Stair Risers

Michele Berg
10 min readJun 14, 2024

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Welcome, stair lover! If walking up your stairs feels like a chore, maybe it’s time for a lift. We’ve gathered a roundup of the best Stair Risers on the market today that will ease your climb and elevate your stairs’ style game. So, buckle up, and let’s dive into the world of Stair Risers as we help you find the perfect one to transform your home.

The Top 8 Best Stair Risers

  1. RELIABILT Stair Risers for Oak Style Staircase — Transform your stairway with the stylish and versatile RELIABILT 7.5-in x 42-in Reversible Oak Stair Riser, combining a reversible herringbone and wainscoting design for an unmatched aesthetic appeal and primed for a custom paint finish.
  2. Solid MDF Stair Risers for Custom Designs — These solid MDF stair risers, with true dimensions of 3/4×7–1/4, offer both exceptional craftsmanship and visual appeal, making them a fantastic choice for enhancing your home’s staircase design.
  3. Pylex 5-Step Steel Black Riser Stairs — The Pylex 13905 Riser Stair 5-Step Steel Black ensures a hassle-free and durable staircase installation, perfect for adding a stylish finishing touch to any home.
  4. Dolomite Vinyl Stair Tread & Riser (48 in x 12 in) — Transform your staircase with Lucida’s Dolomite Vinyl Glue Down Stair Tread and Riser for a polished look and unbeatable durability.
  5. Stairtek Natural Red Oak Stair Risers — Stairtek’s 7.5-in x 48-in Natural Red Oak Stair Riser transforms your staircase into a stunning, durable hardwood masterpiece in just one day, with USA-made quality and easy installation.
  6. Elegant 18" Vinyl Stair Tread Risers — Upgrade your stair treads with durable vinyl stair risers, offering a 18" width with easy trimming options, and ensure a perfect fit with Federal and GSA specifications.
  7. Powder-Coated Stair Riser Risers for Home Improvement — Strengthen your stairs with durable and corrosion-resistant black steel stair risers, featuring pre-drilled holes and heavy-duty construction.
  8. Doniks 5-Step Steel Stair Riser for Deck Height 41.8 Inches — Doniks Steel Stair Step Riser -5 Step for Deck Height 41.8 Inches provides a sturdy and rust-resistant solution for your outdoor or indoor stair applications, offering easy installation and versatile usage.

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Reviews

RELIABILT Stair Risers for Oak Style Staircase

The RELIABILT 7.5-in x 42-in Reversible Oak Stair Riser is a versatile and attractive addition to any staircase. With its herringbone-style shiplap design on one side and beaded wainscoting look on the other, this reversible riser brings a unique flair to your home’s decor.

Primed and ready for painting, it’s easy to match the riser to your existing style, but be mindful that it’s made of MDF and only has a stainable oak veneer. While some users have experienced issues with the primer quality and sturdiness, overall it’s a well-made and easy-to-install product.

Solid MDF Stair Risers for Custom Designs

In this roundup of outstanding products, we have the MDF Stair Risers, measuring up at 36" in size. These risers are made from top-notch 1×8 MDF, ensuring both durability and aesthetic appeal. Each riser boasts true dimensions of 3/4×7–1/4, which means you can expect no shortcuts or compromises in its construction. With no veneer or filler wood used, you can trust these risers to be 100% solid MDF.

The craftsmanship and visual appeal of these risers are truly impressive, as reflected in the consistent 5.0-star rating they’ve received in the two user reviews. Not only do they provide exceptional value for money, but they also enhance the overall look and feel of your staircase, making it a standout feature in your home.

Pylex 5-Step Steel Black Riser Stairs

I’ve been using this Pylex 13905 riser stair for a few months now, and I must say it’s been a game-changer. The ease of installation is incredible, with no complicated assemblies required. The 5-step steel black design seamlessly blends with my home’s existing decor and provides a sturdy addition to my stairs.

However, like any product, it’s not without its drawbacks. The finish has shown some signs of wear and tear after a few months, but it’s still functional. Additionally, some customers have mentioned concerns about the product not meeting certain building code requirements, so that’s something to keep in mind when considering a purchase.

Overall, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the Pylex 13905 riser stair. It’s a solid product that’s easy to install and enhances the look of my home’s stairs.

Dolomite Vinyl Stair Tread & Riser (48 in x 12 in)

The Lucida Dolomite stair tread and riser combo provides a durable and stylish upgrade for your staircase. With their waterproof and scratch-resistant vinyl finish, these stairs are a functional and beautiful addition to your home or office. The easy glue-down installation makes the process of upgrading your staircase a breeze.

Each set comes with one stair tread measuring 11.8 inches wide by 48 inches long and one riser measuring 7.5 inches high by 48 inches wide. These coordinating treads seamlessly blend with Lucida’s most popular vinyl tiles and planks, creating a cohesive and inviting look.

Overall, the Lucida Dolomite stair tread and riser combo is a fantastic choice for those seeking a chic and practical solution for their staircase needs.

Stairtek Natural Red Oak Stair Risers

The Stairtek 7.5-in x 48-in Natural Red Oak Stair Risers provide an easy and stylish solution for transforming your old or carpeted stairs into a beautiful solid hardwood staircase. With a prefinished natural semi-gloss finish and a durable nano-tech ultra-wear clear finish, these risers are made in the USA from high-quality, knot-free red oak hardwood. They are designed to be permanently installed over existing stairs, making them a top choice for unfinished or previously carpeted stairs alike.

These risers boast a 4.5-star rating from eight reviews, with customers praising their visual appeal, ease of installation, and overall quality.

Elegant 18" Vinyl Stair Tread Risers

Add a touch of class to your staircase with these 18-inch wide Vinyl Stair Tread Risers. Crafted with high-quality vinyl, these risers match perfectly with our vinyl stair treads, creating a seamless aesthetic appeal.

One of the standout features of these risers is their adjustable height and length. With a thickness of 1/8 inch, a height of 7 inches, and a length ranging from 18 to 96 inches, you can easily trim them to fit your unique staircase design. The depth of these risers is 5/8 inch, providing ample support and durability.

These risers adhere to strict federal specifications, including RR-T-650E Type B and ZZ-T-001237 (GSA-FSS), ensuring safety and quality. Additionally, they have a flame spread rate of 75 or less, as certified by ASTM-E-84.

Install these risers effortlessly using water-based Stair Tread Contact Adhesive or quick-drying Neoprene Contact Cement, and watch your staircase transform into a beautiful, functional work of art.

Powder-Coated Stair Riser Risers for Home Improvement

I’ve had the pleasure of trying out these MTB Black Steel Stair Risers in my very own home. The durable powder coating not only looks sleek, but it adds an extra layer of protection against corrosion too.

The versatility of having the stairs pre-drilled and extra bolt holes made installation a breeze, if not a little challenging due to the location of the bolt holes. However, overall I’m impressed with the heavy-duty steel tubing that provides extra strength and durability to the product.

Just remember to consult your local building code before using these stair risers to ensure compliance. Would I recommend? Definitely.

Doniks 5-Step Steel Stair Riser for Deck Height 41.8 Inches

I recently tried out the Doniks Steel Stair Step Riser while renovating my deck, and it has become an essential part of my project. The heavy-duty durability of the steel made these stair risers sturdy yet lightweight to handle. Their black powder-coat finish helped resist rust, which has been a hassle for me in the past.

One of the best features about these stair risers was their easy installation. With all the necessary hardware included, I could finally say goodbye to hunting down extra screws or bolts. The anti-slip skid tape was an added bonus, as I didn’t have to worry about safety while making adjustments.

However, I should mention that these steel stair risers require some experience with tools and woodworking. If you’re new to the DIY world, you might need a bit more guidance when it comes to installing them. Additionally, the 7.5-inch stair rise increments may not be suitable for everyone; some might prefer a different height increment.

Despite these minor cons, the Doniks Steel Stair Step Riser is a reliable and versatile choice for those looking to improve the safety and aesthetics of their outdoor spaces.

Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to home improvement, one aspect that often gets overlooked is the stair riser. Stair risers are the vertical portion between each step in a staircase, and they play a crucial role in the overall look and functionality of your stairs. In this buyer’s guide, we will discuss the essential features to consider when buying stair risers, along with some general advice to help you make the best decision for your home.

Important Features

When purchasing stair risers, there are several important features to consider. These include:

  1. Material, 2) Size, 3) Style, and 4) Finish. Let’s dive into each aspect in detail to understand their significance in selecting the right stair riser for your home’s staircase. 1) Material: Stair risers can be made from a wide range of materials, such as wood, metal, or even plastic. Choose a material that aligns with your preferred aesthetic and budget, considering factors such as durability and ease of installation.

Size

  1. Size: It is essential to choose stair risers that fit correctly with your existing stair components. Measure the height and width of your current risers and compare them to the dimensions of the ones you want to purchase. Ensure that the risers align with the treads and handrails for optimal safety and stability. Additionally, consider any design elements you may want to incorporate into your new risers, such as decorative trim or molding.

Style

  1. Style: Stair risers come in various styles and designs to suit different tastes and decor themes. Some popular styles include traditional, modern, and contemporary. Consider your home’s overall aesthetic and choose risers that complement the existing design elements. If you’re unsure about which style will work best, consult with a professional designer or architect who can offer expert guidance.

Finish

  1. Finish: The finish of your stair risers will affect the overall look and feel of your staircase. Common finishes include paint, stain, or a natural wood finish. Choose a finish that complements your existing stair components and ties in with the overall design of your home. It is also essential to choose a finish that is durable and easy to maintain, as stair risers are subject to wear and tear from daily usage.

FAQ

Unraveling the Mystery of Stair Risers: Their Importance and Significance

Stair risers serve as the vertical elements within a staircase, linking treads and lending crucial structural stability. Whether crafted from wood, metal, or plastic, these components play a pivotal role in enhancing safety, functionality, and visual appeal for your staircase. Proper installation of risers can also unlock hidden space for storage or a secure handrail, elevating the usability of your staircase.

From a design perspective, the right combination of materials, colors, and finishes can significantly impact the overall aesthetic of your staircase. Your selection of riser materials can also influence the durability and ease of upkeep. Wood, for instance, is a popular choice for its natural appeal but requires more maintenance. Hardwoods like oak, maple, or pine, and softwoods like fir or cedar can all be used depending on the budget, preferred style, and effort desired for repairs.

Metal risers, on the other hand, offer a sleek, modern aesthetic. Though more expensive, these options deliver long-term performance, making them a popular choice for industrial or contemporary designs. Materials like steel, aluminum, or stainless steel can be employed for making metal risers.

The Standard Height for Stair Risers: Comfort and Safety in Every Step

The optimal height for a stair riser typically ranges between 7 and 7.5 inches. This allows for sufficient clearance, ensuring users can comfortably ascend to the next tread without feeling confined. However, factors like user preferences, structural requirements, and space constraints can influence riser height, necessitating professional consultation or adherence to local building codes.

Ensuring proper riser height contributes to overall safety, usability, and appeal. Consult with a professional or follow building codes to ascertain the ideal riser height for your project, and remember that this dimension may influence the entire staircase’s design.

Professional Assistance or DIY: The Choice is Yours, but Proceed with Caution

While it is theoretically feasible to install stair risers without professional assistance, it is generally advisable to hire a professional to ensure safety, correct installation, and adherence to all relevant standards. The installation of stair risers involves working at elevated heights and handling heavy materials, so engaging a professional guarantees your safety and the longevity of your risers.

If you elect to proceed with a DIY approach, familiarize yourself with safety guidelines, possess the required tools, and stay informed about local building codes before embarking on your project.

Solid vs. Hollow Stair Risers: Choosing the Right Support for Your Stairs

The distinction between solid and hollow stair risers lies in their composition and structure. Solid risers, crafted from a single piece of material, offer maximum support and durability, making them ideal for high-traffic areas or commercial settings. These risers can withstand consistent use without showing signs of wear.

In contrast, hollow risers are built from a hollow core material, commonly with a wood or MDF exterior. These provide a more affordable option since they cost less to produce and install. However, hollow risers may compromise their structural integrity with repeated use, making them less durable than solid versions.

How to Customize Your Stair Risers: Let Your Creativity Shine

Stair risers can be personalized with materials, colors, and finishes to complement your existing décor or introduce a new style. From wood to metal and plastic, risers can be tailored to achieve your desired aesthetic. Customization can significantly impact the overall appearance of your staircase. To achieve your vision, collaborate with a professional or supplier who can help navigate the balance between aesthetics and safety regulations.

When pondering customization options, do not forget the importance of balancing style with the necessary structural safety and building code requirements. Always consult with a professional or adhere to local building codes to ensure your custom stair risers not only look beautiful but also serve their intended functional purpose. Additionally, consider the impact of these custom risers on your overall project budget, as specialized materials and finishes may increase your overall expenses.

As an Amazon Affiliate I may earn through qualifying purchases.

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