How to put wooden steps on concrete stairs?

[Paul4]

Is it better to line the concrete  steps first with screwed down ply and then glue the new wooden step to the ply? Or glue straight onto the concrete with the new step.?

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Paul4. It's tremendous that you've joined us, and many thanks for your question.

If possible, I believe the best approach would be to screw your new steps directly down to the concrete. You could use Ramset 6 x 100mm Countersunk DynaBolt Plus Masonry Anchors. As these Dynabolts have a countersunk Phillips head on them, they will sit flush with your timber stairs. 

I would advise leaving a slight gap in between the timber stair and the concrete. This gap can be established by placing a couple of washers on the Dynabolts before inserting them into the concrete. The Gap will allow water to drain and encourage airflow between the concrete and timber, preventing rotting.

Please let me know if you need further assistance or have any questions.

Mitchell

[Paul4]

Hi MitchellMc, thanks for your reply.

The concrete steps are inside and I was trying to get away with no screw heads showing but that would certainly hold them down without any movement afterwards.

 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Paul4,

Are these pre-fabricated wooden stair treads? If so, perhaps contact the supplier for any documentation on how they should be fixed to the concrete staircase.

There can be incompatibilities between concrete and glues as the staircase really needs to be sealed so moisture can't penetrate the timber. I'd still recommended mechanical fixings and dowels of the equivalent timber to cover the holes.

You could line the stairs with plastic and screw strips of ply to them. You would then glue the treads to the ply as you've mentioned. Just be careful that you don't increase the rise's height on the first step because of the packing strip. A stair even 5mm too high can be a constant trip hazard.

Let me mention @ProjectPete, @Brad and @TedBear to see if they could add their thoughts.

Mitchell

[Paul4]

Hi  Mitchell, I’m going to finish the stringers then screw some 9mm ply to the concrete to take out the bumps making sure it’s all square and flat, but then do I glue the new step or glue and screw the new step onto the ply.?

[MitchellMc]

@Paul4,

You'll screw the ply to the concrete and then glue the stair tread to the ply with Selleys 350g Heavy Duty Liquid Nails.

Mitchell

[Paul4]

Ok thanks for your help , sounds good.

[MeganW]

Hello Mitchell, 

I have a similar concrete stairs indoor (as in Paul's photo) and need to place wooden steps.

Could you advise me the tools i need and how to?

[MeganW]

Hi Paul,

I have exactly the same concrete stairs indoor and need to place wooden stairs.

Have you finished yours and mind sharing a photo? and some advise?

thanks

Megan 

[EricL]

Hello @MeganW 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us.

Let me tag @Paul4 to make them aware of your question.

In order to carry out this project you'll need the following tools:

• Drill with hammer function
   
• Masonry bit set: Example Ryobi 10 - Piece Masonry Drill Bit Set
   
• Driver bit set: Example Kango Hypertorque 50mm PH2 Impact Driver Bit 2 Pack
   
• Circular saw
   
• Ramset 6 x 100mm Countersunk DynaBolt Plus Masonry Anchors
   
• Selleys 350g Heavy Duty Liquid Nails.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric