Stair Skirt Board Installation Master Class | An In Depth Guide

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Thanks for your continued support!!! Stabila 48 Inch Digital Level - geni.us/Rqc9A (Amazon - Earns Commission) Shinwa Chalk Line - geni.us/0i3u1 (Amazon - Earns Commissions) My Favorite Tools - Insider Carpentry Amazon Site - www.amazon.com/shop/insider_carpentry

[@chadhouse1375]

Spencer your such a talented young man. Thanks for the detailed knowledge and sharing. I make no claims to be a carpenter but many years of drywall has given me the ability to adapt principles to carpentry. A job I’m doing the homeowner asked me to redo their stair cases in hardwood and I was very nervous but when I found your videos and watched them over and over I did my first set of stairs and it turned out beautiful! The only thing I didn’t do was add the furring strips to the stringers and I was wondering why you do that? Any answer would be appreciated so I can add it to the knowledge. Keep up the great work!

[@mattheworoark1459]

How many hours does it take you to finish a run of steps? Skirt, risers, and treads installed.

[@chadhouse1375]

@@mattheworoark1459 It took me a few days being I’ve never done them before,but the videos Spencer posted gave me the tools necessary to add to my building experience. So awesome because they turned out beautiful!

[@edmondantes4551]

I'm working in Georgia in houses that cost to build between 3 and 10 million dollars and trust me when I say this....nobody take his time like you doing a better, durable and quality job as you do.....I learn a lot from your videos and I put it in practice every time that I can.....Thank you....👍

[@kingreno35]

What part of Ga if I may ask

[@edmondantes4551]

@@kingreno35 Lake Oconee

[@kingreno35]

@@edmondantes4551 gotcha I’m in Acworth need a little help lol

[@kingreno35]

@@edmondantes4551 wish you were closer

[@louish.9414]

I know only one other Carpenter on KZbin with skills like yours.

[@wellmadeinteriors]

I have a great respect to someone who can build stairs like this

[@db0nn3r]

A lot of guys have gone to charging for their “master classes” and such in depth content, not judging them for it, but I can’t thank you enough for the exceptional content you provide at no cost.

[@glorygloryhallelujah]

Master class is a scam

[@royordway9157]

Hey Spencer, this video was very timely for me. Although I have been doing carpentry for almost 47 years, the majority of my work has been in the commercial world. I have built a lot of stairs in my time, but most were plywood treads and risers that were covered by rubber treads and risers, and most didn't have skirt boards. Right after you posted this video, I was going to do my first residential finished staircase in 30 or 35 years. Watching your video brought back all of the things that I had forgotten, and I learned a few things I didn't know. The staircase turned out great, and the skirt boards fit the first time. Next, I'm going to re-watch your pocket door trimming video. You can teach an old dog new tricks. I enjoy all of your videos very much.

[@krisknowlton5935]

Spencer, I have installed a lot of rough stairs but nothing like what you have done here, what I refer to as formal steps. I watched your videos on these steps and paid close attention. Since I used 1/2" plywood for the skirtboard I put a trim piece on the top of the skirt board. It was all painted afterwards. I started at the top of steps and started installing from the top down. By doing that I could hide all my nails. I also used Gorilla glue on the stringers when I was installing the treads. Without watching your videos I dare say I would have a more difficult time. The building inspector (who use to install stairs) told me I had something I could be really be proud of. It made the wife happy anyway. I have been in the construction industry for over 50 years and you are without a doubt the best and smartest trim carpenter I have ever seen.

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Glad it turned out well for you and thanks for the kind words!

[@matthewwasserman7709]

I didn't think I'd enjoy a 40 minute video... but here I am! What felt like ten minutes later! Great video

[@troyc333]

My fav KZbin carpenter! He explains himself clearly and includes the tools he uses to accomplish various tasks. He's honest and takes his responsibilities and job commitments seriously, but makes his videos enjoyable to watch while you learn.

[@jimcap1615]

Spencer - Bro...I’m a custom woodworker and former aerospace engineer, and I still feel intimidated by any kind of stair work. You’re a master craftsman!!! Great work 👍 BTW...I just finished making three miter-fold beams out of Ash that I’ll be installing in my client’s house next week. Your videos gave me the knowledge and confidence to tackle the job. THANK YOU!!!

[@alikia717]

I rarely 'Like' any videos and subscribe but just 10 minutes into this - I did just that. This is amazing detail!

[@paulyoull5472]

When a 40 minute video is put on by Spenser, grab a beer and be inspired… fantastic tip on transitioning different thicknesses on the mitre cut…. Thanks !!!

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Cheers!

[@lindapierce7224]

If I could give 10 thumbs up, I would. I have watched many of your videos and I enjoy them all. But this one is by far my favorite. Thank you for the drawings and the explanation of how to cut the boards at the correct angles. For those of us who are visual learners, that quick sketch of the shape of the skirt board is priceless.

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@rebscoach]

The absolute best video on KZbin!! Thank you so very much!!

[@virutasvideiro]

Greetings from Spain. Hard work on site, hard work to translate your knowledge to US,hard work to make this video. Thanks a lot.

[@evguenistarikov9954]

I love how confident you are with your measurements. I’m always struggling with remeasuring and getting doubts that cost me time and, as result, money

[@aldindelgado7013]

I like you passion! And the day we stop learning is the day we die! Very good teacher! Excellent!

[@mikefedor6089]

You are the real deal,thats how i was taught.A real tri. Carpenter.Great job

[@samuelligo7234]

Your ability to walk up an down the middle stringer is impressive! Exceptionally good video; thanks for sharing your expertise.

[@estevanvaldez2469]

I did my first professional stair job and I wanted to thank you for helping me make a living with the knowledge you shared

[@ajkustoms5386]

Ive said it before and ill say it again… Spenser Lewis has the best carpentry channel on KZbin. I work for a stair company, started about 10 months ago and i hold my own with the experienced guys but i am still learning the tricks that take the job from just ok to perfect. And this video has a lot of great tips, ill be archiving this one so i can reference it in the future for sure. Thank you for putting content on the Tube, i love watching all your videos!!

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Glad the videos are helping you out. 👍 Learning the stair trade is a great opportunity.

[@bobbymoriahyoho537]

I’m doing my first finish stair. Job right now and this video is going to be a great help on things I was not sure on. Thanks a lot!!!😅

[@barbarahenn-pander5872]

I appreciate your incredible patience in explaining and your workmanship inspires such respect. The insights on working with imperfect materials are invaluable! Thank you!!

[@billholland583]

Could you go in depth on how you know the framers framed the stringers wrong, or for carpet and or other finished floors? Thank you for everything. Your very helpful.

[@Alllivesmatter24]

Awesome work. Nice to see young people rise in the trade.

[@Victor-Manuel-P.R]

awesome work Sir a huge fan from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 living in USA 🇺🇸 👍

[@gamerbot5661]

Man what a absolute pro. Wish I had the opportunity to work and learn from somebody of this caliber. Only ever drunks and idiots on the jobs I’m on. Nice job. Just did my first stair job last week. 2 full sets, skirts, skirts 45 into the new 1x risers. Wrapping trim around the landings. Rails and posts. So much work lol.

[@RiskySFV]

Just finished my first stairway with a center landing. It turned out well, but I wish I would’ve caught this video first😏 Great job and great teaching. So grateful 👍🏻

[@juanc.mendoza632]

Hello from Easton Maryland! With all my respect and in my humble opinion I think you can run in the middle of the right skirt board you can make an inch and a half return and meet the other skirt board and finish the bullnose in 90 degrees not in 45 and avoid the the ugly meet between wood and wall. Always is a pleasure to watch your videos and thank you to share your skills. Stay safe.

[@pitpawten]

Hello, also from Easton Maryland! I just finished picking up the supplies to do my stairs and was using your other stair videos as part of my reference. Super happy to see another video of ideas waiting for me when I got home!

[@stevebengel1346]

I'm just about 45 minutes away from you guys over in Lower Slower Delaware

[@thomaswayneward]

I use that a lot, it is actually better than a 45 degree.

[@7628739]

You're very thoughtful and meticulous and definitely one of the best professionals I've ever seen . I've learned so much from watching your channel I'm still learning.

[@matthewmecham6688]

Thank you so much for this tutorial! I’m redoing the stairway at our rental, and it is a nightmare. It was built by a group of homeowners who were supposed to have an experienced contractor over-seeing the project, but he was rarely there, and the result is that the homeowners used 16-penny nails on the treads, risers, and everything else in the stairwell, ha ha. Anyway, I’m ripping out the treads, risers, and replacing a stringer. The stairway did not have skirt boards, so this tutorial is extremely helpful on how to get those installed. Thanks again! (“Oh, poo…” made me laugh. Highlight of the video)

[@khoaly7146]

I have always try to find an informative video on how to do stairs and youre amazing

[@alanviner3711]

THIS IS MAGNIFICENT WORK i WISH HE LIVED NEAR ME.. NEED SOMEONE WITH HIS TALENT

[@ryanliddicoat453]

Spencer, thank you for your efforts to help all of us improve

[@drewrose2750]

You sir have changed the game for me. Thank you!!

[@andrewroque1]

Recently did one very similar Spencer except with housed stringers, I am very grateful to have a trim carpenter on our crew with 35 yrs under his belt to tackle it with. Dealt with many of the same issues but came out beautifully. Most people never know what goes into a good set of stairs, but when I see good quality work my wife can’t get me to shut up about it 😂. Thanks for everything, your channel is invaluable.

[@AlAmantea]

I have to say, this is the very first video that I've ever downloaded from youtube so I can watch it again, anywhere, anytime. This is a wealth of knowledge and a great reference! Thanks, Spence!

[@donmunro7568]

I've been doing flooring for 32+ years. I have always tried to do as good of a job as I can. I learned from many different sources and made up lots of my own tricks and techniques. it's nice to see someone on KZbin not start the episode by saying I've never done this before but here's how to do it. Impressed by your experience and quality. Thanks for sharing.

[@kennylakits4093]

Mad skills , never knew about 1/8 miter setback for different sizes love it!!!!!

[@db0nn3r]

Your ability to explain a process is priceless. Thanks

[@davidnorgren8759]

Hi Spencer im a carpenter too and just love your videos. tips and tricks you show. Your work is always premium mate great job.

[@bjpigott1900]

Hi Spencer. Greetings from North Wales, UK. Currently working on a refurb project, and needed to fit a 4M (c14ft) stair skirt (called stringers, here). My usual tame carpenter just did not have a few hours in his schedule, and as it was about to become a ‘stop’ on the project, I decided to do it myself. I am an enthusiastic builder, but tend to leave the front end, customer/home owner facing stuff to the professionals, esp the joinery. Anyways, I watched your vid a few times, and had a go. I followed your steps as close as possible, with the kit I have (eg no angle finder) using levels and careful measurements, and cutting. And lo, it fitted like a dream. Top job, and the project can continue, at pace. So, thank you Spencer. Keep up the excellent work, and I look forward to watching many more of your vids. Diolch yn fawr (‘thank you’, in Welsh)

[@zakkshaffer3216]

I really like that you teach @ a near-if not- stain grade level, even for things you know you’re painting Spencer. I rarely get to paint anything and when I first watched your videos I almost cringed when you said paint grade. But then I seen YOUR work and you sir did not disappoint

[@handy-remodeler]

Awesomeness. Always love to listen and watch your tips and tricks. Keep on rocking!

[@lisaferrara8120]

A lot of pointers in this video!! Thanks, Spencer.

[@mltndeal5120]

This is my first time watching your tutorial video on what you do. The algorithm chosen this video by chance 😁. I'm a journeyman carpenter and I've mainly done metal stud framing and drywall with the Southwest Carpenters with local 1319 in my younger days. But during the pandemic I happened to work some side-jobs during the COVID-19 lay-offs. So I've done drywall, tape/texture, baseboards, door trim, and siding work. The customer really appreciated my work. A year and half later just last week I've done more baseboards, door trim, and crown molding. To tell you the truth I have never done a crown molding work. But I had basic knowledge of how it's done. My first attempt I did a decent job. Chaulking the imperfect joints helped hide the imperfect miter joints. After my work was done I started watching crown molding tutorials because I enjoyed the crown molding work I've done. I believe being an all around carpenter is a must. I enjoy learning new things I didn't know. I also done laminated flooring for the first time this year. My work turned out really nice too. Hopefully in the near future I'll get into trim carpentry work professionally. Practice makes perfect so I plan to do some more side jobs. Even just utilizing 1 byes for baseboards.

[@e.t.preppin7084]

I always second guessed myself when how I finished where like you came down to the landing and had to wrap around and continue so I started looking at other folks finished stairs and realized that there are usually quite a few possibilities. You kinda just have a signature you develop in how you handle those situations and you stick with it. 🤷‍♂️. The only thing I probably do differently is use a framing square to get the top of my skirt marked but I like your method plus you get your exact angles digitally rather than say using a T bevel and transferring to a board and a speed square to see what angle you have there. Now a digital readout on the slide saw would be nice! 36.3 is a bit hard to dial in the saw. I’d be lucky if I hit 36.5. Close enough. I couldn’t fathom trying to video that process,you do an awesome job at it. Thanks. 👍

[@stanRmeyer]

Great point of putting the splice next to the nosing to minimize the visibility. Although that funky corner I would've left tall wrapping around the drywall so that that bottom nose piece would have been traditional. Great job I love your work. I learn a lot thank you so much for sharing.

[@99andrianmonk]

Fantastic job. Great explanation and thanks for sharing your tips and techniques. You are a true craftsman.

[@Willdoe09]

Thanks for taking the time out of your day to help us improve 👍

[@JackStevenson5045]

it’s amazing how well you work alone.

[@Lowcountrydave]

I enjoyed this video. You're very efficient and clear in your explanations. Thanks!

[@50sKid]

I would be really interested to see how you would do this process on a set of stairs where the stair stringers are flush up against the drywall and there is no pocket to lay the skirt board into. How you would go about methodically laying out the skirt board cuts.

[@jmcculloch86]

You have do do a reverse skirt board. Essentially you have to cut out each stringer notch from your skirt board. The way i do it is cut luan into 2 inch strips and then i basically template the entire stringer in place by hot gluing the luan strips. You pull off your template, put it on top of your skirt, trace and cut

[@50sKid]

@@jmcculloch86 I ended up cutting the bottom of the board such that it sits flat on the landing then I used a template cut to the exact rise and run of the steps to trace the lines/angles onto the board, then I cut the board and slid it right into place. Pretty easy, actually.

[@michaelmignosa4427]

the most impressive part of the video is how you walked on the single stringer i would of fallen thru the drywall you do fantastic work

[@christophercrawford2736]

Would have

[@daboo123]

I want to thank you for giving your advice, which has helped me immensely. If you wouldn't mind hearing my advice read on. Assuming you haven't tried it yourself, I've found that when it comes to trim work, a vest works better than a framing belt. But if you've tried a vest and didn't like, nevermind. Everyone has their own preferences. But if you haven't tried it, I recommend you do. Thanks.

[@InsiderCarpentry]

I did try a vest for a brief time and i hated it unfortunately.

[@daboo123]

@@InsiderCarpentry that's cool. Like I said everyone prefers their own methods.

[@tmburt]

Thanks for the great content Spencer. I have done a lot of finish carpentry and consider myself pretty good at it. Stairs are my kryptonite (specifically the transitions). The amount of time and detail in this video is top notch .

[@katabrontes]

Hi Spencer You and Robin Clevett in UK are outstanding examples of superb standards and detailed planning as well exceptionally clear and easy to follow instructional videos. Thank you. I have learned more than I will ever use from both of you. Mike

[@ohtccabterra9521]

This Guy is a master carpenter.

[@lyndonwhitson2269]

You do good work! I always called steps “furniture you walk on”👍

[@williamdemilia6223]

'Keep up the good work!' (quoting Scott from Oregon.) I follow the best. good stuff.

[@JoniAntonio]

This was a master class in stair building. Thank you so much! About to tackle mine this weekend!

[@cementkings]

About to start some threds and risers.....thx for all your tips and techniques

[@todhall4860]

Thanks this method is so much better then how I was shown how to do skirt boards. Installed my first stet of skirts using this method and everything went much better and easier. Everything came out perfect. Thanks again

[@texsradio3628]

Great Lewis,as usual you try the best way possible to gain perfection. My inspiration

[@ritosanchez8260]

Wow beatiful work... love the way you explain and walk thru every little detail. Keep up your great work 👏 👍🏻

[@camishafi1]

Thank you very much for this beautifully explained video,I really enjoyed every bit of it ,you are the best .and wishing you all the best.

[@MV-wb2cz]

wow! amazing information! thank you so much. you have given me the confidence to execute something similar. Phenomenal work as always!

[@brianshaw5360]

Having done alot of similar worrk on high dollar houses this guy is good watching his videos i have never seen him do anything that i would not do myself or learned a better technique or learned somthing new

[@jambaby7913]

Great video, the longer style videos are good. I’d also like to see a Timelapse of trimming a house.

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@jhonatanrodriguez8517]

Hey Spencer great videos! Thank you for sharing your knowledge, without a doubt many of us are learning from you! I would like to know more about blocking on top of the framing stringer… how to know what measurements or thickness to place… I would really appreciate it.

[@packoutjunkie160]

Thank you so much for all your time and effort on these videos. Been watching you for a couple years and have learned a ton. I did my first set of skirt boards today after your video gave me the confidence to do it. Thank you again and keep it up.

[@thecarpenterpros9822]

Spencer thank you again for all the advice. I look forward to see these types of videos from you.

[@jimp65]

As always, thank you for sharing your expertise, you save many of us from making mistakes. I know I appreciate your knowledge sharing.

[@tedspens]

What an excellent tutorial. Thanks! I recently installed a skirt board with similar transitions to deal with, but I took the easy way out. I added a transition block at the top outside corner and the transition to the baseboard. The blocks stick out 1/8" (ie 7/8" thick") for minimal reveal, stand 1/2" taller than the skirt, and have a 1/4" chamfer around the top. It turned out really nice.

[@dustinbutler3554]

welp. You confirmed it's scary, but you have a ton of great info to navigate through it. Stairs and the trim and things... So many parts. buying a digital level now.

[@shigthehandyman]

Wow…if I did this, the drywall would have massive dents in it…from banging my head against the wall trying to figure out the skirt and baseboard joints! Spenser…you are a master…I’m just blown away!!

[@patricialockhart2348]

cupped skirt boards, when doing paited skirts, i use mdf or plywood, and although a real pain, i never leave end grain exposed, i always miter and return, with that being said, very nice job, and isn't it nice, that just about everything is painted now, it's amazing how many trim carpenters their are now, comment, not directed to you, nice job.

[@whodunit6941]

It is a sincere pleasure to watch you work. The old adage of the “painter is the carpenter’s best friend” is opposite of your skill & attention to detail. The painters must love following you. I’m old school & long for the days where the trades worked together & thought ahead. Kudos to you for sharing your knowledge

[@moderndesigncarpentry8055]

Great video, Spencer! Thanks for putting out the in depth content!

[@brunolemos4735]

Perfect video, it helped me a lot!!! You are a great professional

[@toxicroadrunner]

Great vid. When I have to use cupped boards....I will make a few relief cuts on cupped side back so I can flatten it out. I also usually have the high turn piece because I don't like the look of cold joints flush with drywall corner and I usually have cap on top also. With that being said.....you make fantastic vids with simple explanations. Lastly I like just measuring from inside corner of tread and rise for top of skirt....whether 10" or 12" skirt

[@prestonthomas9406]

Good idea about relief cuts, i’ll remember that one.

[@junolanding558]

This comment is for the algo! Great video, glad you didn't fall off the stringer and through the drywall.

[@trevordarby467]

Brilliant great to watch definitely a master carpenter from a general carpenter here in the uk

[@BigmoRivera]

Excellent Work Amigo 😉👍🏽 I Hope Someday You Become A Wood Shop Professor 📚🔨📐🪚✏️ Keep Up The Good Work

[@jacksonvlogs7342]

Excellent craftsmanship!

[@jonruba4065]

Thanks for the video. Couldn't have come at a better time for me. 👍

[@stanlo2002]

Great job. Saved me a lot of time. God bless

[@JackStevenson5045]

you are really very nimble. Great demonstration. you are an excellent teacher.

[@petee6476]

Great video. You are always very thorough with your explanations. Love watching the Pro's work.. Thanks... You always cost me money though just ordered some American made pinch dogs!!! I love tools...

[@mikec-hamilton]

You explained that so well. Thanks for sharing. Your quite the master.

[@hansangb]

@37:29 I was wondering why you cut the smaller piece at a specific length. Fruit of School of Hard Knocks, I'm sure! And what great attention to detail.

[@uprightcr2744]

Here’s an idea Spencer, because I know you ready this stuff. After you figure out that your scrap tread is 2 inches off the face of the stringer, then ca glue a stop block on that, so you don’t worry about the level pushing it past your 2 inch overhang inadvertently. I like the way that you do this. My hands are to shaky and unstable to trust myself not to bump the tread

[@howardlaunius7484]

Thanks for some really useful lessons on stair trim. The complicated miter cuts were especially informative.

[@mc6212]

This was incredibly useful. I've got a few puzzling steps in my current remodel that I'll definitely keep referring to this for.

[@larrysweet2381]

good looking job! and a very good teacher.

[@Phantomas2011]

Finish carpenters rock!!! Beautiful

[@vladv.8819]

That was awesome... thank you brother. So much detail! Wow. If I can ask for a video... can you make one on making wallcaps. For your open rails. God bless!

[@Nautiklez]

Thank you for your videos! They have been very helpful in my renovation of removing the carpet and converting to hardwood so far. I'm still in the "drywall" stage where I'm also removing a half wall to create a banister, but am kind of confused in why you add the blocks because it was framed for carpet? The one thing I do notice is that my old risers were installed on top of the treads, instead of behind them like hardwoods you are installing. Is that the reason for the blocks? So you don't have to rip the treads? I've noticed that when I put my thicker risers on, with the 12" treads (the same size it had under the carpet) my nosing is going to be about 1/4" over code from what I can tell. So the overhang is looking like 1 1/2" unless I rip a bit off of the treads like you had to do in one of your other videos. Again, thank you for these, they have given me the courage to take this project on and not feel so intimidated.

[@prestonthomas9406]

Very nice job. Definitely a craftsman. I wish I had you around when I removed the carpet off the stairs and re-placed with white oak treads. I couldn’t believe how different each tread length and width was. I basically had to use a trash board for each tread to get all the angles correct. It did turn out nice but I wished I knew more when I did it. Live and learn.

[@jmcculloch86]

I know this is a little late posting this but they make inexpensive tread jigs that you flush against your skirts to get an exact scribe for your treads

[@twinturbohenry]

What a brilliant video! So helpful, thank you!!

[@Jaycabra]

Absolutely Beautiful! Good job bud