjseEm80

[@robertbowman4282]

I made mine out of 5/8" particleboard. Cut an inch off of one corner of each trapezoid, so they would butt up against the stringers. I was also able to know where the bottom and back of the riser and tread was located when I drew my cutting lines on oak stock. Thanks for the video.

[@Funwithnine]

Just what I needed this morning!! Thanks so much!!

[@greggmcdonald5431]

Great video! Thanks for making it. I'll be making one of these in the next few days and then letting me son use it too as we are both replacing stair treads!

[@TGWoodworking]

Thanks Gregg! I hope it worked out well for you. Be sure to subscribe and check out my other videos. You may also like this one - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nITXmpKEjseEm80

[@thecasualcitizen492]

I need this. Will make it and use it this week end. Thanks

[@TGWoodworking]

Awesome, I hope it worked out well for you! Be sure to check out my other videos and subscribe, I'm in the process of making more. You might enjoy this one as well kzbin.info/www/bejne/nITXmpKEjseEm80

[@tombrownrigg8794]

Nice work

[@exicee]

About to do my first set of treads and risers. I liked this jig and appreciate the video. Thank you

[@TGWoodworking]

Thanks! You should check out my newer videos too! I think you'll enjoy as well 😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nITXmpKEjseEm80

[@PaulKentros]

Great tool thanks!

[@user-rb9oo7tc2x]

Youre a lifesaver. Thank you!

[@bosleyk2000z]

Thanks, I think I can do this. 58 yo female. I'm gonna do my stairs. Wish me luck.

[@ernieball2324]

As interested as I was in the tread jig I suddenly found myself Shazaming your background music. when Shazam couldn't pick it up I continued reading your description and found out it was yours. Good job on both projects. You ARE the Cats ass! ( hoping that's good)

[@TGWoodworking]

Wow, thanks Ernie! I've only been working on my first album for like 15 years 🤣. You should check out my other videos too, I have more original music in some of them as well, and in this newer video too! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nITXmpKEjseEm80

[@karlswartz1308]

Good job, neat & easy! If you mark your treads and risers against a backstop, you won't have to check that the back is aligned ok.

[@frontporchswingin1359]

Nicely done. I was looking to purchase stair tread guide, and I found your video. If I can make it myself I will, and you've helped thank you again.

[@TGWoodworking]

Thanks! You should check out my newer videos too! I think you'll enjoy as well 😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nITXmpKEjseEm80

[@bryanwensley1613]

Thank you my friend. Saved me so much aggravation!!

[@TGWoodworking]

Thanks! If you like that, you should also check out my new video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/nITXmpKEjseEm80

[@ernestoalicea4594]

Beautiful work

[@yakkiebush5671]

Good job

[@JohnMartinez-sm1sk]

Great idea, stairs look awesome

[@g.fortin3228]

Nice ! Was going to buy one but nope.. I'll make it .. Nice easy method there ! Thank you !

[@TGWoodworking]

Awesome, hope it worked out! Be sure to subscribe and check out my other videos. You may also like this - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nITXmpKEjseEm80

[@g.fortin3228]

@@TGWoodworking came out great ! Its ready for when i do the stairway. waiting till warmer weather because I'll be pre-finishing/drying the treads in the garage..too cold right now

[@mikecarpenter885]

I will be making mine tomorrow...have 11 stairs to do soon.

[@TGWoodworking]

Thanks Mike, hope it worked out! Make sure to subscribe and check out my newer videos too! I think you'll enjoy this one as well 😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nITXmpKEjseEm80

[@cocodong9912]

Smart & brilliant. That is what I need to do my projects. Thanks.

[@TheAlexnino]

Well done man

[@sandrachavez7529]

Great DIY, I really appreciate how simple this is to make. Nothing too complicated. Thanks again!

[@TGWoodworking]

Thanks! Make sure to subscribe and check out my newer videos too! I think you'll enjoy this one as well 😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nITXmpKEjseEm80

[@robhaskell4043]

Beautifully done, sir!

[@MrBagocsaba]

I am the next carpenter who never seen this jigs :) Awsome! realy smart and simple! Thx!

[@peterlafayette5595]

Very nice. At first I thought whoa.

[@brucemccormack2308]

What did you think after that?

[@b9y843]

Thank you so much. I made the tool following your instruction and spent $6 at Home Depot . It works and measurement is on spot. Thank you for sharing.

[@TGWoodworking]

🥰

[@junangeles]

Thanks for this idea!

[@EchoNine3]

I really just wanted to say THANK YOU for taking the time to post this. It was super helpful.

[@TGWoodworking]

Awesome man, glad you enjoyed it!

[@RAMIREZ162]

thanks for sharing your skills

[@joez7678]

Looks simple to make , thanks so much !

[@TGWoodworking]

Thanks! Make sure to subscribe and check out my newer videos too! I think you'll enjoy this one as well 😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nITXmpKEjseEm80

[@tradewinds2319]

I like that saw. It's worked well for me over that last 6 or 7 years. Regularly use my old Hitachi 8.5" too.

[@frameriteairdrie578]

I like that music!

[@hassanfawzi4117]

Nicely done !

[@TGWoodworking]

Thanks Hassan! Make sure to subscribe and check out my newer videos too! I think you'll enjoy this one as well 😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nITXmpKEjseEm80

[@ScottRGarcia123]

Good video. Why not the tread to be installed first then the riser? The reason I ask is because the top of the riser will be snug under the under part of the tread, and the bottom of the riser will overlap the crack where the riser meets the tread, therefore not allowing debris/dirt to fall into the crack. IDK, just wondering. Anyone?

[@TGWoodworking]

That is how I do it now. When I was doing this video, I hadn't done stairs in awhile, so forgot my order of operations.

[@ScottRGarcia123]

@@TGWoodworking Thank you for confirming. What type of material did you use for the riser? Please advise.

[@scottwright388]

I would cut the first tread and second riser to fit. Then screw the riser into the back of the tread and install as a unit. Then second tread and third riser and so on.

[@Banguitars001]

thanks,thats a very smart and simple way

[@TGWoodworking]

Thanks! If you like that, you should also check out my new video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/nITXmpKEjseEm80

[@EL-lt4ms]

Brilliant 👏 👏 👏... I'm gonna make one.

[@TGWoodworking]

Thanks! Hope it worked out for you! Be sure to subscribe and check out my other videos. You may also like this - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nITXmpKEjseEm80

[@thierryhanot7610]

Hello sir brilliant idea ! Having vertical slot in the trapezpoid could be an additional feature (set the height or depth)

[@aaronberk1234]

I'll be making this, thanks for sharing.

[@TGWoodworking]

Thanks Aaron! You should check out my new video ! kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6LIcoKGeKmoo7c

[@mohammadbhatty9910]

Nice job.thanks for sharing your skill,which is really helpful.

[@TGWoodworking]

Thanks! If you like that, you should definitely also check out my new video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/nITXmpKEjseEm80

[@Wanker59]

Great video

[@TGWoodworking]

Thanks! Be sure to subscribe and check out my other videos. You may also like this - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nITXmpKEjseEm80

[@delilah2728]

I had my stairs done about a year ago and I wish I would have seen your video then. The guy who did my treads cut all the angles uneven and then refused to fix it. Now I wouldn't hire anyone who didn't use a tool like that.

[@stephaneviau3909]

Sadly, a lot of people who call themselves professionals and there's also tons of people who hires the cheapest contractors, I'm not judging or saying this is what happened to you, but there's a reason why Renovators charge between $15 to $50++ per hour... I'm a renovation contractor myself, and I can't even count the number of times I went to do quotes and either never had a reply on them or customers call saying hey, we hired this guy but we fired him, now we would like you to come and finish his work.

[@chejvasquez5202]

My boos cut one today alll uneven 😁😁😁

[@zfxman02]

Those stairs are beautiful. Can you tell me how you nailed down the tread?

[@TGWoodworking]

Thanks, yes I usually use a 15 or 16 gauge nail gun, withh 2" -2 1/2" nails.

[@AjGalloway95]

The real trick to these is to leave the two Ends a bit long so you can test fit all the notches, and scribe off little bits at a time as needed. Take the biggest gap and scribe that distance away from all the other treads. Repeat for riser dimension

[@TGWoodworking]

With this jig, you only have to cut once and you're done

[@dangskippy9308]

Looks great!

[@zvonibab]

Awesome and easy as, thank you!

[@Jordan-fr5ne]

Nice job! Very helpful!

[@TGWoodworking]

Thanks! If you like that, you should also check out my new video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/nITXmpKEjseEm80

[@kennethlemke9826]

Excellent

[@TGWoodworking]

Thanks Kenneth! Be sure to subscribe and check out my other videos. You may also like this - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nITXmpKEjseEm80

[@mehranfreeman6192]

Good job mate.

[@TGWoodworking]

Thanks!

[@mstrwul1]

very simple and does the job. 5*

[@TGWoodworking]

Thanks!

[@zlyzly5940]

legend

[@TGWoodworking]

Thanks! Be sure to subscribe and check out my other videos. You may also like this - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nITXmpKEjseEm80

[@texman1166]

I'm planning to remove the carpet and do this job. Great job you've done. Making a jig like this will help a lot. Looking at the final stairs, it looks like there is something underneath each bullnose. Did you use quarter round, something else, nothing or am I seeing things? Thank you.

[@TGWoodworking]

Yeah, it's a cove moulding. You can find some at your local lumber yard, and Home Depot or Lowe's. I think this was a 5/8" cove, maybe even smaller, like 1/2".

[@savann.sun1980]

our day, just the wood itself it's already 20$

[@TGWoodworking]

Not quite, but yeah, costs are out of control 😔

[@cifcig]

I see something different. You brought down the saw on the inside and then slid the saw toward you. I usually do it the other way. Is your method better in finish at the ends of cut?

[@TGWoodworking]

Yes, it's not the appropriate way, but it leaves a better cut. I also do multiple passes. Not advising it though, be safe.

[@scottwright388]

Nice job. I'm not a fan of this type of stair building because it reminds me of some overlays I've seen done by flooring companies, that were hideous. I also was in stair manufacturing for many years, mainly circular.

[@TGWoodworking]

Nice, radius rails are no joke! I love the challenge, but am actually glad I haven't done one in 10 years, lol. So stressful!

[@hijackn2890]

Great video! This might be a silly question but could you also use plywood instead of MDF?

[@TGWoodworking]

Yes, of course, use any material you'd like. You should check out my newer videos too! I think you'll enjoy as well 😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nITXmpKEjseEm80

[@louiehp2000]

Thank you, I was thinking to spend $38.00 at Rona before I watch this video.

[@philipsnyder567]

I would like list for dimensions and angle cuts . This would help as I cannot remember everything that was said when I go to the back garage and attempt to build this jig.

[@TGWoodworking]

Sorry I can't remember, but you can slow down the video and pause it where you need to. The angles are not important, but I would say 15 degrees would be fine. And make them the same depth as your treads, usually about 12"

[@spyker121]

How did you fix the treads ? Just on foam ? And risers with nails ? It can be filled and painted

[@TGWoodworking]

They're nailed down to the plywood stairs, and yes the nails were filled and painted.

[@Moskoe83]

Great video. Not sure why you pull your saw towards you when making cuts though. 🤔

[@TGWoodworking]

That was to sort of score a line, in order to eliminate tear out. If you cut correctly (starting from the front) there will be a lot of tear out on oak, so I usually cut this way. Same thing happens with routers, I usually do an initial cut backwards, and then finish going forwards, but it is not recommended for safety reasons.

[@sczernecki]

Why do you say 4" when you cut 4.5" ? I noticed this at the store as well, a 2/10 is actually 1.5X9.5. WHY!

[@TGWoodworking]

I think that was just a typo by me, when I was writing out the captions. You could make that width whatever you like. It could be 3.5" or even 6", it doesn't matter. A 2x10 being 1.5x9.5 is an entire different story, that's because the wood is 2x10 in the rough, before they dry it and smooth it down to 1.5x9.5. Hope that helps, thanks

[@TheCHRISCaPWN]

Abso-f¿

[@TGWoodworking]

Thanks! Be sure to subscribe and check out my other videos. If you like this table, you may also like this - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nITXmpKEjseEm80

[@chrismass9761]

You my friend are the cats ass....nice job!!!! And you saved around 5000.00 dollars doing this yourself....I was quoted 1500 for three steps in my family room...

[@cosullivan1357]

Chris Mass Thad absurd

[@basilyousif3077]

You can get Pre-finished Bamboo stair treads for as low as $45 for a 6' piece and just get a primed 8" x 4' x 3/4" piece of wood for a riser and you can do a whole staircase for $500 - $1000 - with 17 steps. That's what I just did.

[@user-ky6kl4hu1h]

thank you^^

[@TGWoodworking]

Thanks! If you like that, you should also check out my new video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/nITXmpKEjseEm80

[@LaughinLoneStar]

Howz about 3 pieces of poster board and a roll of blue tape?

[@utseay]

Any shots of the final stairs? Did you stain the treads and paint the riser? Looking for ideas :)

[@TGWoodworking]

I didn't get final pics. But yes, stained the treads pretty dark, and painted everything else white

[@JustMeZero988]

I know this will probably sound stupid? but what do you call the timber that you are using with the rounded off front edge? I was looking at using laminate and nosing, but the price is ridiculous so I saw your video about the jig and thought I could just use timber and stain the wood to the colour I want. Cheers. (COLOUR... lol uk spelling haha)

[@TGWoodworking]

They are 1" thick, red oak stair treads.

[@utubebula1]

I just want to know how much that Saw cost,,,, Nice Saw!

[@TGWoodworking]

Thanks! The saw is a DeWalt 12" sliding conpound miter saw. About $500 USD. Make sure to subscribe and check out my newer videos too! I think you'll enjoy as well 😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nITXmpKEjseEm80

[@yokiokinworld]

Very helpful, BTW, 4:43 and 5:18 ,where can I buy these woods? Thank you so much.

[@TGWoodworking]

It's just 1" thick red oak tread material. You can get them at home depot, lowes, etc.

[@JC-us7ye]

What type of wood did you use for treads?

[@TGWoodworking]

Red oak

[@prosciuttosangwich2777]

Thanks for speeding up the video. I can't stand these insufferably long "how-to" videos that drag on and on.

[@TGWoodworking]

Thanks! Ha ha, you'll definitely like the speed of my new video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6LIcoKGeKmoo7c

[@treich1234]

But that cuts short his sweet music selection