How To Use A Stair Tread Template Set

The all-time stair tread jigs will let both DIY'ers and professionals reach a perfect cutting on all edges of the tread. Simply why use a jig? Well, while record measures are accurate they are ineffective at within measurements. And not designed to layout angles.

Which makes a stair tread template a must-take for whatever tread installation projection.

So, getting started, stair tread templates are useful for:

Customizing tread size for every tread
Setting up perfect angles with no measurements
Simplifying angles on curved staircases
Reducing waste when treads are cut incorrectly
And improving finished quality

Types of Stair Tread Jigs
- Professional person Stair Tread Jig
- Basic Stair Template With Rail
- Classic Stair Tread Template
Best STair Tread Jigs and Templates
- DNB Tools PL200 Stair Wizard (Professional person Class)
- Wood Stair Tread Jig (Best Value)
- Collins Stair Tread Jig (Budget)
Other Tools to Install Stair Treads
- Track Saw to Cut Stair Treads
- Miter Saw for Cutting Treads
- Wood Scribe to Score Cutting Lines
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you lot use stair tread jigs?
- Can stair tread jigs measure angled staircases?
- Tin can a stair tread jig be used for anything else?
Summary

Types of Stair Tread Jigs

When it comes to stair tread jigs they fit into three general types:

Collins jigs that are the classic jig you supply the center rod
Extendable stair templates that include a telescoping rod
Dual-purpose jigs that are built for stairs and shelving

Which is all-time for your project?

Well, consider these features when deciding on the best stair tread jig for your chore:

Budget matters as jigs start at $25 and go upward of $250 for a professional person unit
Jig quality as lower price jigs feature lower quality jig knobs and screws.
Jig length and optional extensions
Optional shelf layout features including flip-guides (like establish on Woodpeckers model) for laying out the back border

Professional Stair Tread Jig

First, the reason for using a stair tread jig is because you lot want precision.

And while a $25 jig will bank check the box on the two things every jig must do (find the angle, prepare the length) a professional person jig will also:

Have loftier quality bending command knobs and slides
Apply smoothen acting, high precision tracks
Extend for both narrow and wider stairs
Provide flip-stops for quick and accurate layout on the tread material
And, lastly, offer up storage cases to project the jig during ship

Bones Stair Template With Rail

While professionals trim installers volition opt for a metallic runway jig for years of use, for a 1-time project at that place is a cheaper option.

Key features of an entry level template include:

Adjustable length from 30-49″
Woods or metal frame
End angle from 0-270 degrees

Classic Stair Tread Template

Why go with a seemingly simpler jig? Flexibility. While these types of stair tread jigs lack the eye track it is 1 of the FEW jigs that will support stairs over 49″.

Key features:

Extendable to whatever length
Re-usable for stairs and other trim projects
Fewer moving parts equals less breaking

All-time STair Tread Jigs and Templates

While the best stair tread jig is easily the professional version that doesn't fit every state of affairs or budget. So, to help you find the all-time VALUE jig there are three jigs nosotros've selected as leading their class of jigs

For either a DIY'er tackling a large, circuitous job or a professional that will use this jig ofttimes the Stair Wizard checks the box on all the features.

Included with this jig are:

Support for up to 14-inch tread depth and 53-inch width (30-ane/4″ min)
Works for treads and risers
Extensions bachelor for wider stairs

And while this tool is expensive, consider the cost of the wood and existence able to skip gap-filling base shoe trim.

As with all woodworking tools in that location are ever options that work smashing for DIY jobs just don't have the durability for professionals.

Which, for stair tread templates, has created a market for wooden jigs that:

Work like to the professional unit, merely lack the metal components
Include the telescoping heart rails for out-of-box use
Check the box on bones features (extend and lock angles)

Since there isn't a dominate brand in this way of template look to user reviews.

In every niche of tools you'll find a manufacturer that has been around for decades.

And, not surprisingly, for stair tread templates that maker is Collins Tool. And so, for a quality jig that is budget friendly (skip the imitation imports, delight) this archetype tool volition let you layout and cut both your stairs and risers.

All you need is your ain 1×2.

Other Tools to Install Stair Treads

As you know, there is more to (possibly) making and installing stair treads. The following tools are also worth considering for the best possible quality.

Rail Saw to Cut Stair Treads

When it comes to cutting stair treads there are two methods:

Miter saws fix at the advisable angle
Or, a track saw setup with a runway kit

Which is easier? Well, information technology might depend on your budget and skill but generally a track saw volition allow you quickly and precisely layout to the mark you've left for the edge. And with less splinters.

Miter Saw for Cutting Treads

It's a surprisingly tough choice when it comes to cut wood stair treads.

While a rail saw can cutting annihilation from 10″ to 72″ a miter saw is more often than not limited to ten-fourteen″. Which requires a bit of research into the right miter saw (sliding is a MUST) and its cutting capacity.

Wood Scribe to Score Cut Lines

While a pencil is a great marker tool, the thickness of the pb creates a bit of an issue with precision.

The solution? A fabricated-for-wood scribing knife that will create a precise line.

And, as a bonus, cut the wood fibers to help prevent chip-out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you use stair tread jigs?

Stair tread jigs solve the simple problem that tape measures cannot accurately mensurate inside lengths or fix angles. A stair tread jig is used by simply installing between walls, two angled ends set to the angle of the wall and fixed in place. The jig is and then lifted out, assault the tread and ends marked.

Can stair tread jigs measure angled staircases?

Yep. Since stair tread jigs take angled ends they tin can be used for both straight and angled/curved stair treads.

Tin a stair tread jig exist used for anything else?

Surprisingly yes. Some professional jigs, like the Woodpecker brand, can be used for shelves.

Summary

Since a tape measure won't cutting it for stair treads a jig is a must for reducing waste product and achieving professional person results. And while a professional person jig is best, there are options for 1-fourth dimension jobs that won't pause your budget.